Black Sabbath’s 1983 album *Born Again* was released despite the band’s dissatisfaction with its sound, particularly its production and notoriously criticised cover artwork. The record matters as a turbulent but distinctive chapter in the band’s history, marking former Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan’s only studio album with the group.

The album followed the departure of vocalist Ronnie James Dio and drummer Vinny Appice, with Gillan joining guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward; Ward later left during recording and was replaced by Bev Bevan. Although *Born Again* reached number four in the UK albums chart and produced material the band performed live, Gillan and Iommi later expressed frustration over the rushed recording process and the final mix.