Vol. 4 cover

Vol. 4

Black Sabbath · 1972

47 min · 11 tracks · hard rock · heavy metal · doom metal

A heavy, psychedelic journey through dark themes and experimental soundscapes with haunting melodies.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • haunting melodies for deep reflection
  • heavy themes for late nights
  • experimental soundscapes to explore

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat, straightforward tracks

Where this album fits

Themes
substance use· psychedelic darkness
Career context
By the time 'Vol. 4' was released in September 1972, Black Sabbath had already established themselves as pioneers of heavy metal with their first three albums. This fourth installment came during a period of commercial success following 'Paranoid,' showcasing the band's evolution into more complex compositions and deeper lyrical exploration.
Stylistic neighbors
Candlemass· Electric Wizard· Pentagram
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Dopethrone by Electric Wizard — Shares the same heavy, psychedelic sound and themes of darkness and substance use.
Relentless by Pentagram — Explores similar dark themes with a heavy, doom-laden atmosphere and intricate compositions.
Vincebus Eruptum by Blue Cheer — Combines heavy riffs and a psychedelic vibe, echoing the experimental soundscapes of 'Vol. 4'.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Wheels of Confusion 8:00
  • 2 Tomorrow’s Dream 3:07
  • 3 Changes 4:43
  • 4 FX 1:40
  • 5 Supernaut 4:43
  • 6 Snowblind 5:28
  • 7 Cornucopia 3:51
  • 8 Laguna Sunrise 2:52
  • 9 St. Vitus Dance 2:27
  • 10 Under the Sun 5:51
  • 11 Children of the Grave (live) 4:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata