What does Vol. 4 sound like?

A heavy blend of dark, brooding riffs and haunting melodies that captures the essence of early 70s heavy metal. Rooted in hard rock and heavy metal. Start with "Wheels of Confusion".

Is Vol. 4 a good place to start with Black Sabbath?

Yes, Vol. 4 is recommended as a starting point for new Black Sabbath listeners. A heavy blend of dark, brooding riffs and haunting melodies that captures the essence of early 70s heavy metal. Released in 1972, Vol. 4 marked Black Sabbath's fourth studio album and showcased their continued evolution following the groundbreaking success of Paranoid. The band was experiencing increasing pressure from both their label and their own burgeoning fame, leading to a more experimental sound characterized by its diverse musical elements.

Vol. 4 works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, haunting melodies for deep reflection and heavy themes for late nights.

How many songs are on Vol. 4?

Vol. 4 has 11 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Vol. 4

Black Sabbath · 1972

47 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

A heavy blend of dark, brooding riffs and haunting melodies that captures the essence of early 70s heavy metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Wheels of Confusion Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Changes — This poignant ballad encapsulates personal turmoil and transformation, blending melancholic lyrics with a gentle piano backdrop, showcasing a softer side of the band.
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Snowblind — With its powerful guitar riffs and references to addiction, this track reflects the band's struggles during the recording process while embodying the heavy sound they were known for.
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Supernaut — An energetic anthem featuring intricate rhythms and soaring vocals, Supernaut exemplifies Black Sabbath's ability to fuse heavy metal with progressive elements, leaving a lasting impact on later rock music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of heavy riffs and experimental elements showcases its distinctiveness and influence within heavy metal.

What we noticed

The album opens with a heavy, layered guitar riff in 'Wheels of Confusion' that sets a dark tone, followed by varied tempos across tracks.
Tracks like 'Changes' introduce softer melodies and piano, contrasting sharply with the heavier sound of songs like 'Supernaut'.
Several tracks, including 'FX', feature experimental soundscapes that break from traditional song structures, creating an unpredictable flow.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

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

seeking instant gratification
prefer upbeat, straightforward tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Black Sabbath's reputation after the success of Paranoid.
Themes: substance use· psychedelic darkness
Career context: Released in 1972, Vol. 4 marked Black Sabbath's fourth studio album and showcased their continued evolution following the groundbreaking success of Paranoid. The band was experiencing increasing pressure from both their label and their own burgeoning fame, leading to a more experimental sound characterized by its diverse musical elements.
Stylistic neighbors: Candlemass· Electric Wizard· Pentagram