Black Sabbath | Sabbath Bloody Sabbath | 1980 Gatefold

# Black Sabbath – Sabbath Bloody Sabbath | 1980 NEMS Vinyl LP | NEL 6017 | Variant 2 | VG+ / VG

An excellent **1980 NEMS Records reissue of Black Sabbath's legendary 1973 album *Sabbath Bloody Sabbath***, catalogue number NEL 6017, complete with its original gatefold sleeve.

This copy has been positively identified as **Discogs Matrix / Runout Variant 2**, with both sides matching the documented inscriptions exactly.

The vinyl is graded **Very Good Plus (VG+)**, while the original gatefold sleeve is graded **Very Good (VG)**.

Featuring some of Black Sabbath's most ambitious and influential recordings, this is an essential album for collectors of classic British heavy metal, hard rock and early 1970s progressive-influenced rock.

## About the Album

Originally released in December 1973, *Sabbath Bloody Sabbath* was Black Sabbath's fifth studio album and marked an important turning point in the band's musical development.

Following the groundbreaking success of *Black Sabbath*, *Paranoid*, *Master of Reality* and *Vol. 4*, the group began expanding its sound beyond the crushing riffs and dark atmosphere that had established it as one of the founding forces of heavy metal.

Recorded during a period of considerable creative pressure, the album combined Tony Iommi's unmistakable guitar work with increasingly sophisticated arrangements, acoustic passages, synthesiser textures and progressive rock influences.

The opening title track, **Sabbath Bloody Sabbath**, remains one of the band's most celebrated compositions, combining a powerful opening riff with dramatic changes in tempo and intensity.

Other highlights include the epic **A National Acrobat**, the atmospheric instrumental **Fluff**, the explosive **Sabbra Cadabra** and the haunting **Who Are You?**

The album also features a guest keyboard contribution from **Rick Wakeman of Yes** on *Sabbra Cadabra*, adding another connection between Black Sabbath and the progressive rock scene of the early 1970s.

Produced by Black Sabbath themselves, the album demonstrates a band at the height of its creativity, balancing its trademark heaviness with adventurous songwriting.

*Sabbath Bloody Sabbath* reached No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart and remains widely regarded as one of the defining heavy metal albums of its era.

## Release and Pressing Information

- **Artist:** Black Sabbath
- **Album:** Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
- **Record Label:** NEMS Records
- **Catalogue Number:** NEL 6017
- **Original Album Release:** 1973
- **This Edition:** 1980 NEMS Reissue
- **Format:** 12" Vinyl LP, Album, Stereo
- **Sleeve:** Original Gatefold
- **Vinyl Colour:** Black
- **Genre:** Rock
- **Style:** Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive Rock
- **Producer:** Black Sabbath for Excellency Productions
- **Matrix Identification:** Discogs Variant 2

This copy features the distinctive grey and black NEMS record labels, with the 1980 NEMS Records Ltd copyright information.

It is a later NEMS edition rather than the original 1973 WWA Records release.

## Matrix / Runout Details – Verified Variant 2

The runout inscriptions on both sides have been individually checked and confirmed as an exact match for the documented **Discogs Matrix / Runout Variant 2**.

**Side One:**

`NEL 6017-A TB`

**Side Two:**

`NEL 6017-B E`

These details distinguish this pressing from other NEMS manufacturing variants, including copies bearing alternative inscriptions such as BILBO TAPEONE.

The complete runout information is provided for collectors who wish to identify the precise edition being offered.

## Track Listing

**Side One**

1. Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
2. A National Acrobat
3. Fluff
4. Sabbra Cadabra

**Side Two**

1. Killing Yourself to Live
2. Who Are You?
3. Looking for Today
4. Spiral Architect

## Condition Report

**Vinyl: Very Good Plus (VG+)**

The vinyl is in very good overall visual condition and has been carefully inspected using the recognised Goldmine grading system.

As a VG+ example, it may display minor signs of previous handling or light surface wear consistent with its age, but remains a desirable collector-grade copy.

The record has been conservatively graded rather than described as Near Mint.

**Original Gatefold Sleeve: Very Good (VG)**

The original gatefold sleeve is graded Very Good, reflecting general age-related wear and handling consistent with a sleeve of this vintage.

The gatefold format preserves the album's distinctive artwork and presentation.

Please examine the photographs carefully for the precise cosmetic condition of the sleeve, including any visible edge wear, corner wear or surface marks.

Both the vinyl and sleeve have been graded separately to give an accurate representation of the item being offered.

## The Artwork

One of the most recognisable features of *Sabbath Bloody Sabbath* is its extraordinary sleeve artwork, created by artist **Drew Struzan**.

The striking front cover depicts a disturbing bedroom scene filled with supernatural imagery, while the reverse presents a contrasting image associated with death and spiritual release.

The elaborate artwork perfectly complements the album's dark themes and experimental musical direction.

The original gatefold presentation makes this edition especially appealing to collectors who appreciate the visual history of classic rock albums.

## Why This Edition Is Collectable

*Sabbath Bloody Sabbath* occupies an important place in the history of heavy metal.

It captures the original Black Sabbath line-up of **Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward** during one of the most inventive periods of their career.

For many listeners, the album represents the point at which the band successfully combined the crushing sound of early heavy metal with more elaborate musical arrangements and progressive influences.

This particular copy offers several desirable features:

- 1980 NEMS Records vinyl edition
- Original gatefold sleeve
- Fully verified Discogs Matrix / Runout Variant 2
- Very Good Plus vinyl
- Very Good gatefold sleeve
- Complete runout inscriptions documented
- Original grey and black NEMS labels

A worthwhile addition to any collection of **Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, original British heavy metal, classic hard rock or vintage 1970s rock albums**.

## Important Information

All records offered by **Comfortably Spun Records** are individually inspected and visually graded using the recognised Goldmine grading system.

**Vinyl is visually graded only and has not been play-tested.** Visual grading does not guarantee completely noise-free playback.

Every record is professionally cleaned before dispatch and carefully packaged for safe delivery.

All photographs show the actual record and sleeve offered for sale, not stock images.

**Comfortably Spun Records – Proper Records. Proper Rock.**