Round Flat Records

Black Sabbath – 13 – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Records

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Black Sabbath – 13 – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Records

After 35 years, Black Sabbath, the band that pioneered heavy metal, reunited with original vocalist Ozzy Osbourne for what would become their final studio album, 13. Released on June 10, 2013, the album marked a significant moment in rock history—bringing together Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, and bassist Geezer Butler for the first time since 1978’s Never Say Die! Drummer Bill Ward, however, did not return due to contract disputes, and his absence was filled by Brad Wilk of Rage Against the Machine. Produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, 13 was intended to recapture the sound and spirit of early Black Sabbath, bringing the doom-laden heaviness of their 1970s work into a modern era.

Musically, 13 harkens back to the sludgy, ominous tones of their first four albums. Tony Iommi’s thunderous, down-tuned riffs, combined with Geezer Butler’s deep, rumbling bass, create a dense, brooding atmosphere that recalls classics like Black Sabbath (1970) and Master of Reality (1971). Ozzy Osbourne, despite decades of hard living, delivers vocals that are eerily reminiscent of his early days, singing about themes of mortality, war, and the apocalypse. The production, led by Rick Rubin, strips things back to the band’s raw essence, emphasizing slow, crushing riffs and dark lyrical themes.

Lyrically, 13 is drenched in existential dread, dealing with subjects like death, God, the end of the world, and the passage of time. Given that the members of Black Sabbath were in their 60s at the time, much of the album feels like a reflection on their own mortality and the legacy they would leave behind. Geezer Butler, as always, handles the bulk of the lyrics, infusing them with his trademark dark, poetic style.

Key Tracks

“End of the Beginning” – Opening with a slow, ominous riff reminiscent of the song Black Sabbath, this track builds into a crushing, mid-tempo groove. The lyrics contemplate the cycle of time and existence, making it a fitting start to the album.

“God Is Dead?” – The album’s lead single and one of its standout tracks. Inspired by Nietzsche’s philosophy, the song questions faith in a world filled with suffering. The riff-heavy, multi-sectioned structure is classic Sabbath, and Ozzy’s eerie vocal delivery enhances its apocalyptic feel.

“Loner” – A straightforward, groove-laden song that echoes Paranoid-era Sabbath. It tells the story of an outcast disconnected from society, fitting into the band’s long history of outsider themes.

“Zeitgeist” – A haunting, acoustic-based track reminiscent of Planet Caravan from Paranoid. The song features spaced-out effects, congas, and eerie vocal harmonies, providing a psychedelic break from the album’s heavier moments.

“Age of Reason” – A dynamic, sprawling track with some of Iommi’s best guitar work on the album. The lyrics warn of impending doom, reinforcing the apocalyptic themes present throughout 13.

“Dear Father” – The closing track, which addresses abuse and hypocrisy within religious institutions. The song ends with the sound of thunder and rain, a direct callback to the opening of the first Black Sabbath album, symbolically closing the band’s recording legacy where it all began.

13 was a massive commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making it Black Sabbath’s first-ever U.S. No. 1 album—an incredible feat for a band more than four decades into their career. The album also topped the charts in multiple countries, including the UK, marking a triumphant return for the metal legends.

Critically, 13 received generally positive reviews. Many praised its return to the classic Sabbath sound, calling it a fitting farewell for the band. The Guardian, Rolling Stone, and Metal Hammer all highlighted the album’s heavy, doomy atmosphere and praised Iommi’s riff-writing, while some critics felt it played things too safe and didn’t break new ground. Nevertheless, tracks like “God Is Dead?” earned Grammy Awards, proving that Sabbath’s influence remained as powerful as ever.

Despite 13’s success, it was clear that it would be Black Sabbath’s last studio album. Tony Iommi’s ongoing battle with lymphoma, along with the band members’ age, made extensive touring difficult. Their final tour, “The End” (2016-2017), concluded Sabbath’s legendary career, with their last-ever show taking place in Birmingham, England, on February 4, 2017—where it all began for them in 1968.

While 13 wasn’t a groundbreaking reinvention of the band, it served as a fitting farewell, encapsulating everything that made Black Sabbath great: dark, ominous themes, thunderous riffs, and a sense of doom that still resonates after more than 50 years. It was a final statement from the band that created heavy metal, proving that even after decades, their sound remained as haunting and powerful as ever.

The Brand New Studio Album Featuring “God Is Dead” & “End Of The Beginning”

Double 180 Gram Vinyl Set.

Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed

Track Listing
End Of The Beginning
God Is Dead?
Loner
Zeitgeist
Age Of Reason
Live Forever
Damaged Soul
Dear Father

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