Coming on February 12th will be the new “Super Deluxe” edition of Black Sabbath Vol. 4. The 1972 classic has been newly remastered with 20 previously unreleased studio and live recordings. The set will be available as both a four-CD and five-LP set.
According to the box set's press release:
The generous addition of bonus material on Vol 4: “Super Deluxe Edition” begins with six previously unreleased studio outtakes from the original sessions for the album. Each one has been newly mixed by Steven Wilson using the analog multi-tracks. Highlights include outtakes for “Supernaut” and “Changes,” as well an instrumental version of “Under The Sun.”
The set also features 11 additional studio recordings (also newly mixed by Wilson from the analog multi-tracks) that spotlight alternative takes, false starts and snippets of studio dialogue. These tracks transport listeners into the studio with the band and offer some insight into the making of the album. Along with several alternative takes for “Wheels Of Confusion,” these recordings also include outtakes for “The Straightener” and “Snowblind.”
The collection concludes with a searing collection of live performances that re-create a typical setlist from Black Sabbath’s tour for Vol 4. Recorded in March 1973 at various stops along the band’s UK tour. The recordings were originally slated for a live album that was ultimately shelved. Although some of these performances have been previously available in various states, the release marks the first time that a full 1973 live Sabbath show has been recreated.
Guitarist Tony Iommi has always had an issue with bootleggers trading on Sabbath's unreleased and live material without their permission: “(It's) very frustrating, 'cause when you've got a, a piece of work, you can decide whether you want to put it out or not. (There's) nothing worse than hearing the thing out, and you've got no control over it, because the worst thing is, is knowing that somebody amongst people we know has, has put this thing out, or have got it to somebody, and somebody's copied it, and then it, out it comes.”