Black Sabbath Master Of Reality Vinyl Record Album LP 1st Orig Press Green EX

  

Black Sabbath - Master Of Reality. Pressing features : 1st Original US Press, 1971, Stereo.

Released in 1971, Master of Reality is one of the heaviest and most influential albums ever created marking a turning point for the entire evolution of hard rock. Building on the dark foundation of their earlier records, the band pushed their sound even further by down-tuning their instruments which resulted in a thicker, more crushing tone that would later inspire doom metal for decades to come. Tracks like "Sweet Leaf" stand out for their groundbreaking subject matter, openly celebrating cannabis use at a time when such themes were still highly controversial, complete with the now-iconic sound of Iommi coughing at the start of the track.

Meanwhile, "Children of the Grave" and "Into the Void" combine apocalyptic imagery with socially conscious themes, reflecting Cold War anxieties and environmental concerns. The album also experiments with brief acoustic interludes such as "Orchid" and "Embryo, " showcasing a textured approach to songwriting. Despite initially mixed reviews from critics, Master of Reality has since been recognized as a blueprint for countless heavy genres that followed. What makes this album truly brilliant is its uncompromising heaviness and innovation-it redefined what heavy rock could be.

Master of Reality has appeared on every major version of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list, ranking #298 in 2003, #300 in 2012, and #234 in 2020. It never dropped off the list, with a slight dip in 2012 followed by a notable rise in 2020 that reflects a broader critical reappraisal of heavy metal's influence. VG++ / EX (approaching Near Mint).

Surfaces are exceptionally clean, retaining a rich sheen throughout. On close inspection under strong light, you may spot a tiny hairline or two as well as a minor scuff, so that's holding it back from a grade of Near Mint.

A superb copy that comfortably sits at the upper end of the scale. Edges are worn, but there are no seam splits and no writing.

Despite the wear, the artwork remains vibrant with solid color and good overall eye appeal. Other contents : includes original inner sleeve / no poster. Record will be packed in a plastic outer sleeve with the record placed outside of the album jacket to prevent seam splits and securely sent in a reinforced media mailer with fragile stickers displayed on outside.

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Used only for factory-sealed items. The record remains unopened in its original shrink. Because the record has never been removed from the sleeve, the vinyl itself cannot be visually inspected. Minor corner dings or shrink wrap tears may be present but will be noted in the listing if significant.

The vinyl appears unplayed or played very few times and will show no visible scratches, scuffs, or marks. The surface retains full original gloss. This grade is reserved for exceptional copies from well-maintained collections that have been carefully handled and properly stored. Very Good ++ (VG++) / Excellent.

The record may show one or two extremely faint surface marks or light hairlines visible only under strong light. These marks are purely superficial and should not affect play.

The vinyl still presents beautifully with strong gloss. A well-cared-for record that shows light signs of use. These are generally light and difficult to see without careful inspection. Records in this grade typically play very well with minimal background noise. A record that has been played and shows clear signs of use. The vinyl will show noticeable surface marks, scratches, and general play wear. These marks are easily visible and result in some surface noise, but the record should still play through without skipping. A heavily used but still playable record. The vinyl will show numerous marks, scratches, and visible wear, including scratches that may be deep enough to feel with a fingernail. Surface noise, pops, and crackle should be expected. Despite cosmetic wear, the record should play through without repeating or skipping unless otherwise noted. Used only for factory-sealed albums in original shrink wrap.

Minor shrink tears, corner dings, or storage wear may be present and will be noted if significant. An exceptional cover with virtually no visible wear. The jacket appears almost new, with sharp corners, clean surfaces, and no ring wear, writing, stickers, or seam splits. This grade is used sparingly for outstanding examples.

A very attractive cover with only minor cosmetic flaws. The jacket may show very light ring wear, slightly softened corners, or minimal edge wear. A small sticker or faint writing may be present but does not detract from the overall presentation.

Possible flaws include light ring wear, minor edge wear, small creases, sleeve scuffs, or small stickers/writing. The cover remains structurally sound and displays well. A cover with clear wear but still fully intact. The jacket may include more noticeable ring wear, edge wear, or creasing.

It may also have a drill hole, cut corner, moderate sticker residue, or a small seam split (approximately 1-3 inches). Corners may be rounded from use. A heavily worn cover with significant cosmetic issues. Common flaws may include major ring wear, large seam splits, heavy edge wear, major sticker damage, writing or doodles, soft or worn spine, or full split seams.

The cover remains complete but shows obvious age and wear.