Zakk Wylde to Re-Record Black Sabbath’s Debut Album in 24 Hours

Vertigo Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Next year — 2020 — will mark the 50th anniversary of Black Sabbath’s legendary self-titled debut album, a.k.a. the first proper metal album ever, which was released Friday, February 13,1970, by Vertigo Records. Now, Zakk Sabbath — the all-star Black Sabbath cover band featuring guitarist-vocalist Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne), bassist Rob “Blasko” Nicholson and drummer Joey Castillo — have revealed their plans to celebrate Ozzy Ozbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward’s iconic first strike in momentous fashion. Fifty years to the day of Black Sabbbath’s release, Zakk Sabbath will assemble in a fully analog studio to faithfully re-record the album in the spirit of the original recording, direct to two-inch tape over the course of one 24-hour period. A film crew will join them to capture the process, which will result in a reverent tribute release, fittingly titled Vertigo, strictly limited to 500 copies and delivered to purchasers on February 13, 2020 in a single package containing a vinyl LP, CD, digital download code and DVD.

“We’ve partnered with Magnetic Eye Records, a cornerstone of the industry strongly rooted in the very sub-genre spawned by Sabbath, to ensure maximum quality,” the band commented in a statement. “We’re asking you to join us in our continued celebration of the greatest heavy metal band of all time and the record that started it all! Take this journey with us through this project and be among the 500 faithful to receive the total doom-filled package.”

Wylde added: “Thanks to everyone that pre-ordered. We will keep you updated on the progress of the album and documentary along the way.” The pre-order for Zakk Sabbath’s Vertigo sold out within two hours after it was made available.