Black Sabbath – Sabotage (1975): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in July 1975, Sabotage is the sixth studio album by Black Sabbath and one of their most aggressive and emotionally charged releases. Created during a period of intense legal battles and management disputes, the album channels frustration and anger into some of the band’s heaviest and most confrontational music.
Often overlooked compared to earlier classics, Sabotage is now widely regarded as a cult favorite and one of the strongest records of the Ozzy-era.
Album Overview
Sabotage pushes Black Sabbath into harder and faster territory while retaining their signature doom atmosphere. The production is sharper, the performances are more intense, and the songwriting reflects a band fighting external pressures.
Tony Iommi delivers some of his most complex and aggressive guitar work, while Geezer Butler’s lyrics focus on betrayal, paranoia, and loss of control. Ozzy Osbourne’s vocals are more emotional and varied than ever, and Bill Ward’s drumming is both powerful and adventurous.
Tracklist – Black Sabbath: Sabotage (1975)
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Hole in the Sky
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Don’t Start (Too Late)
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Symptom of the Universe
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Megalomania
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The Thrill of It All
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Supertzar
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Am I Going Insane (Radio)
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The Writ
Album Review
The album explodes out of the gate with “Hole in the Sky,” a fast, riff-heavy opener that hints at future thrash metal. “Symptom of the Universe” is a landmark track, combining one of metal’s earliest thrash riffs with a surprising acoustic outro.
“Megalomania” showcases Ozzy’s vocal range, shifting from eerie whispers to full-blown hysteria, while “The Thrill of It All” and “Supertzar” add theatrical and experimental elements.
The album closes with “The Writ,” a furious and deeply personal track aimed at the band’s former management—one of the angriest songs Black Sabbath ever recorded.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: The album title reflects the band’s feeling of being betrayed by their management.
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• Trivia: Symptom of the Universe is often cited as one of the first thrash metal songs ever written.
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• Did You Know? Ozzy recorded the vocals for “The Writ” in near-total emotional exhaustion.
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• Fun Fact: Supertzar features a choir, adding a dramatic, almost operatic atmosphere.
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• Did You Know? Sabotage reached #7 on the UK Albums Chart.
Cultural Legacy
Sabotage bridges classic doom metal with the speed and aggression that would later define thrash and extreme metal. Bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax have cited tracks from this album as major influences.
Today, it’s often hailed as one of Black Sabbath’s most underrated masterpieces—raw, emotional, and uncompromising.
Black Sabbath Full Discography
