Its crushing atmosphere of doom proved intense and relentless; the cumulative effect was dubbed 'downer rock', but it proved immediately popular with a disaffected, often working-class, audience.

Their fierce loyalty was fuelled by the negative response this album garnered from many rock critics, who proved immune to its single-minded power.

Singer Ozzy Osbourne already possessed one of the most distinctive voices in rock and proved the ideal frontman for his group's unremitting attack. For many real rock fans, this album is still dug out, dusted off and played.

Now, for the first time ever, the blueprint, or rather black-print, to Sabbath's musical plan can be scrutinised via a myriad of previously unreleased studio outtakes, recently unearthed and compiled as an additional bonus disc accompanying the band's debut album Black Sabbath. And with deluxe packing also part of the deal, offering a fascinating insight into the legend that is, this re-release is an absolute must for anyone with an ounce of musical taste!

Release Date: June 29