Black Sabbath : Tyr A2/B1 1st Press

This very collectable first pressing plays to a sublime standard with only minimal interference right at the start.  The remainder of the album plays with stunning quality and barely any intrusion.

The cover is in superb condition, almost 'as new', and the lyric inner is perfect, you won't find better!

EIRSA 1038 // A - 1U / B - 1U

The audio on S1 is Mint(-) (Track 1 intro for 5 seconds VG+ / T4 Near Mint+)

The audio S2 is Mint(-) (T1 Ex / T2 Near Mint-)

The cover is Near Mint

The labels are Mint-

The lyric inner is Mint

Visual grading

The vinyl is in superb condition and retains a very strong glossy sheen.  In my opinion this has hardly been played based on there being no spindle wear and the quality of the audio.  There are no marks or scratches but as is common with this album there are some faint sleeve removal hairlines on each side.  They have been caused by the coarse material of the lyric inner.  The run out grooves are very clean indeed.

Play grading  

'Anno Mundi' has one click right at the start but apart from that the intro plays very clearly with only minimal static.  As the vocal begins the clarity is very impressive and as the volume picks up the audio has such a deep rich sound.  It continues to play 'as new' to the very end with no interference of any kind.  A stunning rendition that would be Mint but for the 5/6 seconds of 'background' at the beginning.  Actually VG+ is fair for the intro and Mint for the remainder.

'The Law Maker' plays with perfect clarity and power from the first note to the last.  Audio does not get any better than this!  With great production values this is loud and powerful with no distortion and Mint is an easy grade to give.

'Jerusalem' is of the same 'high end' standard and again there is not a single tick, click or pop and no underlying static either.  The clarity is exceptional - the audio is Mint and again demonstrates how infrequently the vinyl has been played.

A prime example of this clarity is on 'The Sabbath Stones' intro.  The 'silent' moments have no 'background' at all and whilst there is one very light click at the end of the first verse the playback is still so good.  Thereafter it cannot be faulted and the definition and power of the audio is outstanding to say the least!  Even the quieter acoustic sections have no interference and this truly is audio of the highest calibre.  Near Mint+ is more than deserved here.

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The instrumental 'The Battle Of Tyr' will often play with a lot of static/crackle but this is certainly one of the 'cleanest' versions I have heard.  Yes there is a little static but it is minimal (just a little more for the first 3/4 seconds) and the music still plays very clearly, each note can easily be heard.  I think Ex is about right here.

'Odin's Court' plays with wonderful clarity with only a very small number of dust ticks which obviously have no impact on the audio.  With so many quiet sections this is a stunning version and Near Mint is deserved.

The segue into 'Valhalla' could not be any better and it continues in the same precise way.  There is no interference and again the power and depth of the audio just envelops the room!  This is Mint and the fade out has no 'background' either.

The quiet intro on 'Feels Good To Me' plays beautifully with only a handful of mega light dust ticks and the first verse is flawless.  Somewhat out of place on the album this melodic track nonetheless plays with superb clarity all the way through and there are no clicks or pops etc.  This is Mint- and it would be nigh on impossible to find a better version.

The percussive intro on 'Heaven In Black' is 'as new' and continues to impress with outstanding clarity and a power and depth that cannot be faulted.  A Mint finish to the album.      

In summary this first pressing plays with stunning clarity and to be honest it's only the first few seconds on S1 that has any obvious 'background'.  The vast majority is 'as new' and it is clear the vinyl has hardly been played.  Recorded 'loud' the sonic quality is so impressive and together with a superb cover this is a stunning 'package'!

The Cover

So yes the cover is practically 'shop fresh' with only one very small area of wear on the centre of the bottom edge.  Apart from that the edges and spine are perfect and the opening edge has no handling wear at all.  For once there is no corner wear and the front and back cover are immaculate with no marking or creasing.  A stunning example and so well preserved down the years.

The Lyric Inner

The paper lyric inner is in fantastic condition with no wear at at all.  No side splits or creasing just a perfect inner basically!

The Labels

The red/black labels are in superb shape with no marking or writing, no spindle wear and only a couple of indents on the S2 label caused during manufacture.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

EIRSA 1038 // A - 1U / B - 1U

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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Postage & Packaging

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