Tony Iommi remixing Born Again!

The upcoming reissue of Born Again (release date unknown) will be completely re-mixed by Tony, "to achieve the sound it was supposed to have when first released in 1983."

For years Tony has said a mistake during the mastering process ruined what he thought was a great final mix, the actual release sounding nothing like it did in the studio. I tend to believe this because the engineer was Robin Black who was a great recording engineer (and designed Ian Anderson's home studio).

No word on bonus material, I just want it to sound better. Exciting news for Born Again cultists like myself.

I am quite sure that there is a bootleg version out there already (and has been for years) that supposedly sounds awesome.
I can definitely see myself picking this up with a better mix/sound as I am a big fan of this album even with the muddy sound.

DeathCult just wet his pants.

MetalGuy71 wrote:

DeathCult just wet his pants.

I know and now the bed's moist. I told him about that sh!t.

metalken wrote:

I am quite sure that there is a bootleg version out there already (and has been for years) that supposedly sounds awesome.
I can definitely see myself picking this up with a better mix/sound as I am a big fan of this album even with the muddy sound.

The version floating around are pre-final mix demos and several of the songs are incomplete. They sound better but the balance is pretty bad, after all it was just a rough mix to see how things were going.

I'm sure Tony will make his a worthwhile purchase.

I wish they'd release the original version of the entire Mob Rules album too.

One of metal's best albums getting a proper mix? That's a cause for celebration!

Quote :

I'm sure Tony will make his a worthwhile purchase.

I'd have to be enticed with some decent bonus material myself, but we'll wait and see.

I never disliked the original mix. It's sloppy and dirty, but it's Black Sabbath, so it worked for them. I love that album, though the cover is a bit of a joke.

I've always loved the album too, but they've been complaining about that mix for the past 27 years...so I see it as restoring a technically-flawed piece of art to it's original intent.

I've never had a problem with the cover. Yes, it's ugly but it's evil and metal. The cover seems to be the main argument for most people when it comes to why they don't like the album.

I have no gripes with the album as it is, but this could turn out to be rather interesting.

Great news!!!

Awesome news!

I like that album a lot but i don't like the mix... Some of the guitar solos are extremely loud and the bass could be balanced more.

Where have you read this new? I can't find any info about it.

I also like the album as it is.

It was a radio show interview in the UK, I read a transcript.

Good to hear,it's my favorite Black Sabbath release. I never had a problem with the sound of the cd but it would be interesting to hear how it was supposed to sound. I'll only get it if there's worthwhile bonus material on it.

Amazing news. "Born Again" is one underrated Sabbath album. I hope Martin re-releases (also remastered and with bonus stuff) follow this one.

I have the Sanctuary UK remaster from a few years ago - I always thought it sounded alright. But I like the album enough to buy it a third time for the remix especially with Tony involved.

That's AWESOME! I hope it gets released soon! Classic album with some amazing tunes!

jstate wrote:

I have the Sanctuary UK remaster from a few years ago - I always thought it sounded alright. But I like the album enough to buy it a third time for the remix especially with Tony involved.

I believe that's the version I have as well, not that I'd notice much difference. I'd pick up this new version if it had some cool bonus material though.

I will be picking this up

I can't wait to hear it!!!

I will pick it up ASAP! I just hope this leads to Iommi taking care of some the less loved Sabbath material (Headless Cross remaster anyone?). It's really overdue on the re-releases of those Martin-era albums. Most of them are out of print and demand stupid prices on Ebay.

I think the I.R.S. stuff is tied up in label-buyout hell.