Black Sabbath – Paranoid

Gorgeous reissue! After collecting all the 2016 Black Sabbath reissues and a number of CDs, I always felt their albums were somewhat poorly recorded. But Rhino and Kevin Gray have shown with the Rhino Hi-Fi series that, at least for the first two albums, the recordings were much better than I thought.

This reissue brings out incredible detail, huge improvements in imaging, vocal and instrumental texture, and instrument decay. I see a few complaints about the bass, but I think that's completely off-base. I can't imagine this album having more bass and still sounding good. Both the amount and quality of the bass are spot-on.

Although I’ve always loved this album, this pressing makes me appreciate the composition and musicianship even more. That’s the power of a great reissue. Other technical aspects like soundstage and depth are also excellent, though I think the real improvement lies in the clarity and imaging.

Its not as bad as the Rhino HF KPG debut which was an unpleasant demo disc of maximum brightness and ear fatigue, but this one still cant even touch my QRP pressed 2019 (2016 Magee repress) boggo reissue. Sure, its got the clarity that "high-fidelity" would promise but it comes at a price.... a lack of meat on the bones and too much brightness in the treble/presence. In fact as soon as Ozzy starts singing on War Pigs this cut is fighting a battle it cant win. Ozzy sounds thin and harsh/sibilant. He sounds likes a facsimile of himself. At least the snares and toms and some midrange elements seem clearer than ever before but yet again the bass is lacking meat so you dont get the best of both. This cut is one step forward and two steps back across all three of my systems. Just because its got KPG in the deadwax, doesnt mean its the "best pressing ever".

My experience with the Rhino Hifi series is very straightforward... the cut will either be my favourite pressing out of two or more ive got, or by far my least favourite. This one goes to the back of the pack/soon to be sold crew.

Clearly im in a minority lol

mine sounds absolutely amazing! massive sound with drums and guitar that hit you hard in the face! cant speak for others but mine had a tad bit of surface noise only visible between songs and only effected planet caravan a little bit. bur overall I'm satisfied and is absolutely worth it for the 40 USD i paid for it.

I'm imprest ! This got the guts, clarity and dynamic. Perfect !
I have, long time ago, the first French pressing wich I, still like; it retains the gloom from the originals but with clarity. Unfortunatly it has many hairlines and this results to many clics and pops...beacause of the shi**y paper sleeve...pfffff. Always wanted to find a clean copy ( or the first US green press) but now good luck with actual prices...
I have listen to the first UK (once/was in bad shape), first German (youtube), first green label US Warner (lossless copy) and of the course the first French and a later copy (end of 70's). Always preferd the French...and the green US wich is probably mixed differently.

This, for me, is a significative step further and probably the definitive version. So vivid !
Quality printed cover and nice booklet; analog remaster and nicely pressed......Homerun ! We want more like that !

N°1: This one
N°2: First French / First US
N°3: First UK

I do agree this is outstanding sounding but my US cream label from the late 70s, which is mint, ain't too far behind and is still very exciting. I'm a little torn between the two to be honest. This rhino is just slightly more refined and cleaner sounding but not to the utmost extreme. The guitar on the rhino sounds a tad louder and has more crunch to it as well. I'm curious what people hear when comparing to mint condition Artisan green label pressings.

I have a UK 1973 'Spaceship' press and the lauded 1980 Japanese NEMS. This is at least as good as either of those (more expensive) pressings. Honestly, this unnumbered edition is an absolute no-brainer; take it from someone who has gone through MANY pressings of this album.

I never leave reviews, this release is one of the best sounding records I’ve ever heard. The channel separation is insane, the bass slams, it’s incredibly dynamic, and I didn’t hear a single pop or click on my first play right out of the shrink wrap…oh and it’s an absolute classic that everyone should own.

Anyone know if this is shipping right now directly from rhino or on pre-order?

About time Rhino released the numbered version a few weeks ago.

Absolutely freakin' amazing to hear this so clear, loud and Rockin' with a nice soundstage.
Get this now if you love even just this all killer no filler classic album

WARNING: Hyperbole alert.

Slays my 1976 UK NEMS copy, the clarity is phenomenal.
The drumming is revealled in technocolor, my foot was tapping madly.
Like a blanket had been removed from my speakers.
The bass was visceral, you could hear the percussive hits on the strings.
Gold medal remaster.
The only track removing the gloom/murk didn't work on was Planet Caravan which is dreamier and more psychedelic on the old version.

Pressing is flat, no glitches, as usual with the Rhino High Fidelity, the heavy card sleeves are too big for standard outer sleeves and very tight (I just slip the sleeved record inside the folded insert sheet and it slides in much easier).