Black Widow : Sacrifice 1st Press A1/B1

This rare and collectable first pressing on the CBS orange label plays with immaculate audio for the vast majority - just minimal static on a couple of intros.  I have listened to every second (as I always do) and the clarity and depth is incredible.  The record is also in immaculate condition, practically 'as new'!

The cover is very clean with only a little rubbing on the edges and comes complete with the original CBS inner which is often missing.

S 63948 // A1 / B1

The audio on S1 is Mint- (track 1 intro Ex)

The audio on S2 is Mint- (track 1 intro Ex / track 2 intro Ex+)

The laminated cover is Ex-

The labels are Near Mint-

The original inner sleeve is Ex+

Visual grading

Vinyl doesn't get much better than this!  There is some spindle wear but it is still visually stunning despite being nearly 50 years old!  There are no marks or scratches and it has a beautiful glossy sheen, I can't stress enough just how good it looks!  On very close inspection under a bright light I can only make out a couple of mega faint hairlines - this is one superb first pressing and the run out grooves are in perfect condition also.

Play grading  

'In Ancient Days' has only light static on the organ intro and plays very clearly with no clicks or pops.  As the volume increases there is a little static distortion on the top end but as the acoustic guitar comes in the playback is stunning.  The clarity and depth of the recording is faultless and it continues in the same way even during the quieter acoustic moments.  The crescendo ending plays with perfect precision.

There is then complete silence in the dead wax and the intro on 'The Way To Power' could scarcely play any better, there are just a small number of barely audible dust ticks.  The remainder of the track plays with superb clarity and no interference of any kind, just 3,4 light ticks on the fade out.

The quiet percussive/flute intro on 'Come To The Sabbat' plays beautifully with no obvious 'background' and once the 'vocal' comes in this clarity remains.  The first verse is 'as new' there is no other way to describe it and I am pleased to say the remainder is of the same immaculate standard.  Absolutely stunning!

The final track on the side 'Conjuration' is again faultless and you cannot fail but be impressed by the incredible clarity on offer here.  Super clean audio throughout with a fade out that plays with perfect precision.  I am confident in saying the vast majority of S1 is of Mint- quality.

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'Seduction' on S2 does have a little static on the opening verse but it is minimal and still plays very clearly indeed.  Once the strings come in the audio is very impressive and the static has disappeared.  There are so many quiet sections here and yet they all play with the same sublime clarity and definition.  There is nothing that intrudes on the 'high end' quality of the audio and Mint- is a fair grading.  The long instrumental section plays with remarkable clarity as does the final verse.  A fantastic version for sure.

'Attack Of The Demon' has the bare minimum of mega light static on the intro (this is not interference!) and one very light click and is then 'as new' to the very end.  There is no 'background' whatsoever and you could not wish for greater clarity.

The title track 'Sacrifice' impresses with superb power and depth from the very first groove.  This track has some louder sections and yet there is no distortion at all and the instrumental section is just phenomenal!  Mint is not too strong a word for it!  This is the 'cleanest' version I have ever heard, it is breathtaking in its clarity and depth and you can hear each note with perfect precision.  There is no groove wear which is how the vinyl has maintained its 'as new' sound.  A stunning end to this often overlooked album.

In summary this rare CBS first pressing plays with immaculate audio for vast majority and no obvious interference.  The vinyl has been so well preserved and you have to remember this is nearly 50 years of age!  I've had 3 or 4 copies of this record down the years and this is by far the most impressive.

The Cover

The only issue with the E.J. Day cover is some rubbing on the edges and the corners of the spine.  It certainly isn't excessive and the other corners have only minor wear.  The spine itself has a little rubbing also.  The opening edge is extremely clean as is the front cover which has no marking at all and the back cover is also in great order with only a minimal amount of 'spotting'.  The inside of the gatefold is 'as new' it is in wonderful condition.

Inner Sleeve

The original CBS sleeve is in great condition with no splits or tears only some light creasing.  No marks at all.

The Labels

The orange CBS labels have retained their strong and vivid colour and have no marking apart from some spindle wear but not an excessive amount.

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

S 63948 // A1 / B1

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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