BLACK SABBATH have unveiled the new video for “God Is Dead?”, a grungy riff-heavy reminiscent track — the first track with founding members in more than 35 years. Check out the “God is Dead” video from the forthcoming LP, 13 below. The “God Is Dead?” clip was directed by controversial filmmaker and social activist Peter Joseph, who is best known for his counter-culture/social revolution film series under the banner title of “Zeitgeist”.
What was deemed more of a “short film” than a music video, the work had its world premiere screening at the band’s June 6 album release in Hollywood’s Harmony Gold Preview Center. Extracted from his documentary trilogy, coupled with layers of imposed archival imagery of the band, marking their history in a unique abstraction, the “God is Dead?” official music video is a sign of the times.
Joseph stated the following about partnering with BLACK SABBATH: “After an initial hesitancy in the direction proposed using just existing footage from my films, I quickly realized it was to be an extremely interesting and original expression. The gesture of the song ‘God is Dead?’, with its subtle reflection on the often dark world we inhabit and questioning of how such a world can be if there was a god, resonated with me.”
He continued: “I grew up listening to early BLACK SABBATH and am a big fan of the core message. Songs such as ‘War Pigs’ and the anti-war, pro-unity gesture found in those early albums are very much in line with my values. I was honored to help.”
Black Sabbath will release 13 tomorrow, June 11 through their original label, Vertigo/Universal. This marks BLACK SABBATH’s return to Vertigo, their original label, and the group’s first studio album together since 1978’s Never Say Die! 13 was recorded in Los Angeles by veteran producer Rick Rubin and this revival of the rock quartet features original members, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE’s Brad Wilk filling in for Bill Ward. SABBATH kicked off its world tour in support of 13 on April 20 in Auckland.
