Tony Iommi Announces New Solo Album From the Dark

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has announced his forthcoming solo album, From the Dark, scheduled for release on October 23. The record follows his previous proper solo outings, 2000’s Iommi and 2005’s Fused.

The album features vocalist Jørn Lande, bassist Becky Baldwin, and drummer Karl Brazil. Iommi stated that he wanted to keep the project feeling like a tight-knit band rather than bringing in a revolving door of guests. Longtime colleague Geezer Butler was originally considered for bass duties, but Iommi explained that scheduling conflicts prevented him from traveling to England. Baldwin stepped in to fill the role, playing in a style matching Butler.

Brian May’s Guest Appearance

Queen guitarist Brian May serves as the sole featured guest musician on the record, contributing a guitar solo to a doom-leaning track titled “Death Wake.” Iommi and May have maintained a close friendship since the early 1970s.

Brian May guitar solo live — Brian May, Photo: Gage Skidmore, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When asked if May played on any other tracks during sessions at his home studio, Iommi told Rolling Stone, “I did say to him, ‘Do you want to play on something else?’ He said, ‘No, no. Your solos are good. I don’t need to play.’ But it was great that he did.”

Album Track Listing and Visuals

The record is preceded by the lead single “World Alone,” which arrived alongside a dystopian, retro-futuristic music video. Though the clip features Iommi standing and playing his guitar, the guitarist admitted he was initially reluctant to make a video, noting he prefers to avoid leaping around due to his age.

The standard track listing for From the Dark includes:

Over The Violent Sun
Black Times
World Alone
Beyond The Dead
Stormwatcher
Death Wake
Return Of The Arbalist
Legacy

Deluxe CD editions will also include bonus tracks “Scent Of Dark” and “Deified.”

It was only a matter of time before the biggest band in metal decided to plant their flag in the most advanced venue on the planet. Metallica is preparing to bring their high-octane live show to the technologically advanced Las Vegas Sphere this fall, a move drummer Lars Ulrich admits feels both “overwhelming” and “fucking intimidating.” The residency, titled Life Burns Faster—a nod to a lyric from the band’s landmark track “Master of Puppets”—is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026, and will run through March 13, 2027.

Photo: markwainwright, licensed CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Metallica Expands Sphere Residency to 24 Shows

The band initially announced eight dates for the residency, but due to high demand, the run has since been expanded to 24 performances. The schedule consists of 12 “No Repeat Weekends,” with the band playing distinct, unique sets each Thursday and Saturday night. During a recent appearance on U2 guitarist The Edge’s SiriusXM show, Close To The Edge, Ulrich shared that he was present for the opening night of U2’s inaugural Sphere residency in 2023, an experience he credited as a major source of inspiration for the band’s decision to take on the venue.

Why the Sphere Is a New Challenge for Metallica

Photo: Alberto Cabello, licensed CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

“I was there opening night and was so just fucking awestruck, inspired, energized—all of it,” Ulrich told The Edge. “It was just, like, ‘Holy shit, this is somehow another frontier.’” Ulrich noted that while the band is known for maintaining complete control over their production environments, the move to the Sphere serves as a purposeful challenge. “It’s a place maybe we don’t end up in often enough, because we have a tendency to put ourselves in environments that we completely control and know. And so I think it’s really good to be able to throw yourself for a loop like that.”

Metallica Discusses Filming the Sphere Residency

The band has confirmed they are in talks to film the residency, leveraging the venue’s massive 16K wraparound screens and specialized sound system to offer fans a new way to experience their catalog. As Metallica prepares for the opening night, they join a growing list of major acts to occupy the venue, including the Eagles, Phish, Dead & Company, and No Doubt. Despite the technical pressure, Ulrich remains focused on the opportunity: “It’s gonna be challenging. But hopefully when we step out on stage that first night, we’ll have it somewhat together.”