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.

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:

1. Over The Violent Sun
2. Black Times
3. World Alone
4. Beyond The Dead
5. Stormwatcher
6. Death Wake
7. Return Of The Arbalist
8. Legacy

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

Related reading: Reflecting on One Year Without Ozzy Osbourne: Tributes, Triumphs, and Controversies