Tony Iommi has officially announced From the Dark, his first solo album in 21 years, and released the project’s lead single, “World Alone.”
The Black Sabbath guitarist’s new record is scheduled for October 23 through BMG. The announcement gives heavy-music fans one of the fall’s biggest release dates, with Iommi returning to a full solo-album format for the first time since Fused in 2005.
“World Alone” arrives with an official video and puts Iommi’s unmistakable guitar sound back at the center of a new studio project. The track serves as the first complete preview of an album that has been discussed and anticipated for years.
A major solo return
From the Dark was co-written with Norwegian vocalist Jørn Lande and co-produced with longtime Iommi collaborator Mike Exeter. The album also includes a guest guitar appearance from Queen’s Brian May on “Death Wake.”
The eight-song track list includes “Over the Violent Sun,” “Black Times,” “World Alone,” “Beyond the Dead,” “Stormwatcher,” “Death Wake,” “Return of the Arbalist” and “Legacy.”
Iommi’s influence on heavy metal is difficult to overstate, and a new solo record from the Black Sabbath co-founder carries unusual weight. From the Dark marks the return of one of the genre’s defining guitar voices with a full new body of work.
“World Alone” starts the countdown
The first single begins the countdown to October 23. With the official video now available, the rollout has moved from long-running anticipation to an active album campaign.
For fans of Black Sabbath, Iommi’s solo catalog and classic heavy metal, From the Dark is now one of the most closely watched releases of the year.
