Tony Iommi has announced From the Dark, his first solo album in 21 years. The Black Sabbath guitarist will release the eight-track record October 23 through BMG.
The announcement arrived with “World Alone,” a new single that places Iommi’s unmistakable guitar tone at the center of a lineup featuring Norwegian vocalist Jørn Lande, Mercyful Fate bassist Becky Baldwin and drummer Karl Brazil.
That core group performs across the album, which Iommi co-produced with longtime collaborator Mike Exeter. Exeter previously worked with Iommi on Black Sabbath’s final studio album, 13, and on the guitarist’s earlier work with Glenn Hughes.
Brian May joins the album
Queen guitarist Brian May contributes a guest solo to “Death Wake.” May and Iommi have maintained a friendship and musical connection for decades, and their past collaborations include Black Sabbath’s “When Death Calls” and Iommi’s “Goodbye Lament.”
The remaining track list includes “Over the Violent Sun,” “Black Times,” “Beyond the Dead,” “Stormwatcher,” “Return of the Arbalist” and “Legacy.” The CD edition will also include the previously released pieces “Scent of Dark” and “Deified” as bonus tracks.
From the Dark follows 2005’s Fused, Iommi’s album with Glenn Hughes. Although the guitarist has released individual tracks and participated in other projects since then, the new record is his first complete solo album in more than two decades.
Iommi introduced the project during an event in his hometown of Birmingham, England. The premiere included the dystopian “World Alone” video and a question-and-answer session hosted by comedian Frank Skinner.
The record arrives during another notable year for Iommi. In June, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to music and charity, adding an official honor to a career that helped establish the vocabulary of heavy metal guitar.
Preorders for From the Dark are open now. “World Alone” is available through digital services and Iommi’s official YouTube channel.
