Black Sabbath guitar legend Tony Iommi has announced his first solo album since 2005, titled From The Dark, at a press conference in Birmingham where its lead single World Alone also received its first play.
Tony Iommi has shared details of From The Dark, his first solo album in over 20 years.
After a teaser was dropped earlier this week, the album was announced at a special global livestream event in the Black Sabbath legend’s hometown of Birmingham, across the canal from the city’s beloved Black Sabbath Bridge.
Its lead single World Alone also received its premiere there, accompanied by a video depicting a figure called The Believer venturing into a video game in the hope of saving his life and ultimately finding salvation.
Listen below:
Tony plays on From The Dark alongside the Norwegian vocalist Jorn Lande, who also shares writing credits on the album’s eight tracks. They are joined by bassist Becky Baldwin - who plays live with Delilah Bon and has also toured with Mercyful Fate and King Diamond - and drummer Karl Brazil, who has performed with Feeder, James Blunt and Robbie Williams. The four musicians were in a room together for the first time at the Birmingham press conference.
In conversation with Frank Skinner, Tony was asked why now was the right time for the follow-up to his previous solo effort, 2005's Fuse.
"Why not?" he said to cheers from the audience. "It's been 21 years since the last solo album, but we've obviously done the last Sabbath album and whatever else in between and tours." He also revealed that From The Dark had been two years in the making and was worked on in fits and starts.
"We'd have a couple of days one week and then maybe not do anything for a bit. There was no pressure. We didn't 'have' to do it."
Frank asked Tony if he was going to wear a top hat when he goes to receive his MBE. When Tony said, "No..." he responded with: "I was looking forward to the king mistaking you for Slash."
From The Dark is released on October 23 via BMG.
See the tracklist:
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 bonus tracks:
9. Scent Of Dark
10. Deified
And here’s the artwork:
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