Tony Iommi has opened up about the making of his new album From The Dark, explaining why Queen guitarist Brian May appeared on the record while Black Sabbath bandmate Geezer Butler did not.
The legendary guitarist spoke about one of the album’s standout tracks, “Death Wake,” and the guest appearances that shaped the record. When asked whether he had considered bringing Geezer Butler on board, Iommi gave a candid explanation for his absence.
“My favorite riff on the album is in the beginning of ‘Death Wake,'” the interviewer noted. “You hold out a note and it kind of shudders, like creaking wood.”
“Yes, it’s a weird riff,” Iommi responded. “I like that track as well. I like anything doom. Of course, I got Brian May on it playing the solo on that one.”
When the conversation turned to Geezer Butler’s absence from the project, Iommi was straightforward about the circumstances.
“I wanted him to play on this album, but he couldn’t do it,” Iommi said. “He’s doing his own album, I think. Or at the time, something happened there, so he couldn’t come to England. I wanted to get it done and finally get it out, really.”
Iommi also explained how he found a replacement who fit the role naturally. “Because Becky’s, as I say, a fan of Geezer, and she plays in that style, I thought let’s give it a try,” he continued. “And she was good.”
From The Dark is Iommi’s first solo album in 21 years. The record is set for release on October 23 through BMG, and its lead single, “World Alone,” has already been released ahead of the full album launch.
The album was co-produced by Iommi and his longtime collaborator and engineer Mike Exeter. Norwegian metal vocalist Jorn Lande features throughout the record and shares songwriting credits on every track, making him a central creative partner on the project.
The core band assembled for the album includes bassist Becky Baldwin and drummer Karl Brazil. Baldwin’s stylistic affinity with Geezer Butler made her a natural fit once Butler’s participation fell through. Iommi’s confidence in her playing ultimately shaped the album’s low-end sound.
The standard edition of From The Dark contains eight tracks. Deluxe editions feature two additional instrumental bonus tracks, “Scent of Dark” and “Deified.” The album spans a range of heavy, doom-influenced material that reflects Iommi’s long-standing affinity for dark, riff-driven compositions.
The release represents Iommi’s most substantial solo statement since Fused in 2005. It brings together a carefully chosen lineup of collaborators — from a Queen legend to a rising bassist — to deliver what the guitarist describes as a record he simply wanted to finally get out into the world.
