Legendary Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has announced his first solo album in 21 years. Titled From The Dark and featuring Norwegian vocalist Jorn Lande, the record is set for worldwide release on October 23rd via BMG.
BMG Records made the official worldwide release announcement, detailing the album and its accompanying single.
“Tony Iommi, ‘From The Dark.’ The Brand-New Album, Released October 23rd On BMG,” the label’s announcement read. “BMG Records are delighted to announce the worldwide release of the brand-new album from legendary guitarist Tony Iommi, entitled From The Dark. Heralded by the first single ‘World Alone’ which received its premiere this afternoon at a special global streaming event hosted in Iommi’s hometown of Birmingham, England, a stone’s throw from the famous Black Sabbath Bridge across the canal, which was opened as a civic tribute to the iconic band in 2019.”
The announcement went on to describe the sound and themes of the lead single.
“‘World Alone’ is a thunderous rock song that speeds along on a barrage of flying guitar riffs and solos, backed by a driving rhythm section and topped off with the powerful rock operatics of acclaimed Norwegian vocalist Jorn Lande,” the statement continued. “The video is based around a retrofuture, dystopian universe where the lead protagonist, The Believer, is pitched into a twisted video game to save his life and ultimately find salvation.”
BMG also outlined the full lineup and production details behind the album.
“‘From The Dark’ sees Tony Iommi joined throughout by Jorn Lande, who shares writing credits on all songs, as well as bassist Becky Baldwin and drummer Karl Brazil,” the announcement added. “Co-produced by Tony and Mike Exeter, his long-time creative partner, co-writer, producer and audio engineer, the sound is crystalline, vibrant and enormous, engulfing the listener in a state-of-the-art sonic experience that is as contemporary as it is timeless.”
Iommi himself also shared his enthusiasm for the project. “It’s an album we’ve really enjoyed making,” he said. “We’re not trying to prove anything – it’s a great album, it rocks!”
From The Dark is set for worldwide release on October 23rd via BMG.
The album marks a significant milestone for Iommi. It is his first solo studio effort since Fused in 2005 – a 21-year gap that makes From The Dark one of the most anticipated rock releases of the year. The record arrives in the wake of Black Sabbath’s final concert last July, adding further weight to its significance as a new chapter in Iommi’s storied career.
From The Dark is an eight-track studio album. Deluxe editions expand the set with two bonus tracks, “Scent Of Dark” and “Deified.” The standard tracklist runs as follows: “Over The Violent Sun,” “Black Times,” “World Alone,” “Beyond The Dead,” “Stormwatcher,” “Death Wake,” “Return Of The Arbalist,” and “Legacy.”
One of the album’s notable highlights is “Death Wake,” which features a guest guitar solo from Queen legend Brian May. The appearance of May underscores the stature of the project and the deep respect Iommi commands across rock royalty, bringing together two of the genre’s most iconic guitarists on a single track.
Bassist Becky Baldwin rounds out the rhythm section alongside drummer Karl Brazil. Baldwin has toured with acts including Mercyful Fate and King Diamond and plays live with Delilah Bon. The combination of seasoned musicians and Iommi’s signature riff-driven approach points to a record built on both craft and chemistry.
Jorn Lande’s involvement goes well beyond a featured vocalist role. The acclaimed Norwegian singer co-wrote all eight tracks on the album, making From The Dark a genuine collaborative effort. Lande’s powerful vocal style, long celebrated in the hard rock and metal world, is widely regarded as one of the most fitting pairings for Iommi’s guitar-driven sound.
Source: iommi.com
