Tony Iommi Returns With From The Dark: The Riff Master Is Back

The Riff Collective
Jul 29
2 min read

When the architect of heavy metal releases a new album, the entire scene pays attention. Just over a year after Black Sabbath's emotional farewell performance at the Back To The Beginning concert in Birmingham, Tony Iommi is proving that retirement has never been part of his vocabulary. The legendary guitarist has announced From The Dark, his first full-length studio album in years, arriving October 23 via BMG.

Leading the announcement is the explosive new single "World Alone", a track that immediately reminds listeners why Iommi's riffs remain the gold standard. Fast, heavy and unmistakably his, the song pairs crushing guitar work with the soaring vocals of acclaimed Norwegian singer Jørn Lande, whose powerful performance feels like a natural fit alongside Iommi's unmistakable tone.

The accompanying video dives into a retro-futuristic dystopian world where a character known as The Believer is thrown into a twisted video game in a fight for survival and redemption, perfectly matching the song's dark atmosphere.

From The Dark isn't a solo effort in the traditional sense. Alongside Tony Iommi, Jørn Lande not only handles vocal duties but also shares songwriting credits across every track on the album. The lineup is completed by Mercyful Fate bassist Becky Baldwin and drummer Karl Brazil, while long-time collaborator Mike Exeter once again co-produces the record with Iommi, helping craft a huge, modern sound that never loses sight of the guitarist's unmistakable heavy metal roots.

https://youtu.be/IddUJxhDgZk?is=ugnHyPXg6mtyswvE

Speaking about the record, Tony Iommi kept things characteristically simple:

"It's an album we've really enjoyed making. We're not trying to prove anything – it's a great album, it rocks!"

Across eight new songs, From The Dark explores dystopian themes, mortality, hope and resilience through Lande's dramatic lyrics and Iommi's signature down-tuned riffs. Early previews suggest an album that balances relentless heaviness with grand orchestration, from the opening punch of "Over The Violent Sun" to the epic closing statement of "Legacy."

The deluxe edition will also include two bonus tracks: "Scent Of Dark" and an extended version of "Deified."

Collectors will have plenty to celebrate. Alongside multiple deluxe CD editions, the album will be released on several limited coloured double-vinyl variants, all housed in an elaborate die-cut gatefold featuring Tony Iommi's iconic cross. Fans can also look forward to a limited 7-inch release of "World Alone" on September 4, backed with an exclusive instrumental version.

At 78 years old, Tony Iommi continues to write new music with the same passion that made Black Sabbath the blueprint for heavy metal over half a century ago. Judging by the first taste of From The Dark, the fire that forged some of the greatest riffs in rock history is still burning brightly.