Tony Iommi Reflects on Doubts and Triumphs in Heavy Metal’s Darkest Hour
In an exclusive dive with Classic Rock, Tony Iommi, the dark sorcerer of heavy metal, has opened up about the swirling doubts that clouded his mind when Black Sabbath was beckoned to grace the stage at last year’s monumental Back To The Beginning show in Birmingham. With Metallica, Pantera, Guns N' Roses, and Tool among the lineup, Iommi was skeptical about the band’s participation, feeling it might be more fitting to let the newer generation pay tribute to the titans of heavy metal.
“I told Ozzy: ‘I don’t think we should do it.’ I felt we should let the other bands handle our legacy while we merely step out to express our gratitude at the end,” Iommi confessed. However, the allure of supporting noble charitable causes eventually pulled the strings of fate, leading the band to reunite and deliver a performance that resonated with fans and critics alike.
As the dust settles on that performance, Iommi has unleashed a new beast upon the world: his upcoming studio album, From The Dark, announced on July 29. The first single, “World Alone,” has already made waves with 2.5 million streams and heavy rotation on global radio, showcasing Iommi’s signature guitar wizardry accompanied by the operatic prowess of Norwegian vocalist Jorn Lande. This track is a sonic incarnation of metal’s relentless spirit, a hell-bent journey through thunderous riffs and intricate solos.
The limited edition 7” of “World Alone,” featuring an exclusive instrumental B-side, is now available, wrapped in a deluxe foiled sleeve that promises to entice collectors and fans alike. The accompanying video plunges viewers into a retro-futuristic landscape where the protagonist, The Believer, battles through a twisted video game universe, reflecting the darker themes that permeate Iommi's artistry.
Collaborating with Lande, bassist Becky Baldwin, and drummer Karl Brazil, From The Dark is co-produced by Iommi and longtime collaborator Mike Exeter, ensuring a soundscape that is both monumental and innovative. Scheduled for release on October 23 via BMG, the album will be available in multiple deluxe vinyl and CD formats, including a stunning double LP edition with a die-cut sleeve, offering fans not just music, but a tangible piece of metal history.
Iommi, a titan in his own right, has weathered the storms of the music industry for over six decades, continually redefining what it means to be a heavy metal guitarist. With accolades ranging from Grammy Awards to his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and even an MBE, his journey is a testament to the relentless spirit of rock and roll. As we brace ourselves for the arrival of From The Dark, it's clear that Iommi's legacy is not merely a chapter in heavy metal history but an ongoing saga that refuses to die.