Now that BLACK SABBATH has been put to rest, Tony Iommi is reviving his solo career. Released on October 23rd, 2026, via BMG, “From the Dark” is his first solo endeavor since 2005’s “Fused.” Depending on how you look at it, this new endeavor is either his fourth or fifth solo album overall. The thing is, the BLACK SABBATH album “Seventh Star” was supposed to be his first solo album back in 1986, but due to label concerns, it was released under the BLACK SABBATH Featuring Tony Iommi moniker. Due to all sorts of obligations and hassles, his first eponymous solo album would not actually be released until October 2000, and from there on, his guitar duties were mostly split between a few more solo albums and the BLACK SABBATH spinoff, HEAVEN AND HELL. Those previous solo endeavors were marked by nothing short of a legend-riddled recording lineup, but this time, the cast is comprised of a bit less-known musicians. The lineup is no less impressive, though. Bassist Becky Baldwin is a familiar name from MERCYFUL FATE, and drummer Karl Brazil is a seasoned professional who has laid down the rhythm for some of the biggest pop stars, from Robbie Williams to Elton John. The vocal duties are handled by Jørn Lande, whose résumé boasts a stint in HEAVEN AND HELL, and keyboard wizard Mike Exeter, who also co-produced the album, is a longtime ally of Iommi. So, we’re not talking about some rookie business here – and this mighty amount of experience does shine through in the flawless execution of these doom-laden riff-nuggets. Iommi has a reputation for being one of the most iconic Riff Lords of all time for a reason. Sure, these riffages do not reveal to us some previously unheard-of side of Iommi‘s signature style, but neither is the album merely an exercise in nostalgia. As we would say in Finland, he did not invent the gunpowder for the first time on this album, but who’s to say you couldn’t invent some more of it as long as it’s dry – that is, extremely inflammable and explosive. The matter of fact is: these riffs slap hard.
As you probably already know, there is this quirky phenomenon where people who lose one sense can gain near-super abilities in another; blind people’s hearing may be greatly enhanced, or the deaf can see much better. The brain kinda remodels itself, giving more real estate to other senses when one is missing. I guess this phenomenon of the brain rewiring itself might explain why Iommi seems to possess such an otherworldly sixth sense when it comes to crafting killer riffs. I’m sure his fans are familiar with the work accident that demolished the tips of his right-hand ring and middle finger when he was a teen. This seemingly debilitating handicap has influenced his distinct playing style quite remarkably, so that even at the age of 78, he can cook up some of the nastiest heavy-metal riffs like nothing to it. You merely need to listen to the album opener, “Over the Violent Sun,” for confirmation. Sure, it isn’t anything revolutionary, but damn, it’s a good riff! Just like the old times! It obviously helps that Lande can belt like Ronnie James Dio, but I reckon it’s the old-school approach that makes it nigh impossible to feel a little bit nostalgic here – a perfect case in point: “Stormwatcher” is the track that has maybe the strongest potential to give you goosebumps in this respect. Back in the day, all you needed for a killer song was a good riff, a pinch of blues – as you know, the so-called “blue note” is the diabolus in musica – and a world-class vocalist. This song, let alone this whole album, checks each of these boxes. I think the most striking aspect of this album that gives away that it wasn’t actually recorded in 1986 is the pristine modern-day production: not even heavy-metal albums sounded this massive some 40 years ago.
This type of heavy metal is probably not the coolest thing you could play in this day and age, but for those with the acquired taste for this sort of sonic delicacy, “From the Dark” is a real banquet of awesomeness. This new selection is consistently pretty damn good from start to finish, but a couple of songs stand out. The lead single, “World Alone,” is an uptempo banger that rides on Landen‘s strong vocals really nicely. The follow-up track, “Beyond the Dead,” is a straight-up doom-metal banger! If CANDLEMASS owes a great debt of gratitude to BLACK SABBATH, here things come full circle, in a way. Nice! Then, the heavy ballad, “Death Wake,” features a guitar solo by Brian May of QUEEN. What makes this guest appearance particularly interesting is how the solo features May‘s signature phrasing, but the guitar tone is quite different from his trademark sound. I cannot help but wonder what the solo might have sounded like if May had opted for his famous jazzy tone. The penultimate track, “Return of the Arbalist,” is yet another highlight.
Finally, the album is wrapped up with a real cherry on top. “Legacy” kicks off with a heavy, doom-laden riff that could have slipped into practically any of those heavy grunge classics of the 1990s as well – y’know, ALICE IN CHAINS and SOUNDGARDEN. Landen’s heavy-metal belting à la David Coverdale soon tones the grunge feel down a bit, but still – I keep wondering what this beautiful riffathon might have sounded like with either Layne Staley or Chris Cornell on vocals… On the other hand, the song is pretty flawless as it is – and it’s one hell of a closer for a real treasure trove of quality riffs. I don’t think I expected to have Iommi’s solo album on my Albums of the Year list, but it’s beginning to look an awful lot like it’s gonna happen this year. The grandfather of heavy metal sure showed us once again who’s the King of the Riff.
Written by Jani Lehtinen
Tracklist
- Over the Violent Sun
- Black Times
- World Alone
- Beyond the Dead
- Stormwatcher
- Death Wake
- Return of the Arbalist
- Legacy
Lineup
Tony Iommi – guitars
Becky Baldwin – bass
Karl Brazil – drums
Jørn Lande – vocals
Label
BMG
