I mean, it’s not like we didn’t see this coming or anything. The legendary Black Sabbath guitarist, Tony Iommi, is set to release his third solo album, “From The Dark”, on October 23 via BMG. Because, you know, the world was just missing that one thing: more Tony Iommi riffs. Iommi will be joined on the album by Norwegian vocalist Jorn Lande, who shares writing credits on all songs, as well as bassist Becky Baldwin and drummer Karl Brazil. The LP was co-produced by Iommi and his longtime creative partner, Mike Exeter.
So, why now, you ask? Well, according to Iommi, it’s because he didn’t have a deadline to meet, and he could just work on the album at his own pace. Yeah, because that’s exactly what we all need: more time to contemplate the meaning of life while listening to Iommi’s riffs. Iommi explained: “Obviously, we didn’t know what was gonna happen to Ozz [late Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne], but it was a thing I’ve been working on over a period, just putting ideas down for a while.” He also mentioned that he’s been working on the album with Mike Exeter, his engineer, and that they’ve been putting ideas down at leisure, without any pressure.
The Album Title: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Mystery? 🤔
The album title, “From The Dark”, is apparently taken from one of Jorn Lande’s lyrics. Because, you know, that’s not a vague title at all. Iommi said: “It’s one of Jorn Lande’s lyrics, who’s the singer. So he’s got quite a lot of lyrics, which don’t ask me about at the moment.” Yeah, because we wouldn’t want to spoil the mystery of the album title or anything.
Iommi also talked about his songwriting collaboration with Jorn, saying: “It’s gone backwards and forwards. I’d come up with a riff and the basic idea of the track. And then Jorn would probably sing something to that, and then I might change a riff afterwards, think, ‘Oh, I might put a different riff in there.'” He also mentioned that Jorn would come over to his house, sing something, and then they’d work on it together.
Why Jorn Lande? Because He’s Got a Great Voice, Duh! 🎤
Iommi chose Jorn Lande to handle all the lead vocals on “From The Dark” because, well, he’s just got a great voice, okay? Iommi said: “He’s done a lot of stuff. He was in Masterplan and various other things, and he’s had his own solo albums and tours. So he’s been around a while. But I really liked his voice.” He also mentioned that he’d worked with Jorn before, on the Ronnie James Dio tribute, and that he really liked his voice then too.
Iommi also talked about his experience working with Jorn, saying: “With a singer, it’s good if they can do their own stuff because when they’ve got to sing it, they can put it over better.” He also mentioned that Jorn would often come up with ideas and then they’d work on them together.
And, of course, we have to ask: what inspires Iommi to keep writing metal riffs after all these years? Well, according to him, it’s just in his blood. Yeah, because that’s not a cliché at all. Iommi said: “It’s just in my blood. I just can’t help but… If I sit down with a guitar, I’ll come up with a riff.” He also mentioned that he enjoys creating music and that it’s good for his brain.
Iommi also talked about his approach to songwriting, saying: “Ever since the early days of Sabbath, when we used to go in a rehearsal room, I’d come up with a riff and the other guys would go, ‘Oh, yeah, we like that,'” He also mentioned that he’s always worked on music at his own pace, without any pressure, and that it’s the same way he’s always done it.
Live Shows? Maybe, Maybe Not 🤷♂️
As for the possibility of doing live shows with his solo band, Iommi said: “Well, it could be live. I mean, there’s no plans at the moment, but, again, my life hasn’t been planned out that much.” Yeah, because that’s exactly what we all want: a Tony Iommi solo tour. Iommi also mentioned that he’s done a few things that he never thought he’d be doing, so maybe live shows are a possibility.
Iommi also talked about his experience working with other musicians, saying: “I’ve done a few things that I never thought I’d be doing.” He also mentioned that he’s always enjoyed collaborating with other musicians and that it’s led to some great music.
And, finally, we have to ask: what’s next for Tony Iommi? Well, according to him, he’s just going to keep on doing what he’s always done: creating music and riffs. Because, why stop now, right? Iommi said: “I just can’t help but… If I sit down with a guitar, I’ll come up with a riff.” He also mentioned that he enjoys creating music and that it’s good for his brain.
In conclusion, Tony Iommi’s new solo album, “From The Dark”, is coming out on October 23, and we’re all just trying to keep up. With Jorn Lande on vocals, Becky Baldwin on bass, and Karl Brazil on drums, this album is shaping up to be a wild ride. So, buckle up, folks, and get ready for some face-melting riffs and mysterious lyrics. 🤘
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
