Tony Iommi is preparing to release his first solo album in more than 20 years—and if the opening single is anything to go by, this is going to be a major event for rock and metal fans.
In my latest video, I take a closer look at the limited-edition 7-inch vinyl release of “World Alone”, while also exploring everything we currently know about Tony’s forthcoming album, From The Dark.
“World Alone” on 7-Inch Vinyl
The physical edition of “World Alone” is a particularly attractive release. Presented in a deluxe foiled sleeve, the single features the vocal version on the A-side and an exclusive instrumental mix on the reverse.
The instrumental version will not appear on the standard album, making this 7-inch a genuinely collectable edition rather than simply an extract from the forthcoming LP.
Released by BMG on 4 September 2026, it is likely to be produced in relatively limited numbers. At a time when the physical single has become an increasingly rare object, it feels appropriate to see one of rock’s most influential guitarists embracing the format.
The song is also available through the Gibson app for anyone who wants to learn Tony’s guitar parts. Air guitars are, of course, equally acceptable.
Tony Iommi Returns From The Dark
The full album, From The Dark, will be released by BMG Records on 23 October 2026. It is Tony Iommi’s first full-length solo studio album since Fused, his 2005 collaboration with Glenn Hughes.
Tony is joined throughout the new album by Norwegian vocalist Jørn Lande, who shares the songwriting credits on all eight principal tracks. The band is completed by Becky Baldwin on bass and Karl Brazil on drums.
The album was co-produced by Tony and his longstanding creative partner Mike Exeter, whose association with Iommi includes Black Sabbath’s 13 and numerous other projects.
This gives From The Dark the feeling of a proper band album rather than a collection of unrelated guest appearances. Tony himself has described the spirit behind it very simply:
“It’s an album we’ve really enjoyed making. We’re not trying to prove anything—it’s a great album, it rocks!”
That is perhaps one of the most encouraging things he could have said. After everything Tony Iommi has achieved, he certainly has nothing left to prove. This is about the continuing creative fire of a musician who still wants to write, record and explore new ideas.
Darkness, Drama and Light and Shade
The album opens with “Over The Violent Sun”, which is described as being driven by one of Tony’s classic down-tuned riffs. “Black Times” follows before the first single, “World Alone”, arrives as the third track.
“Beyond The Dead” apparently changes the pace, combining a darker, more stately riff with orchestration. That immediately suggests the kind of light and shade which has always made Tony’s finest music so effective.
The lyrics written by Jørn Lande are said to explore dystopian imagery, the fragile nature of human existence and the consequences of a world without love or humanity. “Stormwatcher” uses nautical imagery and dreams of new horizons, while “Death Wake” promises an equally dramatic combination of music and lyrics.
The album closes with “Return Of The Arbalist” and “Legacy”. The latter is being presented as an epic conclusion, bringing together the power, atmosphere and contrasting textures running through the record.
Obviously, I have not yet heard the complete album, so this is not a review. At the moment, reading these descriptions is rather like watching a cookery programme: somebody is describing the ingredients and the finished creation, but we cannot taste it yet.
Nevertheless, everything we know so far suggests that From The Dark will embrace the heaviness, drama and variety that have defined Tony Iommi’s work across his entire career—not just in the 1970s, but throughout every era of Black Sabbath and his solo catalogue.
From The Dark Track Listing
- Over The Violent Sun
- Black Times
- World Alone
- Beyond The Dead
- Stormwatcher
- Death Wake
- Return Of The Arbalist
- Legacy
The deluxe CD mediabook adds two bonus tracks:
- Scent Of Dark
- Deified (Extended)
Vinyl and CD Editions
Physical-media collectors will have several editions from which to choose.
The album will be issued as a double LP cut at 45 RPM for optimum dynamic range. Four different vinyl colours will be available through selected retailers:
- Black vinyl
- “Monkey” red-and-black marble vinyl
- “New Boy” white-and-black marble vinyl
- “Eyeglass” transparent blue vinyl
The deluxe gatefold packaging is manufactured from premium black card and features a die-cut version of Tony’s signature cross. Part of the inner artwork will be visible through the cross, with the complete illustration gradually revealed as the inner sleeve is removed.
CD collectors have not been forgotten. Alongside the standard CD digisleeve, there will be an Amazon-exclusive die-cut edition and a deluxe 32-page mediabook containing the two bonus tracks.
That does, however, present collectors with the familiar dilemma: the double vinyl offers the 45 RPM presentation, but the deluxe CD includes additional music. Some of us may already suspect how that particular decision will end.
A Genuine Rock Event
Tony Iommi does not release solo albums very often. That alone makes From The Dark feel significant.
More importantly, this does not appear to be an artist simply looking backwards. It is the sound of Tony continuing to create, working with a committed band and preparing to add another chapter to one of rock music’s most extraordinary catalogues.
For now, we have “World Alone” and its collectable 7-inch vinyl edition. On 23 October, we will finally be able to enter From The Dark in full.
Are you looking forward to the album, and which physical edition are you considering? Let me know in the comments.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
