Tony Iommi, the guitarist and co-founder of the legendary heavy-metal band Black Sabbath, is set to release his first solo album in more than two decades. The album, titled “From the Dark,” will be unveiled on Friday, marking a significant moment for the 78-year-old musician who recently witnessed the final live performance of Black Sabbath as well as the passing of the band’s iconic frontman, Ozzy Osbourne.

Despite the closing of a nearly 60-year chapter with Black Sabbath, Iommi shows no signs of stepping back from his musical career. Speaking from his home in England, he described playing guitar as a necessity as fundamental to him as eating, emphasizing his ongoing passion for creating “big riffs,” a style that defined much of Sabbath’s influential sound. The new album, created with longtime producer Mike Exeter and Norwegian vocalist Jorn Lande, showcases a range of tempos and moods but ultimately dwells in the heavy, slow riffs that have become Iommi’s trademark.

Lande, who provides all vocals and lyrics, characterized the album as a reflection of Iommi’s ongoing vitality and dedication. In the closing track “Legacy,” Lande’s lyrics underscore this message with a pledge to keep Iommi’s creative spirit alive. He noted that despite Iommi’s age, the guitarist remains committed to producing what he calls “the best record of his life.”

Iommi’s musical style draws on early influences like The Shadows and John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers but was distinctively shaped by his love of horror films and a desire to evoke their eerie atmosphere in music. The haunting title track of Sabbath’s 1970 debut album bore the influence of a 1963 horror film and set the tone for the band’s groundbreaking approach to heavy metal.

The final Black Sabbath concert in July 2025, which featured the reunion of the band’s original lineup, was both a milestone and an emotional experience for Iommi. He expressed concern about Osbourne’s health, noting that the singer performed seated due to Parkinson’s disease and other ailments. The change from their usual dynamic performance left Iommi and the band members feeling a profound sense of loss during the show. The concert, which included performances by notable metal bands such as Tool, Metallica, and Pantera, will be released as a concert film later this year.

Iommi has been Black Sabbath’s only consistent member through decades of lineup changes and projects, including Heaven & Hell, a version of the band fronted by Ronnie James Dio. His solo work has been sporadic, with three albums released prior to this new one, often involving collaborations with other vocalists.

Since Sabbath ceased touring in 2017, Iommi has continued composing riffs, and this new album emerged from a collaborative process reignited by reconnecting with Jorn Lande, who was previously involved with the band’s projects. The record also features musicians Becky Baldwin on bass and Karl Brazil on drums, as well as a guest guitar solo by Queen’s Brian May.

Although Iommi is content with the album’s completion, he remains uncertain about the possibility of live performances. His focus remains on enjoying the creative process while embracing a cautious outlook—shaped in part by his 2012 lymphoma diagnosis, which is now in remission.

Reflecting on the persistent dark themes across his work, Iommi offered a wry explanation for his affinity: “Maybe I’m grim,” he said with a chuckle. Yet, his enduring passion for music and innovation suggests that his legacy will continue to influence heavy metal and rock music for years to come.