Album Review: Tony Iommi - From The Dark (BMG Records, 2026)
2 hours ago
5 min read
Written: 21st October 2026
Godfather of the Heavy Metal Riff Tony Iommi scarcely needs any introduction to any fan of rock or metal music. Iommi’s contributions have been recognised with multiple Grammy Awards, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and honorary academic distinctions in the UK. He was awarded a doctorate from Coventry University, a Lord Mayor’s Award and the Freedom of the City of Birmingham. Most recently, in June 2026, he was awarded an MBE, one of the highest honours in British public life.
Now seventy-eight years old, the legendary Black Sabbath guitarist has lost none of his enthusiasm for the genre he helped create. For From The Dark, Iommi surrounds himself with an exceptional group of musicians, including Norwegian vocalist Jørn Lande, bassist Becky Baldwin, drummer Karl Brazil and his long-time creative partner Mike Exeter, who again contributes production, keyboards and co-writing duties. The chemistry between them is woven into every aspect of the album. As Iommi succinctly states: “It's an album we've really enjoyed making. We're not trying to prove anything, it's a great album, it rocks!”
The opening moments of Over The Violent Sun leave no room for uncertainty. After all the anticipation surrounding From The Dark, it takes only a handful of seconds for Tony Iommi to remind us why his name commands such reverence. There is something deeply satisfying about hearing his guitar emerge from the speakers once again, not simply because it evokes memories of the past, but because it still sounds unlike anyone else. Beneath it, Becky Baldwin and Karl Brazil lay down a formidable foundation whilst Jørn Lande immediately establishes himself as the perfect companion for this odyssey. His voice - which does have some Dio-like qualities and tones at times - possesses the authority the material demands, yet there is humanity there too. Built around a compelling motif from Iommi, it is a darkly brooding track that serves as the perfect introduction to the album.
The atmosphere thickens considerably with Black Times. Initially unfolding at a measured pace, it feels like a storm gathering on the horizon, each passage increasing the tension as Iommi's colossal riffs loom ever larger. Yet there is far more to the song than its sheer weight. Moments of elegance emerge from the darkness, particularly during the central instrumental passage, where the music turns inwards and reveals a surprisingly reflective side. It is a stunning contrast to what surrounds it and further evidence of Iommi's understanding of dynamics. His lead work is beautifully judged throughout, expressive without ever drawing attention away from the song itself.
World Alone provides the first real surge of urgency. One of the album’s most immediate musical ideas, it radiates an uplifting determination that proves difficult to resist. The lyrics chart a path through adversity towards self-belief, culminating in an evocative declaration. In the waters that you helm, the siren of the heart / Tyrants of the dawning can steal your sun / From the shatter of the quake, inner blackness you unfurl / To burn it with your fire, screaming, you restore your world alone. Rather than dwelling on isolation, Lande transforms it into an expression of resilience, giving the song an emotional weight that lingers long after it has ended. The playing is equally compelling, with the rhythm section providing an undercurrent that sweeps us along from beginning to end.
Beyond The Dead – one of my favourites on the album - takes From The Dark into more ambitious territory. The arrangement unfolds on an impressive scale, yet never sacrifices precision or control. Orchestral embellishments broaden the song's reach, whilst Lande's measured performance ensures the human element is never lost amidst the grandeur. Patiently structured, each section feels carefully considered, the song revealing itself gradually rather than chasing immediate impact.
At the heart of the record sits Stormwatcher, and it forms a magnificent one-two with Beyond The Dead. The lyrics cast the Stormwatcher as a battered sailor navigating a world in decline. “It channels something from within, something real,” Lande explains. Using vivid maritime imagery of black ships, broken seas, ghosts and distant horizons, it explores inner demons, faith and the struggle to keep hope alive in the face of despair. I'll sail my dreams away to blue horizons / Far from the waters that I see / Anchoring my vision in a brand-new dawning / To seal the pain that never leaves / The Stormwatcher bleeds / Let the crosswinds carry me. There is something undeniably moving about the repeated longing for clearer skies and brighter destinations. Lande inhabits every line completely, his performance balancing weariness and determination in equal measure. Meanwhile, Iommi's guitar seems less concerned with domination and more interested in acting as the song’s compass. Immersive and evocative.
Death Wake initially favours restraint over outright aggression. Rather than overwhelming the listener, each passage adds to the song's growing emotional weight. Brian May's contribution is inspired, his distinctive guitar adding colour and character without ever diverting attention from the song itself. A lingering melancholy runs through the piece, lending it both depth and poignancy. With Return Of The Arbalist, the energy level rises immediately and the song accelerates forward thanks to the superb interplay between Baldwin and Brazil, whose rhythmic drive gives the track a real sense of urgency. Iommi, meanwhile, sounds as though he is having tremendous fun, scattering riffs throughout the song with an ease that only serves to underline his enduring class. There is nothing remotely forced about the performance; instead, the whole piece possesses the confidence of musicians who know exactly what is required and deliver it with complete assurance. While some may be drawn to the album's more intricate arrangements, Return Of The Arbalist is a reminder that a great riff, a powerful groove and vibrant momentum can be just as intoxicating when placed in the hands of players of this calibre.
That brings us to Legacy. For an album carrying the weight of Tony Iommi's name, it is difficult to imagine a more fitting conclusion. Stretching beyond seven minutes, the song unfolds with patience and purpose, its occasional Sabbath-like inflections serving as a subtle reminder of where the journey began. Moments of introspection sit comfortably alongside bursts of immense power, creating a balance handled with remarkable poise. Lande rises magnificently to the occasion, delivering a performance rich in character and emotion, while Iommi responds with all the authority, imagination and feeling that have defined his career. As the piece develops, it becomes increasingly apparent that everything the album has explored is being drawn together into a single, cohesive statement. Legacy feels entirely worthy of its title and provides a powerful closing chapter to a remarkable musical journey.
From The Dark finds Tony Iommi with nothing left to prove and yet still plenty to say. Rather than relying on reputation, the album stands firmly on the strength of its songwriting, performances and atmosphere. Whether exploring vast, cinematic landscapes or delivering riffs of crushing simplicity, it consistently demonstrates the musical instinct and artistic clarity that have defined Iommi's career. Baldwin, Brazil, Lande and Exeter all play vital roles in bringing these songs to life, their collective performances elevating the material at every turn, yet From The Dark never loses sight of the guiding hand at its centre. This remains unmistakably Iommi's vision from beginning to end. While there are - unsurprisingly - some echoes of the Ozzy, Dio and Tony Martin eras of Black Sabbath, few musicians remain this creatively vital nearly six decades into their recording career. From The Dark is not merely a welcome return; it is evidence that one of heavy music's true pioneers remains a formidable force. Commanding. Authoritative. Timeless.
From The Dark is released on 23rd October 2026. Deluxe Versions contain two bonus track which I did not have access to at the time of writing.
For further information visit Iommi.com
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