Tony Iommi Returns: Black Sabbath Legend Teases First Solo Album in 20 Years — But Who’s Joining Him?

July 15, 2025 rocknews

The godfather of heavy metal is back in the studio — and this time, it’s personal. Tony Iommi, the iconic Black Sabbath guitarist, has confirmed he’s working on a brand-new solo album, marking his first full-length release since 2005’s Fused. For fans of thunderous riffs and dark melodic textures, this is the comeback they’ve been waiting for.

In a recent interview on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation, Iommi revealed that the album had been quietly in progress before Sabbath’s monumental farewell show, Back To The Beginning, pulled him back into the spotlight. “I was doing my own album until BTTB came up,” he said. “Then, of course, I had to stop and concentrate on the Sabbath performance. But I’m continuing next week on trying to finish off what I started.”

Originally envisioned as an instrumental record, the project has since evolved. “I’ve got some instrumental stuff,” Iommi explained, “but then I thought, ‘Oh, I wanna try it with a singer.’” He’s currently working with one vocalist, though he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of multiple guest appearances — a nod to his 2000 solo debut Iommi, which featured collaborations with Dave Grohl, Serj Tankian, and Henry Rollins.

But here’s where things get interesting. With Back To The Beginning bringing together a jaw-dropping lineup — Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Mastodon, Halestorm, and more — could Iommi be eyeing fresh collaborations with these modern metal titans? Imagine a track with Lzzy Hale’s powerhouse vocals or a riff duel with Tom Morello. Is this solo album about to become a supergroup showcase?

And what about Ozzy? The Prince of Darkness reunited with Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for Sabbath’s final bow, and despite past tensions, their chemistry still crackled. Could Ozzy lend his voice to one last Iommi track? Or is this truly the end of their musical journey together?

Let’s not forget Iommi’s recent surprise appearance on Robbie Williams’ “Rocket” — proof that he’s not afraid to step outside the metal realm. “I can’t stop,” he said. “I have to carry on. I enjoy what I do. And it’s great being creative. That’s what started me off and that’s what will finish me off, probably.”

So we ask you, Rock News UK readers:

Who should Iommi collaborate with next?
Would you want Ozzy back behind the mic?
Should this album be a celebration of Sabbath’s legacy — or a bold leap into new territory?

No release date has been announced yet, but if Iommi’s track record is anything to go by, expect a masterclass in metal craftsmanship — heavy, haunting, and unmistakably his.