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Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi Updates Long-Awaited Solo Album: “I’m Trying to Complete What I Started”
After nearly two decades since his last solo release—2005’s Fused—Black Sabbath’s legendary guitarist Tony Iommi is once again hard at work on a fresh solo album. In a recent interview, the 77‑year‑old riff master candidly revealed that he’s “trying to finish off what I started,” offering fans an encouraging glimpse behind the scenes of the long‑awaited project.
A Patient, Passion‑Driven Process
Iommi, the iconic heavy-metal guitar creator, has been laboring at an intentionally slow rate on his latest music. Drawing comparisons between his older music and this new batch of songs, he clarified that already published singles—Scent of Dark (2021) and Deified (2024)—would not be included on the album, stating, “Those are separate things for me.”
Working with longtime engineer Mike Exeter from his home studio in the West Midlands, Iommi has structured his sessions across Mondays and Tuesdays. He described a creative process focused on experimentation: “We’ll go in and focus on a particular track while also fiddling around with sounds and whatnot for other stuff.” 
More Than Just a Solo Effort
When asked about the album’s musical direction, Iommi indicated a broad stylistic range, revealing that the material spans “from acoustic to heavy.” While still in its formative stages, the album may feature orchestration. “I’ve got a lot of stuff [written]… now we’re actually getting around to sort of putting it together,” he told Guitar World, adding that he’s “in no rush” and fully enjoying the process. 
The absence of tight deadlines echoes earlier comments in January, when Iommi described there’s “no pressure,” welcoming the freedom to work at his own pace and maintain the enjoyment in the process—something which he also appreciated while recording Ozzy Osbourne’s 2022 Patient Number 9. 
Building a Storied Solo Catalog
A solo album from Iommi is rare: Fused (2005), co‑credited with Glenn Hughes, marked his second solo album, following Iommi (2000). The latter project featured an eclectic roster of guest vocalists like Ozzy Osbourne, Henry Rollins, Dave Grohl, Phil Anselmo, Billy Idol, and more—a testament to Iommi’s expansive musical curiosity .
Now, after a 20‑year solo hiatus, this new album would be a historic third in his discography—a milestone equaling the artistry presented on his earlier albums. ()
Collaborations & Inspirations
In his Full Metal Jackie radio interview, Iommi described the inspiration as having been organic: “I just do things when I want to… I’ve really enjoyed doing this stuff, as I did with Ozzy when I’d done a couple of tracks for his last album.” He’s open to keep working together and “quite open for all that now. Whatever comes, and I like it, I do it.
Iommi also intimated that another one-off single will align with an upcoming fragrance launch with luxury perfume designer Xerjoff, following the example of Scent of Dark—a track released at the same time as his first signature cologne.
Health, Commitment & Heritage
Now 77 and beset by well-controlled lymphoma, Iommi is uncompromising in his commitment to music. His determination to start new songs and carry them through to completion—”trying to finish off what I started”—testifies to an artist unwilling to leave any riff unturned.
Reflecting on his vast oeuvre—from helping to define Sabbath’s sound to going solo—he maintains the journey itself is reward enough. “There’s no pressure. It’s been fun putting it together, and that’s… what it’s all about,” he said.
 
What Lies Ahead
Details of a release schedule are being withheld. No title, track listing, or general release period has been revealed by Iommi. He stressed that the album’s timetable is dictated by nothing but inspiration and available studio time. One thing, though, is for sure: audiences can anticipate a third chapter to a solo career that—while intermittent—has been adventurous and faithful to his signature riff‑oriented approach.
With piecing together heavy riffs, melodic explorations, orchestral ideas, and high-profile guest spots, Tony Iommi’s next solo endeavor stands as both a celebration of his past and an exciting glimpse into his future. True to form, he’s low on hype but high on heart—and in the hands of one of metal’s greatest innovators, that’s more than enough.
