Tony Iommi is returning to solo territory after more than two decades, and one of rock’s most recognizable guitarists is bringing an old friend along for the ride.
The Black Sabbath guitarist’s upcoming album, From The Dark, is scheduled for release on October 23 and includes an appearance from Queen guitarist Brian May.
May contributes guitar to “Death Wake,” adding another chapter to a friendship and musical connection that stretches back decades. Iommi has described May as his best friend, and the two guitar legends have remained close through years of touring, recording and changing chapters in their respective careers.
Their friendship has also regularly involved guitars. Iommi and May have spent time playing together away from the spotlight, and Iommi invited the Queen guitarist to contribute when the new solo project began taking shape.
May’s involvement ultimately remained limited to one track. Iommi offered him the opportunity to play on additional material, but May preferred to leave the spotlight on his longtime friend’s guitar work.
It is hardly the first time their friendship has made its way onto a record.
May previously appeared on “When Death Calls,” from Black Sabbath’s 1989 album Headless Cross. Their connection has continued in the decades since, with the two musicians maintaining a relationship that extends well beyond occasional studio collaborations.
Iommi has said May and the late Eddie Van Halen were among the few fellow guitarists with whom he remained especially close over the years.
From The Dark also represents a major milestone in Iommi’s solo career. It is his first solo album since 2005’s Fused, which featured longtime collaborator and former Deep Purple musician Glenn Hughes.
For the new record, Iommi has assembled a lineup featuring vocalist Jørn Lande, bassist Becky Baldwin and drummer Karl Brazil. Iommi and Mike Exeter produced the album.
After decades spent helping define the sound of heavy metal, Iommi’s return to a full solo album already carries plenty of historical weight. Having Brian May turn up for a song adds something more personal: two architects of heavyweight British guitar music finding another reason to plug in together.
