Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has officially confirmed that his much-anticipated solo album — a project fans have waited years to hear — will definitely be released in 2026.
Iommi, the architect of heavy metal’s signature sound, made the announcement during a recent interview, putting to rest years of speculation and uncertainty about the project’s timeline. The guitarist described the release as a long-maturing artistic statement that reflects both his musical roots and his ongoing creative evolution.
“It’s definite,” Iommi said when asked about the album’s release.
“It will be out in 2026.”
While Iommi is best known for his work with Black Sabbath — the band he co-founded in 1968 and whose influence helped define metal — the solo album has been in various stages of development for several years. Iommi has hinted at the project in interviews dating back nearly a decade, describing it as a deeply personal endeavor that draws from many facets of his musical life.
Although details about the track list, collaborators, and musical direction have been kept under wraps, Iommi’s comments suggest the album will reflect both his past and present sensibilities. Given his history of blending heavy riffs with atmospheric nuance, fans anticipate a record that balances classic guitar craftsmanship with contemporary creative instincts.
For years, fans have heard tentative updates from Iommi about the solo project — ranging from promises that it was getting closer to repeated hedging about timing or content. This time, however, his message was unequivocal.
When pressed on the release window, Iommi simply affirmed it — twice. His certainty has been interpreted by observers as a clear signal that production, mixing, and artwork are all progressing toward completion, with label and distribution plans now in place.
The announcement carries extra meaning given Iommi’s personal journey. Over the last decade, he has faced significant health challenges, including battles with cancer and other ailments that affected his ability to perform consistently on the road. Despite these obstacles, Iommi has continued to write, record, and collaborate — a testament to his enduring commitment to music.
His decision to focus on a solo album reflects both a desire to explore ideas outside the framework of Black Sabbath and a readiness to share new work on his own terms. For fans who grew up with Sabbath’s thunderous stomp and genre-defining riffs, the solo project represents a rare chance to hear Iommi’s voice unfiltered by band dynamics.
While no official release date beyond the year has been confirmed yet, Iommi’s unequivocal statement has set expectations for a 2026 rollout, potentially alongside singles or previews ahead of the full album.
With his legacy already secure as one of rock and metal’s most influential guitarists, Iommi’s first widely anticipated solo album stands to be one of the most talked-about releases of 2026 — not just for its historical weight, but for what it might reveal about the artist himself after decades of shaping the sound of heavy music.
Fans now wait for further details, but one thing is clear: Tony Iommi’s solo record is finally coming — and it’s coming next year.
