Iommi – ‘From The Dark’

(BMG)

There are few names in Heavy Metal that carry quite the same weight as Tony Iommi. As the architect of Black Sabbath’s unmistakable sound, he helped create the blueprint for an entire genre, establishing a musical language built around dark atmospheres, crushing riffs, ominous melodies and a sense of foreboding that remains as influential today as it was more than five decades ago. His guitar playing has always possessed a distinctive character, combining sheer heaviness with an almost supernatural ability to create memorable musical passages. With From The Dark, Iommi returns to that familiar territory, delivering a project that embraces the darker side of heavy metal while bringing another formidable talent into the spotlight.

That talent is none other than Jorn Lande, a vocalist whose presence immediately gives this project an unmistakable identity. I’ve been a fan of Jorn ever since hearing his first solo album, Starfire, and I’ve followed his career with considerable interest ever since. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the finest voices in melodic and traditional heavy metal, possessing a remarkable combination of power, grit, melody and emotional intensity. It is therefore particularly exciting to see him involved in a project of this stature, one that has the potential to introduce his considerable vocal abilities to a much wider mainstream metal audience.

Jorn sounds as powerful as ever, bringing exactly the right combination of authority and theatrical intensity to Iommi’s distinctive brand of dark, brooding metal. His voice has always had that wonderful ability to sound simultaneously commanding and expressive, moving effortlessly between muscular, aggressive delivery and more melodic passages without losing its character. There is a genuine sense of conviction in his performance, and he understands instinctively how to inhabit this material. Rather than simply singing over Iommi’s compositions, he becomes an integral part of their identity, adding another layer of personality to the music.

Of course, the foundation of everything here is Iommi himself. His guitar work remains the defining ingredient, and there is something wonderfully reassuring about hearing that unmistakable musical signature at the heart of a contemporary heavy metal project. The riffs have weight, the arrangements possess an imposing sense of scale, and the overall atmosphere is wonderfully dark. This isn't music designed to chase fashionable trends or appeal to passing musical tastes. It is Heavy Metal with a clear understanding of its own heritage, delivered with confidence and an appreciation of what makes the genre so enduring.

What makes From The Dark particularly appealing is the balance between heaviness and melody. While the overall sound is undeniably dark and muscular, there is considerably more going on beneath the surface than simply a succession of crushing guitar riffs. The compositions have structure, purpose and a strong melodic identity, ensuring that the music remains engaging rather than becoming an exercise in relentless heaviness. The darker passages create tension, while the more expansive sections provide opportunities for the melodies to emerge and take hold.

This is where Jorn proves such an inspired choice. His melodic instincts are exceptional, and he has the ability to find the emotional centre of even the heaviest material. There is a natural drama to his delivery, a sense that every vocal passage has something to communicate. He brings a powerful melodic sensibility to the darker musical surroundings, creating an interesting contrast between the imposing instrumental arrangements and the more expressive qualities of his voice.

The production and overall presentation are equally important to the album's appeal. Everything needs to sound suitably enormous, and the music benefits from an approach that allows the guitars to dominate without sacrificing clarity. The darker textures give the material plenty of atmosphere, while the heavier elements retain the punch and impact necessary to make the whole experience satisfying. There is a cinematic quality to the sound, with an almost ominous presence that reinforces the album's identity.

Another significant strength is the consistency of the musical direction. Across its eight-song running time, the album maintains a coherent personality, never losing sight of the dark, brooding atmosphere that defines the project. There is no need for unnecessary experimentation or stylistic detours. Instead, the focus remains firmly on delivering powerful, memorable Heavy Metal built around Iommi's guitar work and Jorn's commanding vocal performances.

For fans of traditional Heavy Metal, that combination should be reason enough to investigate. However, I would also argue that From The Dark deserves attention from those who have followed Jorn's career through his solo work and various other projects. His involvement here offers another opportunity to appreciate just how versatile and accomplished a vocalist he is. He has always been capable of delivering the goods, but placing him alongside a musician as historically significant as Tony Iommi gives his performance an additional sense of occasion.

There is also something particularly satisfying about the prospect of this project bringing Jorn to a broader audience. He has spent years demonstrating his abilities, and his voice deserves to be heard by anyone with an appreciation of quality Heavy Metal singing. If From The Dark encourages more listeners to explore his back catalogue, then that can only be a positive development.

Ultimately, this is a project built on two musicians who understand exactly what they bring to the table. Iommi supplies the unmistakable darkness, weight and guitar-driven identity, while Jorn provides the power, melody and vocal personality to make the material come alive. It is a combination that makes perfect sense, and one that should appeal to listeners who appreciate their Heavy Metal with plenty of atmosphere, substance and genuine musical conviction.

‘Over The Violent Sun’ is a tremendous opening statement, built around a classic Tony Iommi guitar riff that immediately establishes the album's dark and imposing personality. The guitars have that unmistakable weight, while the rhythm section provides a thunderous foundation. Jorn Lande is absolutely magnificent, delivering a commanding vocal performance packed with power, grit and melody. A fantastic introduction that sets the bar high.

‘Black Times’, keeping the intensity firmly in place, this is another wonderfully heavy composition with a wonderfully ominous atmosphere. Iommi's guitar work is particularly impressive, combining crushing riffs with some beautifully constructed melodic passages. Jorn brings plenty of drama to the performance, his voice perfectly suited to the darker musical surroundings. A heavyweight slice of traditional metal.

‘World Alone’ is one of the album's more immediate and infectious moments, this is a fantastic example of Iommi's ability to combine sheer heaviness with an instantly memorable musical hook. There's a driving energy running throughout, with some particularly impressive guitar work and a terrific vocal performance from Jorn. A real standout that deserves its place among the album's highlights.

‘Beyond The Dead’, here the atmosphere becomes considerably more expansive and cinematic. A sinister, stately guitar riff provides the foundation, while the orchestral elements add another dimension to the arrangement. Jorn responds with a wonderfully expressive performance, bringing an epic quality to the composition. Dark, dramatic and beautifully constructed.

‘Stormwatcher’ is a wonderfully atmospheric piece of Heavy Metal, featuring another memorable Iommi riff and plenty of melodic substance. There's a sense of drama and adventure running through the arrangement, while Jorn's vocals provide the emotional centrepiece. The combination of brooding instrumentation and soaring vocal delivery makes this one particularly satisfying.

‘Death Wake’, the heaviness returns in impressive fashion, with another muscular performance from the entire band. The guitar work is outstanding, and the additional contribution from Brian May provides an especially exciting moment. Jorn once again delivers the goods, combining his trademark power with plenty of melodic expression. A seriously impressive collaboration.

‘Return Of The Arbalist’, shorter and more direct, this is a wonderfully forceful composition that brings plenty of energy to the album's closing stages. The guitars are suitably ferocious, the rhythm section drives everything forward, and Jorn sounds absolutely tremendous. A fantastic burst of gothic-flavoured Heavy Metal.

‘Legacy’ is a magnificent way to close the album. Longer, more expansive and wonderfully atmospheric, this composition allows Iommi to explore the more emotional side of his songwriting. Jorn delivers a superb vocal performance, bringing real character and feeling to the arrangement. The guitar work is exceptional, and the overall sense of grandeur makes this a fitting finale.

From The Dark is a heavyweight collaboration that delivers exactly what you'd hope for from two musicians of this calibre. Tony Iommi brings the riffs, darkness and unmistakable Heavy Metal identity, while Jorn Lande proves once again why he is one of the finest voices in the business. I've admired Jorn for a long time, and hearing him front this wonderfully brooding material is an absolute treat. Powerful, atmospheric, melodic and packed with attitude, this is a partnership that simply works. More importantly, it deserves to introduce Jorn's extraordinary vocal talents to a much wider metal audience. A fantastic meeting of Heavy Metal royalty. Turn it up and let the darkness take over!

7/10

Essential Track – ‘World Alone’

Review by Woody