About this album

Sound: "Heavy riffs blend with melodic interludes, showcasing Iommi's signature dark sound and emotional depth."

Where they were

Released in 2000, 'Iommi' marked Tony Iommi's first solo album after his long tenure with Black Sabbath. At this point in his career, Iommi was exploring his individual musical identity beyond the band's legacy, having contributed to the heavy metal genre for over three decades.

Why it matters

'Iommi' received critical acclaim, highlighting Iommi's guitar work and songwriting prowess. It served as a significant moment for the artist, reinforcing his influence on heavy metal while reaching notable chart positions in various countries.

Essential tracks

  • "Goodbye Lament" — This track encapsulates the album's emotional weight with its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, showcasing Iommi's unique ability to blend heaviness with vulnerability.
  • "Flame On" — With its driving rhythm and powerful riffs, 'Flame On' exemplifies Iommi's signature sound while demonstrating his evolution as a songwriter post-Black Sabbath.
  • "Black Oblivion" — 'Black Oblivion' stands out for its epic length and complex structure, representing Iommi's mastery of atmospheric storytelling through music.

Release Date

October 17, 2000

Artist Origin

United Kingdom

Tracklist

  1. 1 Laughing Man (In the Devil Mask) 3:40
  2. 2 Meat 4:53
  3. 3 Goodbye Lament 4:50
  4. 4 Time Is Mine 4:56
  5. 5 Patterns 4:20
  6. 6 Black Oblivion 8:20
  7. 7 Flame On 4:29
  8. 8 Just Say No to Love 4:27
  9. 9 Who’s Fooling Who 6:10
  10. 10 Into the Night 5:04