Black Sabbath Announce Album Title and Drummer

Black Sabbath have a new album coming and now it has a title: 13. The group's first LP with Ozzy Osbourne since 1978 will be released in June. After the announcement that Bill Ward would not be participating in the reunion, much has been made about who would replace him, and no it appears Rage Against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk has been tapped for studio duties.

Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler recorded the album primarily in Los Angeles with producer Rick Rubin.

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Godless and Chuck are still recovering from the flu, and they suck at it, but damn it there is metal to be talked about. Black Sabbath announce studio drummer, Anthrax replace Rob Caggiano, that For Today dude is an asshole and plenty of other topics randomly pop up this week as we explore the depths of metal on Visions From the Darkside, Sundays at 10p CST on www.nocontrolradio.com

Ozzy Named the Greatest Rockstar of All-time

Black Sabbath frontman, Ozzy Ozbourne was named the greatest rockstar of all time by heavy metal fans of Kerrang. After the return of the 'reunited' Sabbath show last month

Kerrang said: “In June he proved why he’s the biggest musical star in the firmament. He sang like the devil himself: wild power thundering from his mic.” 

I am not sure if they are trying to score an interview or owe him something, but I have seen Ozzy perform, and he is still a legend, but that description defies explanation. Good for you Oz, go talk to Bill Ward please...

Black Sabbath to Play Lollapalooza

The rumors were all over this week about Black Sabbath playing Lollapalooza, and now those rumors have been confirmed. As the oddest addition to the line up, Sabbath will be playing one of their only US dates in August at the now stationary Chicago festival. As the only metal act at the festival, if you plan to make an appearance I simply beg you to wear some evil metal garb to make a point.

The one really great thing with this news is that Tony Iommi appears to be recovering well from his battle with cancer. Not well enough to do a full tour, but at least a show at Download and Lollapalooza. The flipside is still the question about Bill Ward and an actual reunion of the full band. No word whether they will be able to reconcile or who will be sitting in on the skins in his place. We'll see what happens in August!

Tony Iommi Diagnosed with Cancer

Sad news released today, Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with Cancer. This on the heels of the Black Sabbath reunion with Ozzy, this statement was released via the band:

“With the news that Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma, his bandmates would like everyone to send positive vibes to the guitarist at this time. Iommi is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan–the “IRON MAN” of Rock & Roll remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery. 

This comes as Black Sabbath…–Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums)–are writing and recording their first album in 33 years in Los Angeles (still set for release this fall) with producer Rick Rubin. They will now go to the UK to continue to work with Tony. Further information will be released as it becomes available.”

Keep him in your metal thoughts, and send some good stuff his way, we want to hear a ton of new tunes from Sabbath, and anything else he has to offer! To a speedy recovery Mr. Iommi!

Shatner/Wylde Version of 'Iron Man' Preview

When William Shatner decided to record a 'space' themed album, I thought, it could be interesting. Then when I heard Zakk Wylde was going to assist in his rendition of the Sabbath classic Iron Man, I became frightened. Now you can find out why... Revolver Mag debut William Shatner Iron man feat. Zakk Wylde by Cleopatra Records

Black Sabbath to Reunite Original Line-up...Then again No

When this video popped up on the Black Sabbath facebook page, the speculation of a reunion of all four original members of Sabbath felt like it might be coming true. Eventhough as recently as February Geezer Butler on his officially stated this about the reunion:

"I would like to make it clear, because of mounting speculation and rumours, that there will be definitely NO reunion of all four original members of Black Sabbath, whether to record an album or to tour."

Now it appears Sabbath fans that it is a dream come true, according to Birminghammail.net they have been gearing up for a tour and working on new music:

‘‘We’re really looking forward to it and I think the stuff we’ve been writing is really good,’’ said 63-year-old Iommi. ‘‘It’s more back to the old original stuff. It’s all been very hush-hush. Ozzy’s been the worst at trying to hold it back. He’s doing a lot of TV and he’s being asked stuff about a reunion and he’s going ‘well I never say never’. He told me, ‘I don’t know what to say’.’’

Updated: The schmucks at the aforementioned website apparently screwed up or lied about what was heard, or exaggerated or something...NO reunion, and now fans weep soft black tears...Tony Iommi officially cleared the air, and sucked the life out of the metal hopefuls