Doomheads may regret this new record isn't an experimental black mass of riffs. Fans of lacy-sleeved hard rock, however, will lean into the tuneful thunderstorm. Print edition only

Considering that Tony Iommi is one of, if not the, most significant heavy metal figure in the current landscape, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t believe From The Dark to be a deeply significant moment in his career

A reaffirmation of the man’s elemental power and enduring importance

The whole thing is biblically, sometimes exhaustingly epic, but a timely reminder of Iommi's pioneering musicianship. Print edition only

From The Dark is the sort of album where nothing is out of place - everything adds to its integrity, and to the brooding atmosphere of foreboding. Print edition only

Iommi’s vision and intentions make for a seriously powerful set of tunes that will keep plenty of Metalheads more than happy

This is a splendid album, brilliantly performed and recorded; it is forward-looking and completely able to hold its own in the contemporary metal world