Tony Iommi shares animated Stormwatcher video ahead of From the Dark
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has released an animated video for "Stormwatcher," the latest preview of his solo album From the Dark, due out Oct. 23. The video arrived Sept. 30, three weeks before the full record. It follows the first single, "World Alone."
The clip is black and white and styled like a woodcutting, with bold lines and stark contrasts building each scene. Singer Jørn Lande performs the lead vocal on the track, according to Rolling Stone. The YouTube page for "Stormwatcher (Official Video)" listed a premiere for 8:00 AM on Sept. 30, according to YouTube. A premiere on YouTube, in plain terms, means the video goes live at a set time for everyone to watch together.
From the Dark is Iommi's third solo album, a record made outside his work as guitarist with Black Sabbath. The term simply means the billing is his own, even when other singers and players take part, according to WDHA. Its first single, the standalone track sent to radio and streaming services ahead of an album, is "World Alone," which is available now. That song's official video is listed in the Official Music Videos section of Iommi's YouTube channel, as shown on YouTube.
The album will be released on BMG, the record company handling the release, according to Tony Iommi's official site. The track list also includes a song titled "Black Times." The project was first reported in late July, which set up a long lead-in of previews through September. The date to remember is Oct. 23.
In the run-up to the video, Iommi took the music to Birmingham. On Sept. 23, he surprised fans on the Black Sabbath Bridge in the city with an exclusive playback of "Stormwatcher," as shared on Facebook. A playback means fans heard the studio recording on site, rather than a live performance by a band.
What makes this stand out is the look of the clip, all sharp edges and shadows, paired with a straightforward countdown. For fans, this means the campaign has moved from announcement to public previews. Two songs have been heard. The full album is next.
