British heavy metal icon Black Sabbath has utilized today—January 13th—to announce the title of the band’s long-awaited reunion album: “13”. While the group does not elaborate in its statement the significance of the title beyond the obvious, it is otherwise informative.
Though not outright stated, the wording of the article suggests that the recording stages of the album are complete, noting that the band “recorded the album primarily in Los Angeles”.
In addition, the statement revealed that, as previously expected, drummer Tommy Clufetos was not involved with the recording of the album. Rather, former Rage against the Machine drummer Brad Wilk recorded the drums as a session musician. It is not known if Clufetos will continue to be the live drummer for the band.
Lastly, the statement also reveals that the album is anticipated to be released this June via Vertigo Records (Vertigo/Republic in the United States)—the band’s first record label.
As has been widely covered, the current iteration of Black Sabbath is not the complete reunion as was intended. Ward was in fact involved in the original reunion press conference that took place on 11/11/11 over two years ago, but since then has not been involved in any band activities due to contract disputes.
Ward has made his position public on numerous occasions, and even requested that his images be removed from the remade Black Sabbath website so as not to give fans the impression that he was participating in the project. This originally led to speculation that it was the band’s decision to remove his image, which caused an uproar until Ward clarified that it was his decision.
In addition to personnel issues, the band also had to overcome serious health issues, with band leader Tony Iommi being diagnosed with lymphoma not long after Black Sabbath first announced its reunion.
The ensuing medical battle naturally limited the band’s activities, which was to include a full world tour. Instead, the band played only a select few shows. The album was also expected to be released in 2012 as well.
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