Hear Tony Iommi's acoustic-driven ode to Birmingham Cathedral
Black Sabbath legend records new guitar arrangement with Cathedral choir
Although it's unlikely we'll hear any more music from Black Sabbath before their farewell gigs at Birmingham's Genting Arena in February, Tony Iommi has released a new song of its own - although it's probably not what you'd expect: an ode to his hometown's cathedral.
How Good It Is showcases an acoustic arrangement accompanied by the Birmingham Cathedral choir, but features a few tasty electric licks from the godfather of heavy metal, too.
A collaboration with Tony's friend, the Dean of Birmingham, the Very Reverend Catherine Ogle, the five-minute composition features lyrics inspired by Psalm 133, celebrating "peace, harmony and the Cathedral's role in the heart of the city" - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath it ain't.
It's just a little bit different to Sabbath!
"It's just a little bit different to Sabbath!" Tony laughs.
"We've done instrumental work before with orchestras and it's something I enjoy doing. It's completely different from any of the heavier stuff.
"This is a completely new piece of music and I'm really pleased with it."
For anyone surprised by the collaboration, Tony also took the opportunity to clear up a common misconception about Sabbath.
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"People used to think we were Satanists but we weren't. The songs were the opposite and all about the dangers of Black Magic and Satanism," he explains.
"The closest we came was Black Magic chocolates!"
You can hear the track above and download it from Birmingham Cathedral.
Mike has been Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com since 2019, and an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict for far longer. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and 15 years' experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. His writing also appears in the The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock as Maebe.
