Black Sabbath Recording Songs for First Album in 33 Years

Last week, Ozzy Osbourne’s wife and manager Sharon Osbourne was in the studio at Triple M in Sydney, Australia and shared that Black Sabbath is in the studio and planning a tour in 2013, specifically mentioning dates in Australia. Osbourne said the group is working with Rick Rubin, recording their first album in 33 years by the reunited original lineup.

Ozzy, along with Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler are working on the album, while drummer Bill Ward sits out, reportedly over a contract dispute. Alice Cooper drummer Tommy Clufetos is filling in for now, but the group would welcome back Ward, according to Osbourne.

Earlier this year, Iommi faced complications in his fight with cancer, which forced the band to cancel their reunion tour they’d announced in November. Iommi has already tracked all 15 songs during the band’s sessions in the UK earlier this year and is reportedly in good spirits.

According to a report by Metal Injection, Geezer Butler said that 12 of the 15 tracks “will make the record, most likely with the additional three serving as bonus tracks for different special editions.” Butler is writing all the lyrics, according to the report, and Ozzy is currently tracking the vocals.

The band’s reunion has garnered a lot of press, from the announcement, another announcement, and then the “state of the reunion” update. Here’s hoping for smooth sailing from here on out.

Here is a video of Sharon Osbourne’s time in Triple M’s studio: