Image: About.com

BY: CHRISTY LEWIS

Rockers around the world rejoice! After decades without a new album, Black Sabbath is getting back together...again. This time, it’s a reunion and some new records. Oh and one more thing:

“There will also be a world tour. The band will kick it off at the Donington Park Festival in June.”

The announcement follows months of speculation about reunion possibilities. Focus and listen closely -- here’s what Ozzy had to say about the comeback.

“Well, it was time. The time was right, you know. For the longest time people kept asking when we would have a reunion will you ever do an album? And it was just time, you know.”

In 1997, the band got back together, performed a handful of shows, and released two new songs. This wasn’t enough for fans. But according to bass player Geezer Butler, the new stuff will surely satisfy today’s audience.

“It really is back to the Sabbath style sound. And we tried to do that before and it didn’t work. It just wasn’t up to our standards. But this time the stuff that Tony’s been playing is absolutely brilliant. We’re all excited to be a part of it and to be playing again. And we know that this time it’s going to happen.”

So collectively, the crew’s comeback is due to timing. But, an MSNBC’s Headbang blogger says time could work against the group. He notes Ozzy’s old age and stumble-style speech.

“...the thought of Ozzy's auto-tune all over a new Sabbath record is a little off-putting, but to be honest, any day the most influential heavy metal band gets back together for one more kick at the can is a very, very good day. Let's just hope they play a few rarely-heard tracks alongside the usual live staples. A couple off Sabotage, maybe?”

A writer for Hitfix says the band’s previous reunions have gotten mixed reviews, adding while the new material might be great, the chances are kind of slim.

“...this could all be with the quartet's tongues planted firmly in each's respective cheeks. I wouldn't doubt some level of parody or pageantry. Reunions are helpful cash grabs, and sometimes result in an acclaimed comeback, even if the convergence is short. I hope Black Sabbath bang the hell out of their tour ... There is some doubt.”

The band has had longer reunion tours before, with Sabbath’s second frontman, Ronnie James Dio.
Fans are pretty evenly split on which singer they prefer, but a blogger for Heavy Blog is Heavy thinks the original roster can’t be beat.

“...new Sabbath is A-OK in my book, so long as it doesn’t stray too far from their core sound. Sure, Ozzy’s recent solo material sucked, but I have hope for my favorite Sabbath lineup!”

Finally, a Metal Injection writer had some varied reactions to the news.

“I am a bit skeptical about a new Sabbath album, because I love love love the classics so much...I really can't wait to see Sabbath live! Who else is pumped?”

The rock band also announced the launching of their new website, blacksabbath.com, during the press conference. Rick Rubin is set to produce the new album, and the band is scheduled to hit the studio early next year.