Black Sabbath announce title of new album; studio drummer revealed

Black Sabbath announced late this afternoon via Twitter that their forthcoming album will be titled 13, and will be released this coming June. Never mind the fact that this is their 19th album. Produced by Rick Rubin, it’s the first Sabbath album to feature Ozzy Osbourne on lead vocals since 1978’s Never Say Die. Unfortunately, original drummer Bill Ward is not part of this much-hyped reunion.

In addition, Classic Rock magazine revealed today that taking Ward’s place in the studio was none other than Brad Wilk of Rage Against the Machine. Ozzy’s own drummer Tommy Clufetos had filled in as drummer at the handful of reunion shows last year, and there’s no reason to believe Ward will participate in the near future at all. Black Sabbath will be touring New Zealand, Australia, and Japan starting in April:

Apr 20: Auckland Vector Arena, New Zealand
Apr 22: Auckland Vector Arena, New Zealand
Apr 25: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Australia
Apr 27: Sydney All Phones Arena, Australia
Apr 28: Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
May 1: Melbourne Rod Laver Arena, Australia
May 4: Perth Arena, Australia
May 12: Ozzfest, Tokyo Makahari Messe, Japan