HEAVEN AND HELL - the band featuring BLACK SABBATH members Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums) - has entered Rockfield studios in Wales to begin recording its new album, the group's first since the band's Dehumanizer (which was also recorded at Rockfield) in 1992. An early 2009 release via Rhino Records is expected.

In 2006, Dio, Iommi, Butler and Appice reunited to record three new songs for Rhino's Black Sabbath: The Dio Years ('The Devil Cried', 'Shadow Of The Wind', and 'Ear In The Wall') compilation before hitting the road around the world under their new moniker Heaven And Hell.

About the reunion, Dio told BW&BK; that "writing the songs together, Tony and I just remembered how easy it was for us, and how good we were at writing songs together. So after we did three of them, it really just flowed out. It took a lot of time because I had touring to do, and I had to keep going back to England to implement these things. But in reality, it took almost no time to write three great songs. So I think that was when the seed was probably planted. Playing live… I think that was probably management at the end of the day. I would imagine that the record label would be involved as well. They certainly would like to see this thing supported that way. But it didn't come from us. It just seemed to progress from writing the songs, and it seemed like a viable thing to do it at this time.”

Heaven And Hell will hit the road in early 2009 in support of the new album. So far the following shows have been announced:

June

3-6 - Sölvesborg, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival

19-21 - Clisson, France - Hellfest

BW&BK; issue #102 featuring an extensice chat with Heaven And Hell can be purchased here.