Black Sabbath has confirmed that it will indeed be performing at the inaugural Ozzfest Japan , which is scheduled to take place May 11-12, 2013, in the Tokyo area.  The heavy-metal legends will headline the second day of the hard-rocking extravaganza.

In addition, the band has announced dates for a brief arena tour of Australia, marking Sabbath's first visit Down Under since 1974.  The four-date trek will kick off in Brisbane on April 25, and then stop in Sydney on April 27, Melbourne on May 1 and Perth on May 4.

In other news, Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi recently gave an update on the status of the band's upcoming studio album.  In an interview last week with The Blairing Out with Eric Blair Show , the rocker revealed that Sabbath has written 15 songs for the project, and has recorded "about six tracks."

Iommi also says he is not optimistic about the possibility of founding drummer Bill Ward rejoining the group.

He explains, "We'll always have a heart for Bill, but I think it's gone past that now, because it's gone on so long, that I don't see that happening at the moment."  Ward, of course, has not participated in the group's reunion concerts and recording project because of a contract disagreement.

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