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Black Sabbath will tour "as much as they are able" in 2013, guitarist Tony Iommi has revealed.
The 64-year-old musician, who recently battled cancer, thanked fans for their "encouraging" support throughout the year as the group - comprising of frontman Ozzy Osbourne and bassist Geezer Butler - reunited for their comeback homecoming show last May, their first in Birmingham since 1999.
"I'm still working on the album and managed to play three shows, not bad given the news a year ago," he wrote in a post on his website.
"I'm looking forward to next year, seeing what you think of the record and touring as much as we're able."
The metal icons, who were crowned the most important British metal act of all time by the BPI, previously said they have already recorded six tracks out of a possible 15 for their new - and final - album, their first studio record in 33 years.
Original drummer Bill Ward is not expected to be included in the line-up, following claims that he was unhappy with his contract.
"We'll always have a heart for Bill, but I think it's gone past that now, because it's gone on so long I don't see that happening at the moment," Tony has explained.
Black Sabbath, who headlined the 2012 Download Festival, will play five shows in Australia and New Zealand before performing at Ozzfest Japan in the coming year.
