Black Sabbath "God Is Dead": Single Available Today Offers Fans A Preview Of New Album '13'

The heavy metal icons of Black Sabbath are no stranger to the provocative. Ever since their inception, the group helmed by Ozzy Osbourne have invited and thrived upon controversy. And their latest foray back into the musical realm appears to be no different as they are offering a early peak at their new album 13 with the single "God is Dead."

The track is available today to Sabbath fans who pre-order the album via iTunes.

Its hard for an album to be more hotly anticipated. Remember how crazy everyone went earlier this year when My Bloody Valentine dropped m b v, their first album in 22 years? Sabbath fans have had it a bit rougher. Ozzy and Co. haven't released a proper album in 35 years.

On top of "God Is Dead", Sabbath fans can get more new music by tuning in to CSI on May 15^. They will premiere the track "End of the Beginning" during the show. The album proper is due out June 11 and the group have booked four gigs in support of them album in New Jersey, Toronto, Seattle and Los Angeles.

The album managed to get made in spite of an apparent substance abuse problem from frontman Ozzy Osbourne. In the note, Ozzy claims that over the last 18^th months, he has been heavily drinking and taking drugs.

However, I am happy to say that I am now 44 days sober," Osbourne said.

The note also denied rumors that Ozzy is splitting from his long-time wife Sharon Osbourne. The rumor mill cranked up when Sharon was spotted by USA Today purchasing a new home in Beverly Hills, sans Ozzy (and, more importantly, sans wedding band).

"Just to set the record straight, Sharon and I are not divorcing. I'm just trying to be a better person," Ozzy said.

 Check out the note in full below:

"For the last year and a half I have been drinking and taking drugs. I was in a very dark place and was an asshole to the people I love most, my family. However, I am happy to say that I am now 44 days sober.

Just to set the record straight, Sharon and I are not divorcing. I'm just trying to be a better person.

I would like to apologize to Sharon, my family, my friends and my band mates for my insane behavior during this period.........and my fans.

God Bless,

Ozzy"

What do you think of the new track "God is Dead" from Black Sabbath? Will you be purchasing 13? Will you be traveling to see any of the 13-supporting tour stops?

Sound off in the comments and stick with Mstarz for the latest on Black Sabbath and other music news.