Xerjoff
Iommi Deified (Signed Edition)
2024
saffron
cinnamon
apple
rose
leather
papyrus
patchouli
moss
musk
A special edition bottle of Iommi Defied.
‘A true collector’s edition, Deified Tony Iommi Signed Edition features the finest black crystals on the flacon, including a rare skull crystal. Tony Iommi and Sergio Momo have signed 100 Deified flacons, available while quantities last.
Presenting an exclusive signed edition of the second chapter of the almighty collaboration between the greatest riff master of all time, Black Sabbath’s legendary guitarist and rock composer, Tony Iommi, and Xerjoff’s esteemed founder, Sergio Momo. The Xerjoff Blends Deified experience plays on the palindromic nature of sound, scent, and sensorial sequences.
Step into a parallel universe where mystery possesses the mind in a dark and decadent experience that casts subliminal shadows on the wearer. Created on a duality of leather and spice, Deified plays in a loop with no beginning and no end, accompanying the wearer with its omnipresent aura. Authentic and warm accents of saffron meet powdery and leathery facets that dance with the delicate touch of gourmand freshness. Cinnamon exalts spicier notes, complemented by gentle rose at the heart. The woody base of papyrus and patchouli leaves the senses longing for more in a rhythmic exchange of back and forth.’ – Xerjoff
Although I don’t love the original Iommi as much as I did upon release, it’s easily one of Xerjoff’s best in recent years. With Deified we’re getting a flanker that strays pretty far from the original, but definitely fitting the same theme. I don’t think Deified is as interesting or dynamic as its predecessor, but it may be a better wear because of it.
When I saw the announcement and notes for Iommi Deified, I was worried this would be a heavier, harsher take on the DNA, with the lovely fruit note from the original taken out. And scent-wise, this is partially true: Iommi Deified has less of ‘an opening’, less acidity and contrast, less rose perhaps. It’s a flatter fragrance that mostly wears like a long base or drydown. There is a moment somewhere in the mid or drydown of the original Iommi that smells pretty similar to what you’re getting here, but that has a much different trajectory before and after; to me Deified wears less complex, more linear.
Yet, it’s also less harsh, significantly. Despite having less going on around it, the spices, leather and patchouli are all less pronounced in this version on my skin. It feels like a more casual mix of an ambery warm spicy scent that is sweeter. Creating a smoother and softer wearing experience. Most of the components are still here: leather, woods, patchouli, but they are blended into a rounded, sticky resinous sweet accord. It’s a bit smoky, a bit chewy. When I smell my skin up close I get a hint of soft liquorice and leather, while in the air the sweet cinnamon sticks out to me most on first wear. Maybe more so the spicy saffron than actual leather.
Iommi Deified reminds me a bit of Amouage Jubilation 40, especially with that mossy edge to it or even some of the sweet spicy amber from fragrances such as Roja Parfum de la Nuit 1, Stephane Humbert Lucas H Mamba or Frapin Bonne Chauffe. However, the Xerjoff is more mass appealing, cozier and easier on the nose, with no animalics.
Overall, a more than solid release. Not as unique or instantly interesting as Iommi was, but that came at a price. During the past year, I’ve felt a bit exhausted wearing Iommi, as it’s all over the place; a bit messy, harsh and demanding. Iommi Deified is less thrilling of a ride, but a smoother one that delivers something well above average to potentially great. For colder weather though; I don’t feel like Deified is one you’ll need to add to cart for the Summer yet.