In a handwritten message on their website, the group said they had recently finished recording the follow-up to 2007's 'Send Away The Tigers' in Wales.

“Just finished recording in Rockfield, only running orders to be finalised then cut the record in New York – looks like middle of May for release,” the band said.

“We're excited-nervous-proud and fearful as usual but can't wait for everyone to hear it.”

As previously reported, the group's former guitarist Richey Edwards was declared “presumed dead” last November, nearly 14 years after he went missing in South Wales.

Edwards, 27, is thought to have taken his own life after his car was found near the Seven Bridge.

(by Jason Gregory)