The Darkness have confirmed that they have reunited in their original line-up following a five year break.

The band of brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins, Frankie Poullain and Ed Graham will record a new album this spring, a statement said.

The Darkness will make their live comeback at the Download Festival in Donington on June 10.

It will be their first show as a four piece since Justin left the group in 2006 in order to undergo rehabilitation for drug addiction. The rest of the group initially carried on without him.

The Darkness' 2003 debut album 'Permission To Land' went to number one in the UK and featured the hit 'I Believe In A Thing Called Love'.

Meanwhile, Download takes place at Donington Park over the weekend of June 10-12 and will be headlined by Def Leppard, System Of A Down and Linkin Park.

Other acts on the bill include Bullet For My Valentine, Alter Bridge, Korn, Alice Cooper and Pendulum.

Tickets for the festival are on sale now.

(by Jason Gregory)