Manic Street Preacher have revealed that they are using missing member Richey Edwards lyrics as the basis for their forthcoming ninth studio album.

The album, their first since last year’s Send Away The Tigers has a working title of Journal For Plague Lovers, and will consist of lyrics that the band have kept for 14 years, since Edwards’ dissappearence in 1995.

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Speaking to sister title NME.com, MSP bassist Nicky Wire says: “We’ve had these lyrics for 14 years and we all felt compelled that this was the right time to do it. It’s a follow-up to The Holy Bible in a lot of ways.

“There’s a small amount of editing involved, because some of them are prose and they needed to be made into lyrics, but they’re all Richey’s.”

Additionally, a statement on the band’s website says: “We have been in the studio recording live – to tape – analogue – no digital hiss – no Pro Tools – no safety nets. Quite scary, daunting but invigorating.

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“Musically, in many ways it feels like a follow up to The Holy Bible but there is also an acoustic side – tender, romantic, nihilism, Small Black Flowers That Grow In The Sky-esque. It’s a record that celebrates the genius of his words, full of love, anger, intelligence and respect. We have to make this great. Wish us luck.”

The album, which is due to be released in the Spring, is beng produced by Steve Albini whose previous credits include Nirvana, Pixies and The Stooges.

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