It's been a long time coming, but the fifth LP from Bristol's trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack, is set to be released early next year.

It's been a long time coming, but the fifth LP from Bristol's trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack, is set to be released early next year. Vocalist/producer Robert Del Naja recently appeared on the bands official forum with plenty of news from the Massive attack front. “We’ve recorded vocals on about 5 tracks and have vocals to put down on at least 15 more before Christmas which is drawing horrifically close”.

Experimenting with new sounds, production techniques and musicians, the collective have come up with a new “Gothic Soul” twist to their sound. While long-time collaborators Liz Phraser (of 'Teardrop' fame) and reggae superstar Horace Andy are confirmed to reappear on the yet to be named LP, founding member Grant Marshall (Daddy G) appears to have had little involvement with the Massive, spending most of this year touring the global DJ circuit.

Del Naja failed to comment on Marshall’s absence, yet seemed positive about the Massive’s new direction. Whilst getting the record out is obviously top priority, the band is looking ahead to the imminent world tour upon the albums release.

More info: http://www.massiveattack.co.uk/

(source: http://www.inthemix.com.au/news/intl/23533/)