The album, released on May 18th, was produced alongside Steve Albini at the Rockfield Studios in Wales last winter.

'Journal For Plague Lovers' includes lyrics by the band's former guitarist Richey Edwards, who went missing fourteen years ago.

The guitarist, who is thought to have taken his own life after his car was found near the Seven Bridge in Wales, was declared “presumed dead” last November.

In a statement, Nicky Wire said: "The brilliance and intelligence of the lyrics dictated that we had to finally use them.

“The use of language is stunning and topics include Le Grande Odalisque by Ingres, Marlon Brando, Giant Haystacks, celebrity, consumerism and dysmorphia all reiterating the genius and intellect of Richard James Edwards.”

As previously reported, Manic Street Preachers have announced a brief UK tour, which will begin in Glasgow on May 25th.

The tracklisting for 'Journal For Plague Lovers' is:

1. Peeled Apples
2. Jackie Collins Existential Question Time
3. Me And Stephen Hawking
4. This Joke Sport Severed
5. Journal For Plague Lovers
6. She Bathed Herself In A Bath Of Bleach
7. Facing Page: Top Left
8. Marlon J.D.
9. Doors Closing Slowly
10. All Is Vanity
11. Pretension/Repulsion
12. Virginia State Epileptic Colony
13. William’s Last Words

(by Jason Gregory)