Photo: WENN

The King Blues have announced that they are to split following the release of their next album in July.

Forming in 2004 and releasing three albums of political-tinged rock, The King Blues built up a strong fanbase that have followed them from the very begining. It is these fans that the band say they want to save from seeing the band go downhill now their hearts are no longer in it.

Posting on their official website, the band said: "It is with great sadness and very heavy hearts that we must inform you, that as of today The King Blues are no more. We are all immensely proud of our body of work. We will be releasing the last The King Blues album entitled 'Long Live The Struggle' as the final chapter. The album will be released in early July 2012."

Adding: "We simply feel we have taken things as far as they can go and it would be unfair on you if we were to go through the motions like so many other artists do. We all believe strongly in what The King Blues stands for."

The band currently have four festival dates lined up for the Summer, due to perform at both legs of the Slam Dunk festival, Redfest and Beautiful Days in Devon.

The King Blue's final album, 'Long Live The Struggle', will be released in July.