More about: Manic Street Preachers

Manic Street Preachers have announced details of their hotly-anticipated new album, Futurology, as well as unveiling the video for new single 'Walk Me To The Bridge'. Check it out below. 

Revealing the artwork (above), the Welsh rockers went on to describe Futurology, due for release on 7 July, as 'furious, propulsive and expansive'. The album features a number of special guests, including Green Gartside (Scritti Politti), Welsh Music Prize 2013 winner Georgia Ruth, Cian Ciarán (Super Furry Animals) and German film star Nina Hoss.

They continued: "Futurology is the sound of the Manics at their very best - a record inspired by permanent revolution, modern art and Autobahns."

The Futurology tracklisting is:

'Futurology'
'Walk Me To The Bridge'  
'Let's Go To War'
'The Next Jet To Leave Moscow'
'Europa Geht Durch Mich'
'Divine Youth'
'Sex, Power Love and Money'
'Dreaming A City (Hughesovka)'
'Black Square'
'Between The Clock And The Bed'
'Misguided Missile'
'The View From Stow Hill'
'Mayakovsky'

The band also posted a hand-written note to their fans on Facebook:

The stunning new video for single 'Walk Me To The Bridge' was directed by Kieran Evans  - the BAFTA-winning director of Kelly + Victor who also produced the band's videos from 2013's Rewind The Film. The clip sees the band playing in a futuristic warehouse while an existential treasure hunt takes place for one troubled German lady on the streets of Berlin.

We know, right? How much more Manics-y can you get? 

As for the track itself, it's a no-brainer of a single. A slow ticking of guitar work builds into one of the most glorious choruses that the band have written in years. It certainly carries the 'European' sound that the band described, and will probably invite theories about being about missing guitarist Richey Edwards with the lyrics: "So long my fatal friend, I don't need this to end. I re-imagine the steps you took, still blinded by your intellect."

However, bassist and lyricist Nicky Wire said: "People might have the idea that this song contains a lot of Richey references but it really isn’t about that, it’s about the Øresund Bridge that joins Sweden and Denmark. A long time ago when we were crossing that bridge I was flagging and thinking about leaving the band (the “fatal friend”). It’s about the idea of bridges allowing you an out of body experience as you leave and arrive in different places."

Either way, it's a ready-made Manics classic. 

Watch the video for 'Walk Me To The Bridge' below

Meanwhile, the Manics are confirmed for a number of European festivals this summer, including Glastonbury and V Festival. For more information visit Gigwise gig tickets.

Below: 18 exclusive photos of Manic Street Preachers at Brixton Academy

Issue Two of the Gigwise Print magazine is on sale now! Buy it here.

More about: Manic Street Preachers