Manic Street Preachers singer James Dean Bradfield has revealed that the band felt as though they were reunited while recording their new album.

'Journal Of 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.

Bradfield told XFM that the experience of recording Edwards' lyrics had made them feel “as if we were a band” again.

"For years we haven't felt like we were ready to tackle the lyrics or use them in any songs," he said. "As the time has passed, it felt that it was right to use them.

“Over the years myself and Nicky [Wire] have picked up the lyrics and looked at them in awe, but it was only two years ago that we felt ready, like we could do this.

"There was a sense of responsibility to do his words justice. That was part of the whole thing of letting enough time lapse.

“Once we actually got into the studio, it almost felt as if we were a full band, it as close to him being in the room again as possible."

'Journal Of Plague Lovers', released on May 18th, was produced alongside Steve Albini at the Rockfield Studios in Wales last winter.

(by Jason Gregory)