The two main men behind The Cult have got back together to record their first studio album in five years.

Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy wrote the record, called Choice Of Weapon, in America last year. The 10-track album will be released in May.

Astbury praised co-producers Bob Rock and Chris Goss who he said were "two of the most influential and talented producers in the world today".

He said: "They pushed us beyond our comfort zone, and helped us craft Choice Of Weapon."

The band, founded in Bradford as Southern Death Cult, are best known for their hit single She Sells Sanctuary.

Duffy, who learned his trade in Manchester's punk scene where he played with Smiths frontman Morrissey in The Nosebleeds, said the band "went deeper" on this album.

He said: "We worked a bit harder on this record. We have great fans and they deserve our best and I feel this is one of our best records, maybe the best."

The band have split up and reunited several times over their career, notably when Astbury teamed up as guest vocalist with former members of 1960s rockers The Doors.