ORIGINALLY part of the vanguard of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, Marseille are back on the scene and not only are they touring, they have unleashed a brand new album.

Entitled Unfinished Business, the album was released on the band’s own Gas Station Music label and according to guitarist Neil Buchanan is doing rather well.

“Like the earlier EP Four Play which was released last year,” he said, “it’s got nothing less than nine out of ten in all the reviews and some have said that it’s THE rock album of the last year.”

The band was originally formed in 1976 by Neil, fellow guitarist Andy Charters, Paul Dale, Keith Knowles and Steve Dinwoodie.

A couple of albums were released to critical acclaim and the band built up a large fan-base by touring incessantly.

They supported just about everybody from UFO and Whitesnake to Judas Priest and Nazareth, in fact Naz’s Manny Charlton produced the band’s single Kiss Like Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Neil did alright for himself after as well, he eventually became the presenter of the very popular show ‘Art Attack’.

Music was always his first love and a couple of years ago the opportunity came to pick up the axe again as he explains.

“Andy Charters and I always kept in touch and he came over here and I suggested getting all the band together to chew the fat.”

We got together and had a great weekend – it was just fantastic. Of course I was twitching to get back to music and so was Andy, so we said ‘let’s give it a go’.”

The band are already planning their itinerary. “This year, we’re gonna hit the big festivals,” said Neil.

Catch them at The Joiners while you can.

Tickets and details from joinerslive.co.uk