Christopher Lee 'to release metal album'

Christopher Lee has revealed that he recently recorded a 'symphonic metal album'.

The Dracula actor made the announcement online this week, saying that he had provided vocals on a forthcoming concept record that recounts the story of the first holy Roman Emperor King Charlemagne, who reigned in the eighth and ninth century.

Lee explained that he is a direct descendant of Charlemagne and decided to record the album in his honour.

In a YouTube posting, he said: "It's fascinating for me that at this stage in my life, people are beginning to look upon me as a metal singer. When this comes out as a complete album, it's going to be sensational."

The star continued: "There's a lot of characters in this particular album. A lot. There's Charlemagne himself of course, which I sing, and then there's young Charlemagne, Charlemagne's father, Charlemagne's brother... [even] the Pope."

The LP, titled Charlemagne: By The Sword And The Cross, has been produced by Italian composer Marco Sabiu and is due on March 15.