Muse plan "softer" new album for next year

Muse have revealed that they will return next year with a "softer" new sound.

The 'Knights of Cydonia' band, who won the 'International Achievement' prize at yesterday's Ivor Novello Awards, said that they are planning the follow-up to their 2009 chart-topping record The Resistance.

Speaking about work on the new album, drummer Dominic Howard told NME: "Matt Bellamy showed me a few chords recently. Who knows, it might be softer rock, but then it's up to me and Chris to make it heavy again. A heavy rock lullaby! But I'm sure it will move forward in some way."

Bassist Chris Wolstenholme explained that work will start on the new album following their festival appearances this summer, saying: "We've got Reading and Leeds Festival in August and maybe a few weeks off after that. So September, October time we'll get into the studio and start writing and working on the songs."

Howard added: "It takes as long as it takes really, because you have to love it before you can just chuck it out there and into the real world. But definitely next year."

> Muse to play 'Origin' tracks for last time