Alice in Chains working on new album

Alice in Chains have revealed that they are working on a new studio album.

Guitarist Jerry Cantrell confirmed that the band have started writing material for their follow-up to 2009's Black Gives Way to Blue.

He added that they aim to record tracks for the LP within the next few months, and that he has recently recovered from a shoulder injury.

"I had shoulder surgery. I had to get some bone spurs and torn cartilage taken care of, so that put me back a little bit. But we've been writing through the whole process," he told Rolling Stone.

Sir Elton John appeared on their previous album as a guest vocalist, with Cantrell praising the talents of the singer-songwriter.

"That's just the universe lining up right. I had nothing to do with that other than asking," he explained. "What he is, beyond anything else, is a f**king amazing musician.

"And he's the guy who inspired me to start playing music, so to have him play on one of our records - especially such a meaningful record, where we're restarting our musical careers and saying goodbye and honouring our buddy - it's a tremendous thing."

Bassist Mike Starr died in March last year at the age of 44.

Watch the video for 'Your Decision' by Alice in Chains below: