Darkness recording without Hawkins

The Darkness have confirmed that they are recording a new record, but without Justin Hawkins.

Hawkins left the band last August, following a stint in rehab for alcohol and cocaine addictions, but now the three remaining members will continue in the studio.

Bassist Richie Edwards will take over vocal duties, while Toby Macfarlaine is brought in to play bass. Dan Hawkins and Ed Graham continue in their original roles of guitarist and drummer respectively. However, the new record will be released under a different band name.

Edwards confirmed the situation on his MySpace page: "It's finally happened, the big red record button has been pressed and we've officially started our album."