Christopher Lee To Release Symphonic Metal Album "Charlemagne"

Actor Christopher Lee, who has appeared in movies such as "Lord of the Rings," "The Wicker Man," and "Star Wars," has announced he will be releasing a symphonic metal album under the title "Charlemagne." The album is focused on the story of King Charlemagne, the First Holy Roman Emperor. Samples from the album, which will be released on March 15th, 2010, can be found at this location.

The band also issued the following statement about the new album:

"The Carandinis, Lee's maternal ancestors, were given the right to bear the coat of arms of the Holy Roman Empire by the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Through his Carandini ancestors, Christopher Lee has a direct link to Charlemagne, and has decided for the first time in his life to pay homage to his distinguished ancestor, who is credited as 'The Father of Europe'. Charlemagne is a concept album with original words and symphonic metal music. Composer Marco Sabiu, best known for his collaborations with Kylie Minogue, Take That, Pavarotti, Morricone, has created a truly epic canvas by introducing modern metal symphonies, in a style which resembles a movie score. Marie-Claire Calvet, a graduate from Bristol University, transports the listener into 'The Dark Ages', with a very powerful storyline and mesmerising lyrics. A full orchestra, heavy metal musicians, choir and special guest vocalists bring the legend of Charlemagne to life."