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Manic Street Preachers released their much-anticipated ninth studio album Journal For Plague Lovers, on Monday 18 May 2009.

Their biographer and famed music journalist Simon Price, who has covered the band for magazines such as Melody Maker over the years, reviews the album for us, talking about the "work of genius" that the band have created.

Using lyrics left by Richey Edwards, the Manics have put together a piece of work that in his opinion does immense justice to the words of their missing guitarist. Produced by Steve Albini, the dark, "arid" work is undoubtedly challenging.

Again harking back to their early years, they have used controversial artwork by Jenny Saville, whose Strategy (South Face/Front Face/North Face) formed the cover of The Holy Bible in 1994.

Listen to Simon's review and make your own thoughts known on our messageboard.