Gama Bomb channel Phil Lynott with new album

Irish thrash metallers Gama Bomb are working on the follow-up to their 2009 record Tales From The Grave In Space with a tentative release date of early next year. In order to capture an authentic feel, the band have looked to one of music's most influential figures.

"I've been looking a lot to Phil Lynott for inspiration, which can never be a bad thing", explains lead Bomber Philly Byrne. "He's always been a big inspiration for us, even if you can't always hear it."

Work on the album is underway, with the band hoping to create a particularly vicious sound.

"In terms of songwriting, we're writing much 'tougher' or meaner songs now", adds Byrne. "We want to make music that street gangs could listen to before a fight, songs you can sharpen a switchblade to."

In the meantime, there's the small matter of a string of festival appearances in Lithuania, Denmark, Germany and Italy to take care of, but an injury to guitarist Domo Dixon won't stop Gama Bomb from rocking the European stage.

A statement on the band's official website reads:

"As you may have heard, our guitarist Domo Dixon has suffered a tendon injury to his left hand and will be unable to play with us for the coming period. Domo severed a tendon in a bizarre trouser accident - that's not a joke - so will have to sit out gigs for the next three months. We're all very perplexed and upset about it, but are ploughing on with our upcoming European festival appearances.

"Playing guitar is Domo's passion and his life, and we're sure all our fans will join us in wishing him a full and speedy recovery. Until he's back up to shredding speed, we'll be joined on the road by our good friend Kevy Canavan on lead guitar."

Check out the band's US tour diary from last winter below.