IRON MAIDEN mainman STEVE HARRIS will release his first solo album, British Lion, on September 24.

The ten-track record is described as “decidedly heavy rock” but also as a “different beast” from the music of NWOBHM giants Maiden.

The band includes singer Richard Taylor, gutarists David Hawkins (who also plays keys) and Grahame Leslie and drummer Simon Dawson.

Material was written and recorded over the past few years during downtime from Maiden.

Produced by Kevin Shirley, the album features songs entitled This Is My God, Lost Worlds, Karma Killer, Us Against the World, The Chosen Ones, A World Without Heaven, Judas, Eyes of the Young, These Are the Hands and The Lesson.

Harris was briefly involved with mentoring a band called British Lion in the early 1990s.

The bassist says: “I’ve always been proud to be British. I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t be. It’s not like I’m flag-waving or trying to preach – this is not a political statement at all. It’s like supporting your football team, where you come from.

“I just think it lends itself to some really strong imagery too, and to me it fits in with the sound.”