Iron Maiden's bassist Steve Harris announced that he will release a solo/side project album entitled British Lion through EMI Music on September 24th. The album features ten songs that Steve and his collaborators have been working on for the past few years between Iron Maiden tours and releases.

The following official press release was issued: "With a decidedly heavy rock-vibe this roaring debut paints with a full palette of sounds; brooding, melancholic, righteously indignant and exuberantly heavy. With Kevin Shirley at the mixing helm - whose credits include Iron Maiden as well as Led Zeppelin, Journey and Rush among many others - this is an album to sink your teeth into. From the growling riffage of opening salvo 'This Is My God' to the heavy forlorn balladry of follow-up Lost Worlds which showcases Richard Taylor's soaring vocals, it's clear that 'British Lion' is an altogether different beast from Maiden."

Steve explains: "And as far as the name British Lion; I've always been proud to be British. I don't see any reason why I shouldn't be. It's a massive part of being me. 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."