Meat Loaf - Meat Loaf Returns With Concept Album About Dying Soldier

MEAT LOAF's musical comeback will be based around a concept album about a dying soldier.

The rocker will release Hang Cool Teddy Bear in May (10), and he reveals the whole album is about a mysterious military man.

He tells WENN, "It's the story of a soldier. He's been in battle and he's lying face down on the ground. He can't move, but he turns his head and starts to see blood run across the ground, and so he thinks he's going to die.

"They always say you see your life flash backward when you're about to die. But his life flashes forward - into what possibly could happen. He sees what his life could be: the good and the bad.

"The songs are the different scenarios he finds himself in. It's not always the same time or the same place, but it's always the same woman. But I don't want to give too much away. I want people to work it out for themselves."

The concept album features tracks written by former The Darkness star Justin Hawkins, who is now part of Meat Loaf's band, and guest spots from guitar greats Steve Vai and Brian May and American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, who co-wrote and sings on If I Can't Have You.

Actors Jack Black and Hugh Laurie also appear on the album - Black duets with Meat Loaf on Like a Rose, while House star Laurie plays piano on If I Can't Have You.