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It's been one hell of a ride for Myles Kennedy since the last Alter Bridge album, 2007's Blackbird. He's jammed with Led Zeppelin when it looked like they may be looking for another singer, recorded a solo album (due 2011) and now he's the singer with Slash's solo band. But he's also found time for his main passion – teaming up with Mark Tremonti again and write a third Alter Bridge record - working title AB III – and due ahead of their UK tour in October.

Here's the full transcript of our chat with Myles about his last couple of years and what we can expect from the next Alter Bridge album.

Have you completed mixing on the new Alter Bridge album?

Myles Kennedy: "We thought we'd completed it, I was in New York last week with the guys and we thought we had it pretty much wrapped up. Then we got it out of there, listened to it and spent some time then realised we wanted to change a few more things. We're definitely a bunch of perfectionists so we're just trying to get it right. It's almost done." [update: the album is now mixed and mastered]

Do you have a release date in mind yet?

"We're pushing for the third quarter – we definitely want to get it out before we tour over there in October."

You've mentioned previously that this is a darker album than the previous two, are you moving into a more progressive territory too?

"Darker from a lyrical standpoint most definitely. Musically, there are definitely moments that have that intensity and have that darkness to it. We try to balance that with the other side of the band, which is that uplifting anthemic vibe.

"Personally I don't think it's a good idea to alienate those fans that like either one side or the other. You want to try your best to make both parties happy. Lyrically it's pretty dark on a lot of the record – it's not like it's mopey, whinny music though. We definitely try to add a sense of dynamics."

Are the themes quite personal on this album for you?

"I guess it is a pretty personal record in some regard. For me personally, over the last few years a lot of things came up – things I started questioning. It deals with a lot of doubts. Doubts in life and all that comes along with it. If you make records personal in that way, it always seems to have a sort of cathartic quality… it's not necessarily the goal it just ends up happening. You work through some things."

Like a release?

"Yes, and it's great."

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