BURNLEY metal band I.C.O.N. have signed to Burning Halo Records — independent specialists intent on releasing high quality recordings from rising rock and metal bands.

Guitarist Scott Knowles said: “This is a huge step forward for us and a very important time too.

“After being an unsigned live act for many years with an independently-released debut album and working very hard to establish the band, we’re delighted and very proud to be signing with Burning Halo.

"The fit is just right, and they are very supportive of our music. We are looking forward to an exciting relationship with the label and can’t wait to release our next album with them. It’s a truly thrilling time for I.C.O.N.”

The first I.C.O.N release will be a very limited edition live EP ‘New Born Live, recorded at the Out Of The Ashes Festival, Ellesmere Port, in 2013. It has unique artwork resembling a well-loved, well-worn, old-style live record, and special sleeve notes on the mammoth New Born Lie. tour by frontman Mark Sagar, I.C.O.N. — Mark Sagar on vocals, Scott Knowles guitar, Reece Bevan on bass and Larry Paterson on drums — have so far shared the stage with Breed 77, Blaze Bayley, Warrior Soul, Diamond Head, Furyon, Witchfynde, Conquest of Steel, Jaguar, Sworn To Oath, Logan, Zico Chain, Rogue Male and Voodoo Six amongst many other rock and metal bands.

Stunning, shows have firmly established them as one of the UK's fastest-rising, hardest-working metal acts. Their critically-acclaimed debut album New Born Lie has sold more than a 1,000 copies on CD alone, alongside hundreds of digital downloads.

In the past 18 months, the band have performed more than 100 shows on a tour of the UK.

Drummer Larry recently joined the band.

Probably best known for his work with former Iron Maiden frontman Blaze Bayley, Larry joined after the departure of Simon Tubbs who left due to other commitments.

The band will play the Cavemanbash Festival, Balderstone, on July 12, Manchester’s SOS Festival (acoustic performance with Mark, Reece and Scott) on July 20 and Headbangers Balls on November 8. www.iconukonline.com