The CD release date for legendary film actor CHRISTOPHER LEE's symphonic metal concept album, Charlemagne: By The Sword And The Cross, has been bumped to April 20th in the US and May 4th in Canada via Cadiz Music. The MP3 version of the album is currently available at Amazon below (along with the CD pre-order):

Charlemagne: By The Sword And The Cross tracklisting:

'Overture'

'Act I: Intro'

'Act I: King Of The Franks'

'Act II: Intro'

'Act II: The Iron Crown Of Lombardy'

'Act III: Intro'

'Act III: The Bloody Verdict Of Verden'

'Act IV: Intro'

'Act IV: The Age Of Oneness Out Of Diversity'

'Act V: Intro'

'Act V: Starlight'

'Finale'

'Iberia'

'The Bloody Verdict Of Verden (Instrumental)'

Audio samples for all songs are available at this location.

The following is the official press release for Charlemagne:

The story of King Charlemagne, First Holy Roman Emperor, acted and sung by the legendary actor Christopher Lee. Sir Christopher is the highest grossing actor of all time, with cinematic milestones such as Lord Of The Rings, Star Wars, The Man With The Golden Gun and Dracula, amongst over 280 movies - and still counting!

The Carandinis, Lee's maternal ancestors, were given the right to bear the coat of arms of the Holy Roman Empire by the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Through his Carandini ancestors, Christopher Lee has a direct link to Charlemagne, and has decided for the first time in his life to pay homage to his distinguished ancestor, who is credited as The Father of Europe.

Charlemagne is a concept album with original words and symphonic metal music.

Saruman Composer Marco Sabiu, best known for his collaborations with KYLIE MINOGUE, TAKE THAT, PAVAROTTI, MORRICONE, has created a truly epic canvas by introducing modern metal symphonies, in a style which resembles a movie score. Marie-Claire Calvet, a graduate from Bristol University, transports the listener into The Dark Ages, with a very powerful storyline and mesmerising lyrics. A full orchestra, heavy metal musicians, choir and special guest vocalists bring the legend of Charlemagne to life.