Nearly 40 years after they released their first single, a Suffolk-based rock band has been signed by a leading Danish record label.

East Anglian Daily Times: The band's new album is released on January 12. Picture: CONTRIBUTEDThe band's new album is released on January 12. Picture: CONTRIBUTED (Image: Archant)

Sudbury rockers Trespass, formed in 1979, have signed with premier metal label Mighty Music after the band reformed in 2015.

The group’s forthcoming album Footprints in the Rock will be released on the label on January 12, with gigs expected to follow in the spring.

Despite only three years on the metal scene – the band split up in 1982 – Trespass made a lasting impression on fans, including none other than two members of rock giants Metallica.

Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield of the US super group joined the Trespass fan club in 1981 before hitting the big time.

Ulrich also chose Trespass hit track One Of These Days to feature on a new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM) compilation album which he put together in 1990.

Singer and guitarist Mark Sutcliffe, 58, who is the only original member of the band left in the current line-up, says he feels honoured that the group’s music is still popular.

“I feel very privileged to still have our music listened to. This sort of music has a longevity to it and I think if you’d asked Ozzy Osbourne back in 1970 if he’d still be doing gigs today, he’d have said ‘no chance mate’.

“People really connect with the music and there’s a guy who comes from South America to see us play.

“I wouldn’t call it a cult, but it’s like a Star Trek convention. People really belong to it.”

Mr Sutcliffe said the music industry has changed “immeasurably” since Trespass first burst onto the scene in the late 1970s.

“I think one of the biggest differences is that people have access to the market directly,” he said. “Illegal downloading can make it hard for record labels to make money and invest in new talent.

“What is interesting now is that we are seeing a resurgence of vinyl, where people do have to go out and buy it, which in turn means that labels can invest once again.”

The band intend to hit the road later this year with the new album and perhaps Metallica’s Ulrich and Hetfield might be listening.

“We’ve met them before and they’re really nice guys,” said Mr Sutcliffe. “What I need is a nice support tour.”

Visit the Trespass website at www.trespassband.com