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Christopher Lee Turns 92 With New Metal Album

He is the world's oldest heavy metal performer and now Christopher Lee has released a new album to coincide with his 92nd birthday.

Metal Knight is a mini album featuring seven tracks, two of which are covers from the Man Of La Mancha musical which is based on the character Don Quixote.

Sir Christopher said: "As far as I am concerned, Don Quixote is the most metal fictional character that I know. Single-handed, he is trying to change the world, regardless of any personal consequences. It is a wonderful character to sing."

He has uploaded a YouTube video in which he explains the songs, including The Impossible Dream and My way, popularised by Frank Sinatra.

The Lord Of The Rings star started his second career a decade ago when he worked with the Italian symphonic metal band, Rhapsody Of Fire.

"I associate heavy metal with fantasy because of the tremendous power that the music delivers," he has said.

His roles in films such as Dracula, The Wicker man and The Man With The Golden Gun are thought to have inspired metal songs.

In June 2010, he received the Spirit of Metal awards at the Golden Gods Awards from Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi for his work in Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross and his contribution to metal themes on the silver screen.

Last Christmas, his rendition of Jingle Hell (Bells) achieved number 18 in the Billboard Charts, making him the oldest performer - at 91 - ever to chart.

Metal Knight is available now from all digital music stores.