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Currently holed up in the studio working on the follow up to global smash The Black Parade, My Chemical Romance are toiling hard on their fourth album. So where do they go from here?

It doesn't seem like five minutes ago that the world fell in love with My Chemical Romance. They were selling out arenas all over the world for pretty much every night of 2007 and 2008 and you couldn't walk down the street without seeing someone sporting some of their merch. They even became tabloid fodder, with the Daily Mail declaring emo as evil, and placing My Chemical Romance at the centre of the "cult." Not that this bothered the band; they were riding a wave of success that could not be stopped by overprotective middle-class parents.

But that was a few years ago now, and it's been pretty quiet on the MCR front. Towards the end of the Black Parade tour, band members were missing shows for various reasons. Mikey Way took a break to get married to fellow musician Alicia Simmons, Frank took a break due to a family bereavement, and Bob Bryar began having problems with his wrists. Fans began to get worried, as it was beginning to look as though My Chemical Romance were never coming back. Guitarist Frank Iero filled us in on the post-Parade aftermath...

"At the end of The Black Parade tour cycle we were absolutely exhausted so it was kind of hard to reflect on everything because we were so exhausted. We were kind of fed up with the ways that things were being handled. We weren't sick of our careers, or sick of playing shows, we just weren't happy. We decided to take an extended break after touring, which was new to us because we'd never really had that kind of time off. Then we started to think 'Could this be permanent?'

"We wanted to reflect, because we felt like we were losing control, and it was started to be un-fun, and did we really want to do it anymore? But then we thought about the good stuff, like the music and the fans, and they were the things that made us want to keep going, and we had to deal with the other shit that comes with the territory."

Despite all the internal struggles of the band, they never left it affect their performances, putting on an amazing show every night. However, Frank confessed there were even points where he doubted the future of the band:

"At the end of the Black Parade tour, we all came home and spent the first month calling each other up and missing everyone. And I was waiting for the phone call when we would decide whether we wanted to continue to be a band or just rest a little longer. And I was concerned, because I didn't want the guys to forget it was great. Sometimes it is better to end it, rather than just dragging things out. But we dealt with any issues we had and we're really strong now."

Touring had clearly broken the band down, which was unfortunate due to the fact that playing live shows is pretty much the only way a band can survive in the current musical climate. After all the ups and down that came with consistent touring, how did the guys get over all the stress?

"We decided to make it fun again and take the band back. We wanted to test what it was like. So we waited for Bob Bryar's wrist to heal, then we got together Christmas of 2008, and we ended up writing two new songs. Which was good because things were new and exciting again. Then we went home for Christmas and went to LA in February 2009 to get things started again."

But it's not as though the band have been resting on their laurels while they took a break. Lead singer Gerard Way is now a father to Bandit Lee Way, as well as continuing to write his critically acclaimed comic book series "The Umbrella Academy". Frank Iero released an album with his other band Leathermouth in the form of "XO", allowing him to step up as the lead singer. The band also made a contribution to the soundtrack for the movie adaption of Watchmen, a wonderfully acerbic cover of Bob Dylan's "Desolation Row". They were specifically requested to appear by director Zack Snyder, indicating that interest in the band was still apparent.

But right now, My Chemical Romance are putting the finishing touches to their new album, something which fans have anticipating for what must feel like a lifetime. The band premiered some new material at a secret show in Los Angeles in August 2009, with titles such as "Death Before Disco". However, it looks like they won't just settle for "good enough" with their new material.

"In the past we've been like 'Hey, this is done' once we think an album is finished. But on this album we had a really inspiring time while we were writing. We've been inspiring each other and we don't really want to stop. We even had a meeting yesterday because we might be recording two new songs after Christmas. Bands are supposed to write songs, why should we stop? We should keep going, we shouldn't write songs just because we've got an album coming out."

Frank is understandably guarded about giving away specific details, but is extremely enthusiastic about the quality of music the band is making:

"We've got a few songs that we're really, really excited about. There are a couple of songs that are so different than anything we've ever attempted. There are new elements and we're using new techniques, we've been encouraging each other to tke risks. We're working really well together. There is a huge different between criticism and constructive criticism. You just learn how to be in a band after a while."

Given the number of fans the band attracted, and the critical accolades The Black Parade received, there are high expectations for the new material. Are the band swaggering or sneaking back into the scene?

"Coming back is kind of daunting, we've taken risks and it's been challenging, but it's really fun. As artists it is important that we re-invent ourselves, we'd kill the band if we didn't try. We've tried to not stay in the same spot. I thought the fans would hate The Black Parade even though I liked it, and they loved it. So I don't know how the fans are going to react to the record. We've taken a lot of chances, but we'll be around as long as the fanbase wants us. I can't wait to get out on the road and play these new songs, and I can't wait for people to hear them, as they're the best songs we've ever written. And I can't wait to re-hear them."

So how long before the fans will be able to get their hands on this highly-anticipated new material?

"Unfortunately, there is a big difference between the music and the music business. The label will decide when they are going to release it. We're not being given a deadline to hit or anything, but we're hoping to get the album out for early spring or summer."

There is no denying the landscape of recorded music is changing, with artists questioning the relevancy of the tradition album format. Frank believes there is still a place for the album.

"I think it's valid if the material is worth an album, if it has a full idea. An album's an art form and I think it is relevant but artists have to think as song as like chapters in a novel."

Given how long the band toured The Black Parade, how are the guys going to ensure they don't bring the band to the brink of destruction again?

"Things will be different than when we toured The Black Parade. We're going to work a lot smarter, and we're going to work for ourselves rather than trying to please anyone else. I think we're on the right path, and we're really strong as a band at the moment. During the process of recording issues arise and that helps the outcome of the record. You can either cause a rift or just get through it. As a band we're the best at trying to get through it."

As we reach the end of our time together it's clear that Frank won't give any more teasers about the album. Instead, he leaves us with his personal thoughts on the new material.

"Fans should expect the unexpected with this album. There are melodies on there that have haunted me since I head them!"

My Chemical Romance's as-yet untitled fourth album is out later this year on Warner Bros. --Tracey Lowe

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