Green Day to release trilogy of albums from September

Green Day are to release three albums starting this September.

The trilogy, called ¡Uno!, ¡Dos! and ¡Tré!, is the first new material from the US punk rock band since 2009's 21st Century Breakdown.

"We are at the most prolific and creative time in our lives," a statement from the band said.

"This is the best music we've ever written, and the songs just keep coming. Instead of making one album, we are making a three album trilogy."

The first album will be followed by a second record - released on 13 November - with the final part out on 15 January 2013.

The band is still in the studio in Oakland, California, with the music being produced by Rob Cavallo.

"Every song has the power and energy that represents Green Day on all emotional levels," Green Day's statement added.

"We just can't help ourselves. We are going epic."

The band, who released their debut album 39/Smooth in 1990, have announced a number of festival performances in Europe this August and September although no UK dates have yet been revealed.