Queen are praised as the primary influence on The Darkness's sophomore, upcoming, as yet untitled new album in the August 2005 issue of ''Blender Magazine''. The album, currently still in production, is being recorded at Rockfield Studios, Monmouth Wales and has a tentative release date of sometime in October 2005. Most notable, is that Dan and Justin Hawkins are collaborating with esteemed Queen producer, Roy Thomas Baker on the new record, who they speak of with immense regard.

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Color photo of Justin Hawkins
Taken from article ''In The Studio, It's Undeniable!, That's How The Darkness describe the ''power'' of their second release'' by Josh Eells

''English Rock Wizards The Darkness have lots of things in common with their heroes Queen...epic riffs, spandex unitards, a banshee like lead singer. Now they've got two more. They're recording their highly anticipated second album in the same studio in which Freddie Mercury's crew made ''Bohemian Rhapsody''. And they're doing it with legendary producer Roy Thomas Baker.''

''It's great'', says guitarist Dan Hawkins. ''Roy's got this weird energy. If he's pissed off about something, light bulbs start blowing. We've honestly gone through about 60. He's a magical bloke.''