"Narrow Stairs," the group's first studio effort since 2005's Grammy-nominated "Plans," has been given a May 13 release date. The album--the band's second major label release--was produced by Death Cab's guitarist, Chris Walla, and leads off with a nine-minute track, "Bixby Canyon Bridge," according to Billboard.com. The disc will be preceded by the single "I Will Possess Your Heart."

"I hope this album is a bit of a surprise for those out there that think they have us all figured out," said bassist Nick Harmer in a press statement. "We can't wait to share these songs with the world."

"Thus far it's pretty weird, and pretty spectacular; lots of blood. It's creepy and heavy," Walla posted in October on his recording studio's website. "We've got a 10-minute long Can jam, and had you suggested that possibility to me in 1998, I'd have eaten your puppy's brain with a spoon."

Walla's second solo album, "Field Manual," hit stores last month, while lead singer Ben Gibbard--also a member of electronic pop duo The Postal Service--kept busy last year with a solo tour.