Alt-rock icons R.E.M. [ tickets ] have unveiled the title and release date for their forthcoming studio album, which is the group's first new set since 2004.

Dubbed "Accelerate, the album is due in stores April 1, according to Warner Bros. Records, and the band is counting down the days to its release at NinetyNights.com. Launched Jan. 1, the site is updated daily with a high-definition video snippet of the band that can be "downloaded then edited, embedded or manipulated however the user wishes," according to a press release.

The video footage was shot by noted French filmmaker Vincent Moon, who has worked with Arcade Fire, The Shins and The National, among others.

"Accelerate" is R.E.M. [ tickets ]'s 14th studio album, and first since 2004's "Around the Sun," which peaked at No. 13 on The Billboard 200 chart. Before the new album hits stores, the Athens, GA-based music vets will prime the pump with a March 8 headlining set at the Langerado Music Festival in South Florida, and will also give a March 12 performance in Austin, TX, as part of the annual SXSW Music Festival.

Last year, in addition to working on "Accelerate," the group stayed busy with its March induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the October release of "R.E.M. Live," the first concert CD/DVD of the group's 27-year career.