March 3 [16:00 EST] -- Trip-hop purveyors Massive Attack have been rewarded for their success with their own record label. The band, in conjunction with Caroline Records and Virgin UK, have announced the formation of Melankolic Records, which will see the band dip a hand into all aspects of the label's workings.

A release issued by all involved parties that trumpeted the union, promises that the group will work very closely with the label, and will lend decidedly heavier hand in AIR and design. The label is set for its first release, a Horace Andy compilation titled "Skylarking Volume 1" that will hit stores on March 25. Massive Attack fans may recognize reggae legend Andy as one of the many co-conspirators the group has worked with on its first two albums, "Blue Lines" and "Protection."

Melankolic's second release should come courtesy of composer Craig Armstrong, who also has contributed to the Massive Attack recording process. Armstrong handled the string arrangements on the group's "Protection" album, and has recently contributed work to the soundtracks to "The Saint" and "Romeo + Juliet."

The label promises to not only handle emerging artists, but notes that it will also produce compilations and re-issues.