English post-punk pioneers Gang of Four are back with their first album in 16 years. Original members Jon King and Andy Gill are joined by bassist Thomas McNeice and drummer Mark Heaney for the new album, Content, due out via Yep Roc Records on January 25th, 2011.

For the album, Gang of Four is sticking to the stripped-down sound that has been their trademark since 1979′s Entertainment! and continuing with the challenging and unconventional songwriting that had been a trademark throughout their career. And speaking of unconventional, read on.

As we reported previously, Gang of Four were partly funding the production of Content with a weird and wonderful array of unique items, including helicopter rides with the band and vials of blood. Well, it seems the band have taken their iron tablets and are ready for a new round of blood-letting that would make Bill Compton proud.

As well as a standard release on both CD and vinyl, the band is offering the “Ultimate Content Can”. With this package, one receives the CD, a book version of an art piece King and Gill have done on ceramic tiles depicting the last 40 years of world history, a book of lyrics, a book of rotoscoped photographs of the band’s emotions, vials of band members’ blood, and a scratch and sniff booklet which reflects the key areas of human activity.

It’s a pretty interesting “ultimate” package from the band who has inspired artists such as Franz Ferdinand, R.E.M. and Sonic Youth, amongst many others. Jon King even said, “They tell us that our music means something, that it makes them want to go start a band. That amazes me.” We can all find out why when the new album drops on January 25th. Check back for any more news on the album, including the full tracklist or any live dates. As soon as we know, you will know.