5 Seconds of Summer have a slim lead at the top of the UK albums chart.

The Australian group released their self-titled debut effort on Monday (June 30) and the Official Charts Company have confirmed in their midweek update that it is No.1.

However, it is less than 1,000 copies behind the previous chart topper, Ed Sheeran's 'x', which rests at No.2.

At No.3 on the update meanwhile is George Ezra's 'Wanted on Voyage', which is followed by Glastonbury star Dolly Parton's 'Blue Smoke - The Best Of'.

Completing the top five is Sam Smith's lauded 'In The Lonely Hour', which drops three places.

Metallica's classic 1991 self-titled record meanwhile has come in at No.19 after the metal titans headlined Glastonbury.

It is one place behind Michael Jackson's 'Bad', which has entered the chart as a result of his recent death anniversary.

Follow us: @Pressparty on Twitter / Pressparty on Facebook.