We've been following the progress of a new Metallica album for the past few years because, let's face it, we all care in one way or another. We recently found out that the band is done with its new record and has moved on to the mixing phase, though this information didn't come with a timeline.
Fortunately, Loudwire got a hold of James Hetfield, who says the band is really hoping to get the album out by fall and that the music is "exactly what it's supposed to be."
"We’re mixing it now, so hopefully by fall it’ll be out and hitting people’s ears. We’re super stoked about it. It’s been a long time coming, and, you know, this is what we do. We love playing, and the next album is exactly what it’s supposed to be, so we’re excited about it."
The unfortunate truth of this record is that it could very well be Metallica's last. I'm not saying that with any sort of insider information, but the guys are getting older and frankly, they haven't needed to release even the last two records for a paycheck. All Metallica needs to do is tour, play the classics, pop out some remasters of its old stuff that people want to hear, and keep on keeping on. That's it.
So yeah, whatever this record is, as a longtime fan of everything the band has done, I'm stoked.