Papa Smurf

Metallica are mentioned in the latest issue of Kerrang! magazine, where drummer Lars Ulrich offers a small update on the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's new album, reports Blabbermouth.net.

According to Ulrich, Metallica have "six to seven" new songs completed without vocals and have gone back to the old approach of Lars and guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield sifting through riff tapes the band have recorded on hours of jam sessions from the last world tour.


Regarding the band's collaboration with producer Rick Rubin (Slipknot, System Of A Down, Red Hot Chili Peppers), Lars said that its been good working with him because he sees things in the big picture and it was good to change producers because after 15 years they felt spoiled.

In other news, the Mercury News is reporting that Hetfield and guitarist Kirk Hammett attended a live show by Queen at the HP Pavillion in San Jose last week. They hung out backstage and were later introduced to the audience by Queen guitarist Brian May.