[metalchris25]

Just a little more info on the new stuff. Basically already been said, but here you are anyway:

Metallica is tentatively scheduled to enter the studio this month and begin recording the follow-up to 2003's "St. Anger". Although the band spent most of 2006 writing the new record and will spend a good part of early 2007 laying it down, drummer Lars Ulrich told Launch Radio Networks that he doesn't feel the process is taking any longer than usual. "I don't think it's taking a particularly longer time than it has, it's just that the work is spread out," he said. "The days of 16-hour studio days and six days a week, that's not really happening. We sort of come down here at, you know, nine in the morning and then we sit and work 'til we have to go pick the kids up, or 'til somebody has to go to the dentist or something, you know (laughs)."

Ulrich recently told Launch that Metallica has written about 25 songs for its ninth studio effort and will trim that down to one album's worth of material.

Referring to the controversial, low-fi production on 2003's "St. Anger", Ulrich said that he's "taken the drums out of the cardboard boxes" this time, and that lead guitarist Kirk Hammett will have guitar solos on this record.

The new disc will be produced by Rick Rubin and is expected out by late 2007.

Ulrich and actress Connie Nielsen are expecting their first child together after dating for two years. The baby is due early next summer.

Thanks for the info to Blabbermouth.net