DARKEST HOUR has entered the studio with producer Kurt Ballou to record its fully crowdfunded new album. The band has issued an update about everything going on in the DARKEST HOUR orbit right now, including the partial return of previous guitarist Kris Norris. So both fans and a former member are a huge part of this album, making it that much more special.

The new DARKEST HOUR album is due out in February 2017.

Here's a direct update from the band, similar to what was shared with its Indiegogo supporters.

"As we told the backers who contributed to our crowd-fund campaign for our forthcoming record (album nine), we are excited to announce we are ready to move into the next phase of the process — the recording!

"We are recording with guitar/producer jedi Kurt Ballou at his very own GodCity studio in Salem, Mass. We'll be there for the next month and it's going to rule. The studio is amazing, Salem is beautiful this time of year, and it seems like a perfect environment to make some blistering metal.

"We have tried our best to make this project special for not only fans but ourselves. Enlisting Kurt's help is only one step in the process. It's with this in mind that we would like to let you in on another little secret — we've brought back our very own guitarist Kris Norris (of UNDOING RUIN, DELIVER US, SADIST NATION fame) to collaborate with us on a few tracks and possibly a guest solo or two.

"We have been documenting the writing and recording process as we go so look for some web vidoes, live Facebook-ing, and whole lot more as we continue the journey that is making this record.

"Once again, thanks to everyone who has pre-ordered or contributed to our Indiegogo campaign. This album will NOT disappoint. We can't wait to assault you ears with these jams."

Of his return to making music with DARKEST HOUR, Norris said: "When the guys contacted me about the idea of a collaboration, I was excited because it has been a really long time since I've worked with them all. I've stayed in touch with them over the past years and it's really awesome to see that they keep trying new things on every album and growing musically. I've always felt there was a really good writing chemistry and it's awesome to see that it's still there."

Michael "Lonestar" Carrigan concurred, saying: "Working with Kris was a lot of fun, it started pretty causal, and developed into something natural. All of us together, in one room, was not only inspiring but has yielded some pretty awesome results. Can't wait for everyone to hear what we have been working on."

Lastly, Mike Schleibaum said: "While this album is not throwback or homage to anything we have done in the past, we are doing our best to capture the spirit and energy of those early records this time. Bringing in Kris on a few songs is just a great way to keep things fresh. This album is as forward-thinking creatively as it is noticeably DARKEST HOUR sonically."