Shinedown earned some well-deserved time out of the spotlight following nonstop promotion of their 2012 disc 'Amaryllis,' but the creative machine is churning once more. Frontman Brent Smith headed to the band's Twitter account today (Feb. 20) to hold a Q&A session with fans in which he detailed some of the progress on the band's new album and also discussed their film plans.

Speaking about the upcoming disc, Smith stated, "We are four weeks into recording … Album release by late July, early August." He also teased that fans may hear a new single by late April. That will certainly pave the way as the band returns to the road.

And speaking of touring, the vocalist confirmed that the band will be back on the road this year. In fact, a look at their website reveals that they're already confirmed for the Moondance Jam in Walker, Minn., on July 18 and playing the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Jackson, Mich., on Aug. 9. Stay tuned to this location as more dates are added.

When questioned by one fan for one of his all-time favorite songs, Smith replied, "They are being recorded right now." He also added that "survival" is a theme for the new disc and stated, "It's a devastating album -- beautifully brutal."

As for their previously announced film project based on their history, Smith says it comes from a "very real" place and that the band is filming everyday until it's finished. But as of yet, there is no official release date for the project.

Check out the full Brent Smith chat via the band's Twitter account.