It’s looking like we won’t be waiting for the best part of a decade for Metallica’s next record, with Kirk Hammett revealing he’s got plenty of material ready to go.

Back in 2016, Metallica released their 10th album, Hardwired… To Self-Destruct. Their first record in eight years, this was a highly-anticipated release that had fans suffering the longest gap between studio albums to date.

Of course, the record was worth the wait, topping the charts across the board and going on to spawn six singles.

However, if you were worried that album #11 might be another five years away still, Kirk Hammett has managed to assuage our fears somewhat.

Speaking to Mixdown recently, the iconic Metallica guitarist opened up about the band’s current tour, noting that when it wraps up in November, they’ll likely be hitting the studio.

“When I was 13-14 years old, bands put out albums every year,” Hammett explained. “Seriously, KISS put out an album every eight months. None of this eight years between albums.”

“None of us are very comfortable with the fact it’s been so long, because that is a long time. We’re hoping to avoid that this time around.”

“We’re in our third year since Hardwired,” he added. “Maybe we can get a bit more focus and go into the studio a bit sooner.”

“I have a ton of material. I’ve over-compensated, so I’m ready to go anytime.”

This news comes just a few months after Kirk Hammett revealed that his future plans might just include a solo album, though it will be nothing like you’d expect.

“It would not look like a metal album at all,” Hammett explained to Metal Hammer. “It’ll be something so weird and far-ranging in styles, but cohesive at the same time.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if all of us did some solo, independent, autonomous sort of thing. I think it’s healthy, and if anything, when you come back to the band you’d come back with more enthusiasm.”

“It’d feel like going on a little camping trip, and it’s always good to come back home to a nice warm bed!”

In related news, Metallica are set to return to Aussie shores for the first time in six years later this year. Bringing nu-metal icons Slipknot along for the ride, these shows are set to be some of the heaviest you’ll see all year. Check out all the details below.

Check out Metallica’s ‘Moth Into Flame’:

Metallica’s WorldWired Australia Tour 2019

With special guests Slipknot

Thursday, October 17th

Optus Stadium, Perth, WA

Sunday, October 20th

Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, SA

Tuesday October 22nd (Sold Out)

Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC

Thursday October 24th

Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC

Saturday October 26th

ANZ Stadium, Sydney, NSW

Tuesday, October 29th

QSAC, Brisbane, QLD

Thursday, October 31st (Sold Out)

Mt. Smart Stadium, Auckland, NZ

Saturday, November 2nd

Mt. Smart Stadium, Auckland, NZ