Guitarist Kerry King of California thrash metal legends SLAYER recently spoke to U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's next album, which they hope to begin recording within the next few weeks.

"Currently, we're taking a break, but I am very excited by the way it's all turning out so far," King said. "I've worked up three songs with Dave [Lombardo, drums], and they're sounding really refreshing and energetic. I'm certain that I'll have three more ready to go when we return to action. And then there's the stuff that Jeff [Hanneman, guitar] will also bring to the table."

He added, "One thing I can tell you is that the songs are shaping up in the classic SLAYER style. You won't be hearing us doing acoustic stuff. [laughs]"

Kerry is hoping that Greg Fidelman, who co-produced 2009's "World Painted Blood" with Rick Rubin, will be at the helm for the new album. "That's the idea, anyway," Kerry said. "But it all depends on his availability. . . I don't think we'll spend long in the studio this time, either. We're gonna do it old-school style and get things done fast. In fact, we are already ahead of schedule. The album will be ready for a summer release. But whether it's put out at that time is down to the record label [American]. They might have other plans. But we want it with the fans during the summer."

King also spoke about Hanneman's current state of health. Jeff in January 2011 contracted necrotizing fasciitis, likely caused by a spider bite, and has been undergoing surgeries, skin grafts and intense rehab since. Not only did this effectively put him out of action for the whole year, it came close to killing him, Thankfully, he's making a good recovery.

"Yeah, we could go onstage right now with him and do 'Mandatory Suicide'," Kerry said. "If that was the only song in our set, Jeff would be fine. But he's slowly getting back to full fitness and by the time we're ready to tour, he'll be right back onstage with us."

He added, "We always said we'd never entertain the idea of doing an album without [Jeff]. But there he is, getting those riffs ready!"

SLAYER will perform its classic 1986 album "Reign In Blood" in its entirety at All Tomorrow's Parties' second U.K. "I'll Be Your Mirror" event, which is scheduled to take place n the weekend of May 25-27 at Alexandra Palace, London, England. A strange move, considering they've done this several times before.

"The organizers asked us to do it! If it were left up to me, then I'd have turned it down, simply because it's been done, so why repeat it?" King said. "But it's such a classic album that people always ask us to do it."

SLAYER's latest album, "World Painted Blood", sold 41,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 12 on The Billboard 200 chart.

I've worked up three songs with Dave, and they're sounding really refreshing and energetic.

Who wants to bet it'll be just as uninspired as everything else they've done post-SitA?

I seriously thought these dudes were done.

They should call it quits already. Shit's gay.

No one needs your pessimistic bee-s. Give them a chance and wait for the release rather than shit on it without hearing it beforehand.

this band has release a handful of good songs, but never a good album.

But, can't deny the decency of their earliest works, but honestly, this band has release a handful of good songs, but never a good album.

They are an awful band, liked by awful people.

But, can't deny the decency of their earliest works, but honestly, this band has release a handful of good songs, but never a good album.

this band has release a handful of good songs, but never a good album.

So... Kerry King WANTS to rush through the recording process and use a producer that hasn't resulted in any positive feedback.

It's like he wants the album to suck or something. And honestly, does that statement of his actually list any promising qualities? Do we have any reason to suspect that this album will not be terrible?