On Tuesday (Oct 29) drummer Lars Ulrich popped into the chat room on the group�s fan club site and filled fans in on the progress of the album and told fans that they have indeed trashed some songs that the group wasn�t happy with and are currently focusing on �round two of the keepers�. 

A release date for the album has not been set as of yet. The band also does not have a permanent replacement for departed bassist Jason Newsted, thus far in the studio producer Bob Rock has handled most of the bass duties and former Alice in Chains/Ozzy Osbourne bass player Mike Inez has been spotted in the studio with the group, but has not officially joined the band. 

According to MTV, Lars also told fans that Metallica will play some surprise shows at clubs, like their June performance at club Kimo�s in San Francisco. 

That�s about the only info we have right now but we�ll keep you Posted on developments on this album as they become known. 

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