Robert Trujillo: Metallica is Writing New Material

As Metallica is getting geared up for their tour of New Zealand and Australia, bassist Robert Trujillo revealed that the iconic metal band has been writing new songs. He reports that the group has amassed “tons of material” by writing backstage and at jam sessions during their time on the road, though they haven’t really put it all together yet. After two years on the road, the band will take a little time to rest up before jumping into a new project.

Metallica has been touring nonstop since the 2008 release of Death Magnetic, which was the first to feature Trujillo since he replaced Jason Newsted in 2003.

In an interview with Metal Hammer, Trujillo spoke on the band’s writing process.

“With these guys when they’re really gelling you’ve got to let them go with it and that’s where a lot of the magic comes from,” he said. “Spontaneity is key in this band. Hetfield plugs in his guitar and flicks the tone knob and in five seconds he’s playing a riff so Lars is always like ‘we’ve got to capture every moment we can.’”

Next year will mark 30 years since Metallica’s formation in 1981. Trujillo, who previously played with Suicidal Tendencies and Ozzy Osbourne, is the fourth bassist for the band, following Ron McGovney, Cliff Burton, and Newsted.