After an extended absence, The Offspring have confirmed that they finally back in the studio to finish their new album.
Not only is it their first since 2003's "Splinter"; it's also their first with Atom Willard (Angels and Airwaves, Rocket from the Crypt), who is the replacement of longtime drummer Ron Welty, who left during the recording of "Splinter".
The band is recording the new album at a studio in Hollywood, California with legendary producer Bob Rock (Mötley Crüe, Metallica, Bon Jovi, Skid Row), according to their official
website.
The new album will likely include the confirmed tracks, "Pass Me By" and a re-recording of "Dirty Magic" (from 1992's "Ignition"), which the band had demoed last summer (read story on UG). Frontman Dexter Holland described the new songs as "lots of guitar, energy, lots of energy, and good songs." and he thinks "it's the best stuff we've done in a long time."
As the album almost never materialized, Willard has been involved in playing drums with Angels and Airwaves, formed by Tom DeLonge after blink-182's demise, who just released their first album, "We Don't Need to Whisper", last May. During the recording of "Splinter", he joined The Offspring in early 2003 after the longtime drummer Ron Welty left to to pursue his career with his own band Steady Ground. However, they both remain uncredited on the album and session drummer Josh Freese (The Vandals, Infectious Grooves, A Perfect Circle) handled the drum tracks.
The new album is scheduled for a 2007 release via Columbia Records with a world tour to follow. There still has been no official word on the title, release date and first single.
