"This is supposed to be our year off, but it's been filled with so many obligations and events that have nothing to do with the rigors of touring and recording cycle," says guitarist Kirk Hammett of the band's harried break. "And so, every two or three weeks there's something going on, we have to fly somewhere and be interviewed for this or that, or shoot something for this or that, and it's just been crazy."

Hammett also cast a little light on when Metallica will begin their next album. "Probably some time next year, when we feel like getting back in one room together and fighting it out," Hammett says. "Maybe 'fighting' is too harsh a word. Whenever we go into the studio, it's like preparing yourself for battle. We're battling each other, we're battling the music, we're battling [producer] Bob Rock, we're battling the world. You have to put your armor on and be prepared to take blows from all sides."

The guitarist revealed that we might see at least one Hammett-penned composition on the next Metallica album. "The faith that those guys have in me is stronger than it's ever been," he says. "Frankly, I'm just really excited. I know James has a lot of strong material, and I know that I have a lot of strong material. I'm actually looking forward to going back in the studio."