Metallica's drummer Lars Ulrich has confirmed that the band have completed the backing tracks for their ninth studio album. The band is aiming to release the follow-up to 2003's "St. Anger" in February 2008.

Regarding the music on the effort, Lars has stated: "It doesn't sound like "St. Anger" to me. It's probably a little more dynamic and a little more varied, and it has lots of different nutty Metallica stuff on it."

The quartet is currently playing festivals across Europe. Their next big stop shall be at the Live Earth extravaganza at London's Wembley Stadium on July 7.