Metallica fans: the band's new album finally has a confirmed release date... kind of... well, not really. But drummer Lars Ulrich HAS given a firm answer on when he EXPECTS the new Metallica album to be out. Close enough, right?

Speaking with Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson on the famous singer's radio show -- talk about a meeting of the metal minds! -- Lars confirmed that the current plan is to release the yet-untitled album in September. When speaking about the content of the album Lars stated, "I like what I've heard so far. I'm not one of the great sellers of 'the new record's the best thing we've ever done, and it sh--s all over the last record, and it's way heavier'." I'm not a great believer in all that horsesh-t. I like it and I'm one of Metallica's harshest critics. So far it feels pretty good but there's still plenty of time to f--- it up, so let's see what happens."

So that's that, we have a whole summer to wait, and then be either completely disappointed or extremely pleased.  At least the speculation can end and we can all just sit back, relax and wait.

Is it here yet?