In a move that could be considered by listeners as a way to get back to being relevant, the members of Metallica are rumored to be considering dropping their longtime producer Bob Rock and hiring producer extraordinaire Rick Rubin to get behind the knobs for their follow-up to the god-awful St. Anger. The reasoning behind this move might be due to the fact that Rubin has been able to either bring out a definitive and top-selling CD from the artist(s) (Beastie Boys, System Of A Down, Slipknot, and Red Hot Chili Peppers) or resurrect careers by having the artist(s) go back to a more organic sound (Johnny Cash and most recently with Neil Diamond). Rock, who has been with Metallica since the Black Album, might not miss the group since he is currently scheduled to be working with Motley Crue for most of 2006 on a new CD. The new Metallica is expected to be released later this year or earlier next year.

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