Arctic Monkeys: New album in the works and 'set for release next year'

Album would be the band's first since 2013's critically acclaimed AM

Getty

The hugely anticipated new Arctic Monkeys album is apparently being recorded and is (hopefully) set for release next year.

Bassist Nick O'Malley reportedly let slip that the band began recording their sixth album this month, and said it would be released sometime in 2018.

"If it isn't [out by then] we've got problems," he told motorcycling magazine For The Ride.

Frontman Alex Turner was busy in 2016 with his other project The Last Shadow Puppets, co-fronted with Miles Kane, releasing their new album Everything You've Come To Expect.

Meanwhile drummer Matt Helders recently produced a soundtrack for new Sheffield bar 'Public', along with collaborations with Iggy Pop, Josh Homme, and Lady Gaga.

Arctic Monkeys' new album would be their first since the critically acclaimed AM, released four years ago in 2013.

The update on For The Ride's website said: "Nick found time for the track day before recording began on the eagerly anticipated sixth album, started at a secret locatio in September.

"The new album will be out next year because 'if it isn't, we've got problems'."

Follow Independent Culture on Facebook for the latest news, features and video