Arctic Monkeys new album speculation intensifies with Matt Helders Instagram photo

Fans believe the band are hard at work on their sixth record

Arctic Monkeys fans are hopeful that a new album announcement is imminent following intensifying speculation that the band are back in the studio recording new music.

Following on from previous reports that the band had reunited in Sheffield to work on their sixth record last Christmas, a series of new photos shared o social media has sent a shockwave of excitement through the fandom.

One such photo was shared by drummer Matt Helders showing off a drumkit surrounded by microphones.

Only last month did photographer Daniele Cavalli post photos of lead singer Alex Turner recording a piano take.

The latest Arctic Monkeys record, AM, became the Sheffield-hailing band's fifth consecutive number one upon its release in September 2013.

Just last year, Turner reunited with Miles Kane to release a second Last Shadow Puppets record which they toured across Europe throughout the summer.

Last month marked the tenth anniversary of their sophomore album Favourite Worst Nightmare - you can read our retrospective here.