NME.com has reported that Metalica is again a foursome, whether this makes you happy is up to you. Rumors that they might be working with Carlos Santana on new album are worrying and as of yet unconfirmed.

Here's the piece:


Metallica have finally announced their new bass player - OZZY OSBOURNE's bassist ROBERT TRUJILLO.
The band have been auditioning bassists since Jason Newsted left in January 2001, citing personal reasons and wishing to repair the physical damage done to him over years of touring. Among the prospective new members were Twiggy Ramirez of Marilyn Manson's band and former Kyuss man Scott Reeder.

Trujillo was a member of Suicidal Tendencies, and became friends with Metallica in 1993 when they played together in Europe.

Frontman James Hetfield said there was "incredible magic" between the four members when they jammed together in the studio. "It was something that we could not describe. We all just knew it. [Producer of their new album] Bob Rock told us right after the jam that it sounded like a 747 jet taking off," he said. Drummer Lars Ulrich added: "We were impressed by Rob's roaring bass style and his very cool and unique vibe on stage."

"I am very stoked, excited and look forward to my journey with my Metallica brothers," Trujillo commented. He will make his live debut before fans on the Summer Sanitarium tour starting in July, which will unite Metallica, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Deftones and Mudvayne.

Bob Rock - who played with Metallica when they did an unannounced gig at an American football game in California recently – plays bass parts on the band's new album, 'St Anger', which is released in June. Hetfield also played some bass parts. However, Ulrich said that the recruitment of Trujillo, who has also played with Alice In Chains singer Jerry Cantrell as well as performing live and on record with Ozzy, has completed the band's two-year phase of evolution.

"I am so excited to be a full unit again. To welcome Rob into Metallica in 2003 after all the growth and soul searching we've been through for the last two years feels so awesome," he said. "Being at full strength again is at this moment indescribable. We're bristling with new energy, new respect, new vibes and a huge appetite for everything Metallica is. Having Rob here, and him choosing to become a part of our family, will enable us to get to yet another level."

As previously reported, Newsted joined Voivod towards the end of last year.

at least jason newsted's joining a good band.