KORN is scheduled to enter the studio in November with producer Ross Robinson, the man behind the group's self-titled 1994 debut and 1996's sophomore effort, "Life is Peachy", to begin recording its new album. An early 2009 release is expected.

A new 26-minute audio interview with KORN frontman Jonathan Davis in which he talks about the group's upcoming recording plans, his desire to eventually work with former KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch again, how he may never again share the stage with former KORN drummer David Silveria, the progress he's making on his first solo album and his upcoming collaboration with Clive Barker is available for download from Headbanger's Blog (MP3 file; 18 MB).

Davis said during an online chat at Korn Korner, the band's official chat room, earlier in the month that former guitarist Welch is "not ready" to return to the band yet. Addressing recent rumors that the original KORN lineup would reunite later this year, Davis wrote, "Head doesn't want to come back yet. I miss him sooooo fuckin' bad, but I don't think he is ready to be put back in the element he ran from. Drugs are everywhere, and I think he's not ready to be around it yet. I think (Reginald) 'Fieldy' (Arvizu, bassist) can help him a lot because he's Christian (too) and sober and does fine."

Welch left the band in early 2005 to devote his life to Christianity.

As for Silveria, who departed the group in late 2006 on an "indefinite hiatus," Davis wrote, "Now David, I don't know what's gonna happen there. I just think he is done with music; it not his passion anymore. It sucks, but hey, he has to be happy, right?"

Davis indicated that KORN is "very happy" with current touring drummer Ray Luzier, adding "One day you will see Head up there with us, I hope."

KORN has used a series of temporary guitarists and drummers since the original members departed, with Luzier and guitarist Shane Gibson playing on the group's most recent tours.