Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo is planning on putting out a solo album next year – and it’s all about drums!

“It will showcase a very different side of me,” Lombardo told Classic Rock. “If you’re a metalhead then you may not appreciate a lot of what’ll be on it. It’s really world music with an edge. And an opportunity for me to reveal a different side to my playing – much more avant-garde.

“It won’t have any singing, or other instruments apart from drums and percussion. It’s my vanity project, I suppose. I’ve been working on it for a while, and hope to get it finished soon.”

Right now, Lombardo and Slayer are in Australia on tour, with UK shows lined up for next month. And the drummer believes the band are better than ever.

“I really think it’s getting easier for all of us to do this as we get older. That may sound crazy, but we know what we’re doing, and how to make the tour work on all levels.”

One secret to Slayer’s longevity – they started in 1981, with the same line-up as today [Lombardo, bassist/vocalist Tom Araya and guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman] – is they have learnt how to get along with each other.

“We’ve had our moments, but nothing as extreme as Metallica have had. I think we understand that washing your dirty laundry in public… well, nobody wants that to happen. It’s embarrassing. We concentrate on what this band is all about: the music and the performances. The rest of it is about being a prima donna, and that’s not us. We are four different people, and give each other the privacy and space we need.”

Currently, the metal world is buzzing with the rumours of a possible tour featuring the celebrated ‘Big Four’ of thrash: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. But is it really feasible? Lombardo believes it could happen.

“Why not? We all get along now, and if someone is prepared to put the effort into organising it, then I think it would be the ultimate metal experience for everyone, including the bands.”

Slayer’s UK dates are: Nottingham Rock City November 18, Birmingham 02 Academy 19, Manchester Academy 20, Glasgow Barrowlands 22, Leeds Academy 23, London HMV Forum 25/26.

* Slayer were forced to cancel a concert in Adelaide on Sunday (October 11) after frontman Tom Araya lost his voice on stage at Melbourne the previous night. Araya’s doctor diagnosed him with laryngitis and ordered him to rest. Slayer are due to perform at Perth’s Challenge Stadium tonight (October 13). Megadeth are supporting Slayer in Australia.

For further info go to www.slayer.net