The thrash veterans start recording sessions later this year, with Exodus man Gary Holt in place of Hanneman, who died last year of alcohol-related health issues.

And King believes the response to standalone track Implode, launched earlier this year, should offer hope to doubtful followers. He tells Arte Concert: "I know people are going to expect us to fail, because it's the first record without Jeff. I get it. But I'm also very proud of what we've done so far towards new material.