System Of A Down have given an update on their long-awaited new album – revealing that it’s “100% happening” and that they have 15 songs ready so far, NME reports.

The “Chop Suey” rock heroes were believed to be working on new material after sharing photos that appear to show them in the recording studio – before announcing a string of European festival dates and their return to the UK with a headline set at Download 2017.

Now, the band have revealed that progress on their first album since 2005’s ‘Mesmerize’ and ‘Hypnotize’ is well underway.

“We’ve been working on a new album for the last six months and there’s about 15 songs that I think are album-worthy,” drummer John Dolmayan told Kerrang. “We don’t know what’s happening in terms of release, it’s still not 100% as far as plans go.

“I want everyone on board and feeling good about it, that’s what we’re trying to accomplish right now. There’s a tremendous amount of pressure on us, though, because it’s been 11 years – at least 12 by the time it comes out.”

He continued: “Our playing ability is better than it ever has been and we’re trying new things. We’re not trying to make “Toxicity” Part II, just because it was by far our biggest album. This needs to be something for a new generation of SOAD fans, so everyone can see we’re not resting on our laurels. I’m not gonna put my name on an album I’m not 100% proud of. I know there’s a lot of talk, we read a lot of it – trust me. Especially Shavo, he loves that shit!”

Dolymayan added: “The fans are saying a lot of things, we understand their frustration and the fact it comes from a place of passion, for the most part. SOAD is definitely making an album, we just don’t know what terms it will be made on.”

Meanwhile, System Of A Down are set to headline Download festival 2017 alongside Biffy Clyro, System Of A Down and Aerosmith – with Slayer, Prophets Of Rage, AFI, Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Of Mice & Men, Fozzy, Sleeping With Sirens, Simple Plan, Every Time I Die, The Story So Far, Slayer and Motionless In White also set to perform.

Download Festival takes place from 9-11 June 2017 at Donington Park in Derbyshire. Tickets are on sale now.