
The Offspring have nailed down a Dec. 9 release date for their seventh album, "Splinter," which features the single "Hit That."
"After seven albums, it takes some effort not to just rest on your laurels," singer Dexter Holland said in a statement. "I listened to some of our older stuff, and tried to pick out what the charm of it was, without repeating myself. I feel good about this record. We mixed things up a bit."
In addition to "Hit That"--which is the most-added track at modern-rock and rock radio stations this week, according to Columbia Records--song titles include "Worst Hangover Ever," "Spare Me the Details," "When You're in Prison" and "Da Hui."
The group re-enlisted producer Brendan O'Brien (Pearl Jam, Korn)--who worked on the band's previous set, 2000's "Conspiracy of One"--for the "Splinter" sessions, and recruited drummer Josh Freese to lay down the drum tracks. The ever-busy Freese--who also played drums on Static-X's new album--holds down a full-time gig with A Perfect Circle, with whom he is currently on tour.
In October, The Offspring announced that former Rocket from the Crypt drummer Atom Willard will tour with the band behind "Splinter."
The band plans to play several U.S. radio festivals in November and December, and will launch a European tour in January, according to Columbia.