THE BEAST

AC/DC 's longtime engineer Mike Fraser has confirmed that the band has been in the studio "doing something."

Rumors of a new AC/DC record have been circulating for several months, ever since singer Brian Johnson and drummer Phil Rudd , along with guitarists Angus Young and Stevie Young , were photographed outside Vancouver's Warehouse Studios . Based on the pictures, the assumption at the time was that AC/DC was in the midst of making — or at least planning — another album, with Rudd and Johnson both back in the lineup. Online reports have also indicated Angus Young will dedicate the new AC/DC album to his late brother.

Fraser spoke about a possible new AC/DC record during an interview he did last month with Australian record-masterer and podcaster Tony "Jack the Bear" Mantz .

Asked if there is any truth to the rumor that there's another AC/DC album in the works, Fraser said (see video below starting at around 37-minute mark): "Umm... Well, yeah, I could say that we've been in the studio doing something. What's come of that I can't discuss yet, but uh..."

"With Brian singing?" Mantz asked. "I think so," Fraser replied, laughing.

Fraser recorded and mixed five AC/DC albums, including the band's latest CD, 2014's "Rock Of Bust" . He is also known for his mixing work with such acts as RUSH , GUNS N' ROSES , METALLICA and LED ZEPPELIN .

Ever since AC/DC completed the tour cycle for "Rock Or Bust" more than two years ago — a turbulent trek that weathered the forced retirement and eventual death of co-founder Malcolm Young , plus the departures of Johnson , Rudd and bassist Cliff Williams — fans have wondered whether sole remaining founding member Angus Young would keep the band going or decide it was time for AC/DC to pack it in.

Johnson was forced to leave AC/DC mid-tour due to a dangerous level of hearing loss, and was eventually replaced on the road by GUNS N' ROSES frontman Axl Rose , while Williams decided to retire at the end of the cycle.

Via Blabbermouth