Confirming they would re-team with the producer, Robert told 93.7 KCLB Rocks! radio: "Yeah. I love working with Rick. Rick, to me, he's sort of a Zen guru spirit that Metallica needs right now.
"Not to say that we need it, because we're getting along incredibly well, we're really excited to write some new music. "There's no shortage of riffage in Metallica world right now. And I think it's only gonna get better."
Before they enter the studio, the 'Enter Sandman' group are taking part in The Big 4 concerts - which see them play on a bill with Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax - around the world, and after dates in Europe, Latin America and the show's debut in the US in California this Saturday (23.04.11), they are excited about heading to India.
Robert added: "We are going to play India in October. That should be interesting, playing a place we never thought in our wildest dreams we'd go to play.
"It's an honour for all of us that we get to be a metal band and share our music with fans in India. We love traveling and experiencing other cultures."