Before they went on tour as part of the Mayhem Festival this Summer, Mastodon said that they were working on riffs for the follow-up to 2011’s The Hunter. With the tour over, it seems like they’re hunkering down and continuing to craft their sixth album. Earlier today, they posted the following update to Facebook.

Mastodon has been busy jamming everyday writing and arranging the next studio album. we have quite a few songs and ideas that are taking some time to nail down what we think will make it to the next full length. there will be no more touring this year, we will hit the studio in November to hopefully finish by the end of year.

Granted, at this point in time, we’d figure the band would be at work on the album, but it’s cool to know that they’re setting a goal for the end of the year. It fits in with the schedule of their last three albums, which have been released every 2 1/2 years or so. The Hunter came out in September of 2011.