Expect new music from Linkin Park — possibly as soon as next year.

Frontman Chester Bennington told Rolling Stone the band is working on new music and “we’re well on our way to making our next record.” He added he’d be “shocked” if it doesn’t come out next year. Rick Rubin, who produced Linkin Park’s last couple of albums, is again behind the board.

Bennington says he and the other bandmembers write even while on the road: “Technology, thank God, has gotten to the point when what used to be three refrigerator-sized racks of equipment and a full board the size of a king bed can now fit in my backpack.”

The band previously took several years between albums, but Bennington says they’re now hoping to release a new album every 18 months.

Linkin Park will perform a benefit concert at a “secret, intimate location” in Los Angeles August 31 to raise money for the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Joining Linkin Park on the bill will be Japan’s top-selling band B’z. Fans are encouraged to help raise money, and top fundraisers can win tickets and other goodies.

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