One of the biggest bands out of the Inland region is back in the studio with its original lineup.Yep, the fellas in Alien Ant Farm –Dryden Mitchell (lead vocals), Mike Cosgrove (drums), Terry Corso (guitar), Tye Zamora (bass)– have packed up and headed to Groovemaster Studios in Chicago to begin work on their fourth album.

The group, whose members hail from Riverside, Corona and Moreno Valley, sold millions of records and had hits that include “Movies,” “Glow” and the band’s cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.”One of the producers the band will be working with is Johnny K, whose credits include Disturbed, Staind and 3 Doors Down.Here’s what Mitchell said in the press release:

“The band is extremely fired up about going into this record. We’ve had the fortune in the past to work with some of the best in the business (Jay Baumgardner, the DeLeo brothers, Jim Wirt, James Murray) in some of the greatest studios (NRG, Conway, Glitter Dungeon). Johnny K is no exception to the batting average, and his studio in Chicago rivals all the greats. We all plan on a ‘newer’ sound for the band, at the same time keeping other Pop-Rock bands in check. This ain’t your Soccer Mom’s band, but she can come backstage for an hour or two.”

The new album is due out in early 2013.I’ve been waiting for this press release since I ran into Terry around Riverside a few weeks back and he mentioned that the band may be recording in Chicago. I’m really excited to hear what they’re working on and the newer sound Mitchell mentioned. I also want to know if Cubix (see the non-human band member in the photo above) is in the studio with the guys.The band had a successful national tour in 2011 and also signed with Dallas-based Executive Music Group.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=1992194&forum_id=2:#21069799)