The Hives are preparing to release their fifth studio album, Lex Hives, which is set to drop on June 5th; the album will be the band’s first release since 2007. Alternative Addiction recently spoke with drummer, Chris Dangerous, to learn a little more about the forthcoming record and discuss the group’s touring plans for the rest of the year.

Unlike many bands today, The Hives had the opportunity to produce all the material themselves for their upcoming record.  Chris explained that by doing this they were able to have complete control over the sound of the album and create the record they all envisioned as a group.  Of course, this is a completely different approach in comparison with their previous record, The Black and White Album, which the band recorded in various areas across the globe and worked on with several producers.  While Chris was clear that the band thoroughly enjoyed working with such a wide variety of people for The Black and White Album, he stated the band simply wanted to go in a different direction for the new release.

The lead single, “Go Right Ahead,” which is out right now has already become a fan favorite and caused even more anticipation for the new record.  Chris shared that the song was chosen as the first single because of its high quality along with the fact it was one of the first tracks the band finished for Lex Hives; essentially, because of the long gap in between albums fans were eager to hear new material so the band didn’t want to waste any time releasing “Go Right Ahead.”  Chris also went on to say that the song is a solid representation of the record as a whole and has gotten a great reception at their live shows thus far.  Although there is currently no official music video out there for the track, it is certain that the band will begin the process of creating one in the near future.  And as far as a the second single goes, while Chris couldn’t share what it would be, fans will be happy to know he made a point to say that he believes it’s even better than “Go Right Ahead.”

At the moment, The Hives are in Germany and will continue to play shows throughout Europe until they head back to the states in mid June.  The band will then continue to tour consistently throughout the rest of the year up until Christmas, performing shows both in the U.S. and overseas.  Still, because of the group’s high demand and the fact that the tour dates fill up quick, Chris noted that the band will surely be touring for the majority of 2013 as well.  Throughout their career, The Hives have been recognized for their incredible live performances and because of this, the group has previously toured for extensive amounts of time while selling out shows across the world.  In fact, the group toured for about three years in support of The Black and White Album.  While this can at times take a toll on the guys, Chris expressed that the group will always love playing live shows for their dedicated fans.  In regards to supporting bands, the group is still in talks of deciding who they will choose to have tour with them.

The Hives rose to fame in 2001 with their hit single, “Hate To Say I Told You So,” and have been going strong ever since.  Over the last decade, the band has gathered a large following both in the states and overseas as well as releasing other notable songs such as “Tick Tick Boom,” “Walk Idiot Walk,” and “Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones.”  Lex Hives can now be pre-ordered on the band’s website or on iTunes; the album is comprised of twelve songs but a deluxe version is also available with two additional bonus tracks, both of which were produced by Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age.