REM's new album "primitive and howling"

Michael Stipe says REM's new album will go into uncharted REM territory.

He says the band have recently been in the studio working on "zillions of songs".

They are due to return soon.

"Themes are starting to emerge, and it sounds like it's taking off from the last couple of records into uncharted REM territory," Stipe told Rolling Stone.

"Kind of primitive and howling. For me, a very exciting trip."