 Robert DeLeo , against Atlantic Records ' wishes , insisted that he and his brother Dean DeLeo produce the record themselves , which began production in early 2009 . Because recording took place during breaks in the band 's touring schedule , production took nearly ten months to complete . Three studios were used simultaneously , including Robert 's home studio and Eric Kretz 's Bomb Shelter Studios . Scott Weiland recorded vocals at his own Lavish Studios . Don Was was brought in as an additional producer to help keep the band 's separate recording sessions in sync , as well as to work closely with Weiland during the recording of his vocals . The album was completed in December 2009 , and mixing and mastering were finished by February 2010 . 
