AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been full of surprises lately, but when it comes to the criminal charges he's currently facing, he's doing exactly what everyone expected: pleading not guilty.

The New Zealand Herald reports that although Rudd wasn't present for his most recent court date on Dec. 2 (which is probably for the best, all things considered), he had his lawyer enter "not guilty" pleas to charges of threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.

The report adds that the judge "ordered continued suppression of the details of the threatening to kill complainant and three other witnesses."

This hopefully concludes Rudd's legal drama for the year; he's next scheduled for a case review Feb. 10, and according to the Herald's report, the judge predicted that the case "would likely be heard at a judge alone trial next year."

Rudd's pleas were entered the same day that AC/DC's highly anticipated new album, 'Rock or Bust,' made its long-awaited debut. Rudd performs on the LP, although his bandmates have accused him of behaving erratically during the sessions, and although he still appears to be part of the lineup, the group has openly expressed a willingness to move on without him when it comes time to support 'Rock or Bust' with a tour.

You Think You Know AC/DC?

Angus Young's and Other Rockers’ Yearbook Photos

More From 98.7 WFGR