The Bees have confirmed a series of summer shows to roadtest new material.The band are currently recording their third album ‘Octopus’ on their native Isle Of Wight, but will venture out of the studio to test out songs, including a Highlands And Islands tour which takes place exclusively in Scotland during August.

The King Blues, Londoners who describe their music as ‘folk/punk/ska’, are to release an album called ‘Under The Fog’ on June 5. This will be on the Household Name label.

Polish metalheads Vader are to release a new album in September. It’s to be called ‘Impression In Blood’.

Rob Zombie and Anthrax are hooking up for a North American tour. This is due to start on June 30.

US alternative rock sextet Brazil have signed to Immortal Records. They’re about to start work on a new, as yet untitled album. This is to be produced by Dave Fridmann (Thursday, Flaming Lips).

Derek Sherinian was blessed to gain two top-notch guest musicians for his new solo album ‘Blood of the Snake’ (release date in July): Billy Idol and Guns’n’Roses icon Slash. Sherinian already supported Idol on his previous tour and recorded, both with Idol and Slash, Mungo Jerry‘s classic song ‘In the Summertime’. ‘That was my favourite […]

Sweden’s Soilwork have a replacement for recently departed guitarist Pete Wichers. He’s Daniel Antonsson, who was previously with Dimension Zero.

Sikth are to play a warm-up gig prior to their performance at this year’s Download Festival. The show happens at Club Nirvana in Wigan on June 7, with support from Machiavellian, Hector and Car Crash Radio.

Diecast are shortly to start recording a new album with producer Zeuss. As yet untitled, this should be released towards the end of the year.

Robert Plant is to play a show at the Old Billingsgate Fish Market in London on May 9. It’s a charity show, with all proceeds going to the Evaline Children’s Hospital Appeal.