An ummastered version of the title track from the new Meat Loaf album is now available for download via his official website. Called ‘The Monster Is Loose’, it’s the third part of the ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ saga, and was co-written by Nikki Sixx, John 5 and Desmond Child. The last named also produced it.

Halifax have posted the acoustic song ‘Such A Terrible Trend’ online. This comes from new album ‘The Inevitability Of A Strange World’.

Swedish death metalheads Visceral Bleeding have parted with guitarist Marcus Nilsson. The decision is said to be amicable. His replacement is Martin Germ Bermheden.

Lamb Of God are expected to release the song ‘Redneck‘ as the first single from their new album. The latter, ‘Scarament‘, is due out in August. It was produced by Machine.

Dirty Rig, fronted by ex-Warrior Soul vocalist Kory Clarke, have signed to Escapi Music. New album ‘Rock Did It’ will be released in late June.

Primus are to get back together for a one-off show. This happens on July 29, at the Hedgpeth Festival in Twin Lakes, WI. Also on the bill are Peeping Tom and The Flaming Lips.

Aerosmith are expected to collaborate with Matchbox 20 singer Rob Thomas on one track to be featured on their new, as yet untitled album. This is currently being produced by Rob Thomas.

Swedish all girl hard rock band Vision recently performed the Kiss classic “Lick It Up” on Swedish national TV. The TV program “RundgГҐng” visited the group’s rehearsal space for a show segment, which included a live performance of the song.

Soilwork are to use Darkane drummer Peter Wildoer for a handful of European festivals. This is because current drummer Dirk Verbeuren lives in Los Angeles, and the band couldn’t get him reasonably priced flights, as the shows in questions were confirmed at the last minute.

Audioslave have canceled their entire European tour including a slot at the Carling Weekend Festival in Reading and Leeds. No official statement has been published by the band (who are expected to be releasing a new album later this year). The follow up to 2005’s Out of Exile has a working title of Revelations.