The Damned are to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the release of their debut album ‘Damned Damned Damned’ by performing the record in its entirety at London’s 100 Club on July 6. Joining original members Brian James (guitar) and Rat Scabies (drums) will be none other than Amen frontman Casey Chaos.

Megaforce has set an August 8 release date for the two-disc DVD from the legendary San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal band Vio-Lence, entitled “Blood and Dirt“. The DVD is produced and directed by Jerry Allen of Metallian Productions.

Guns n’ Roses have confirmed that their new guitarist is Ron Thal, formerly with New York band Bumblefoot. He’s replaced Buckethead.

Frontiers Records has announced the European release of Shark Island‘s highly anticipated new album, “Gathering of the Faithful”, on July 7.

Leaf Hound are to headline The Metal Brew festival at the Mill Hill Rugby Club in London on July 22. Also on the bill are Firestorm, Crowning Glory, Devulfish, Aghast, Godsized, Chordless and None The Less.

Finland’s Nerlich have inked a deal with OSM Records. The band, who were formed in the fall of 2003, play “old-school skull-crushing death metal,” according to a press release. Nerlich have just finished recording their new album, which will be titled “Defabricated Process”. A December 2006 release is expected.

Skindred are to headline this year’s Uxfest, which happens at the Islington Academy and Islington Bar Academy in London on August 6. There will be 21 bands in all, on two stages. Other names confirmed so far are Bring Me The Horizon, Head-On, Biomechanical, Fireapple Red, Engel and PDHM.

Entombed drummer Peter Stjarnvind has left the band, to concentrate on his other project, Nifelheim. Temporarily, at least, his place is being taken by Olle Dahstedt.

A video clip of Lacuna Coil playing their new single, a cover of Depeche Mode‘s “Enjoy the Silence“, in what was their first live U.S. television appearance, can be viewed at this location.

You may now watch online the new video to the track “Ascetic” by the Sofia-based doomy-blues five-piece band Cigaretta.The band, featuring Vla_Doom, Klim_End, D_Echo, Mic_Hail and Bo_Betz, is also to have a live-gig with the Swiss noise-terrorists Mir. This will take place at Sofia’s O!Shipka Club, on May 23rd.