Nevermore bassist Jim Sheppard has been forced to pull out of the band’s upcoming US tour with In Flames. This is because he’s receiving treatment for Crohn’s Disease. His place is to be taken by ex-Megadeth man James Macdonaugh.

Slipknot‘s Sid Wilson is to release a solo album in June. To be called ‘The New Leader’, this will be under the project name of DJ Starscream. Wilson himself describes the style as a ‘mosh up’.

Lamb Of God are to call their new album ‘Sacrament’. Produced by Machine, it should be out during the late Summer.

Clutch, Soil and Blindside are to play the Camden Underworld in London on June 7.

The Answer are to play the Kingston Peel on May 19. Also on the bill are Pig Iron, Steranko and Coda.

Trivium have now posted their version of Metallica‘s classic ‘Master Of Puppets’. Hear it here.

Zao are to release their new album in June. Called ‘The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here’, it was recorded with the celebrated Steve Albini.

Carnivore, one of New York’s most controversial bands in the ’80s, are to play this year’s Wacken Festival, which happens in Germany from August 3-5. The band was led by Peter Steele, prior to the formation of Type O Negative. And Steele will once again be fronting Carnivore for this re-union show.

Korn are to releaes the DVD ‘Live On The Other Side’ in June. It was filmed during a recent show in New York, at the Hammerstein Ballroom.

Phil Barker, who’s been drummer with veteran UK punks Buzzcocks since 1989, has left the band. His successor is Danny Farrant.