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.

Billy Talent will have a new album in the shops during late June. Released by Atlantic, it will be called ‘Billy Talent II’.

Slayer will now release their new, as yet untitled album in July. Produced by Josh Abraham, they hope to precede this with a digital release on June 6. Among the 11 tracks on the album are ‘Eyes Of The Insane’, ‘Cult’, ‘Catalyst’, ‘Jihad’ and ‘Catatonic’.

Evanescence will finally release their new album in August. It’s to be called ‘The Open Door’.

It seems that Florida band Cold aren’t yet finished. Despite the recent announcement that they were splitting up, there’s been a change of heart. Cold are taking a break, but will return. In the meantime, frontman Scooter Ward and drummer Sam McCandless are carrying on with their new project, The Witch.

Nightwish are to release the ‘End Of An Era’ DVD in the UK on June 5. This 18-tracker was filmed at the band’s last gig with former singer Tarja Turunen on October 21.

The Almighty are to headline the Bulldog Bash on August 11. This happens at the Shakespeare County Raceway in Warwickshire.

A website has been set up to aid Love mainman Arthur Lee, who’s battling against leukemia. This is to help pay for Lee’s ongoing treatment.

Рђnnihilator leader Jeff Waters has confirmed that the band now have an Official MySpace page.Check out the page to find videos, tracks and everything else Annihilator related.Annihilator will be playing at least 20 shows in Europe this summer in support of their new album, Schizo Deluxe. Dates can also be found at the new MySpace […]