Justin Meldal-Johnsen (on the photo), who previously earned his stripes backing Beck, was announced as the latest bassist in the always mutating Nine Inch Nails. He takes the place of Rich Fownes behind frontman Trent Reznor in the line-up. Once rehearsals wrap up, the band will embark on a North American tour.

The Italian metal experimentalists Ephel Duath are to start recording their new album in July. It’s going to be produced by Giuseppe Orlando, and its title shall be “Through My Dog’s Eyes“. The CD is expected to be released by Earache Records by the end of the year. Ephel Duath – “The Passage“

Toma Zdravkov, who won this year’s edition of the Music Idol TV contest in Bulgaria, is going to support WhitesnakeВ and Def Leppard onВ July 4В at the already sold-out Academic Stadium in Sofia, Bulgaria. Toma ZdravkovВ – “Soldier of Fortune“

Iced Earth have revealed the front cover artwork (see it in the left) for their forthcoming full-length studio album, “The Crucible of Man (Something Wicked Part II)“, which continues 2007’s “Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Part I)”. The CD, due for a late August or early September release on Steamhammer/SPV, features the return of frontman Matt […]

Judas Priest‘s forthcoming double-disc concept album, “Nostradamus“, based on the life of the 16th century French prophet, is available for streaming in its entirety HERE. The CD itself (view cover in the left) is scheduled for release in Europe via Columbia Records next Monday, June 16. Judas Priest – “Metal Gods” (live)

The Californian-Mexican punk/ska gang La PlebeВ is going to play live inВ Sofia, Bulgaria onВ June 29, 2008. The event is scheduled to take place at the Backstage Club, starting at 8 p.m. with a set by the local openers Catalyst. Tickets for the fiesta are gonna cost only 5 Euro. La Plebe – “Plebe por vida“

To mark the release of “Watershed” – the brand-new full-length masterpiece by Sweden’s avantgardists Opeth – Tangra Mega Rock conducted an interview with the band’s leader and ideologist, Mr. Mikael Г…kerfeldt. You may read and/or listen to it HERE… Opeth – “Porcelain Heart“

Britain’s electro maniacs Juno Reactor shall play live in Sofia, Bulgaria for the first time ever onВ October 30, 2008. The venue is theВ Universiada Hall, with tickets costing 15 Euro via Ticketpro.bg. Juno Reactor – “God Is God“

The Bulgarian bands Death Squad (on the photo), O.H., Avril in Blood Рё Unreal shall do a charity cocnert on June 29 at Sofia’s The Club. Tickets cost 7 leva / 3 Euro. All proceeds shall be given to a couple of children whose home was burnt to the ground a month ago.

Coldplay are set to work with film director Anton Corbijn – the man who created the biopic about Joy Division’s late singer Ian Curtis, “Control“. He’ll direct the video for “Viva La Vida” – the upcoming single for the band’s new album, “Viva La Vida Or Death and All His Friends“. Corbijn has previously directed […]