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.

Bloodsimple drummer Chris Hamilton has left the band, for undisclosed reasons. No replacement has been named so far.

Alabama Thunderpussy have a new frontman. He’s Kyle Thomas, previously with Exhorder. The band intend to start work shortly on an album.

Drummer Robin EngstrГ¶m of Swedish metallers Morgana Lefay announced his departure from the band due to “personal differences.” The band’s new drummer is Pelle Г…kerlind (Lednote, Rock Tools and live session drummer with Blood Bound).

King’s X have moved swiftly to deny reports that they’re about to split up. The Texan trio have no intention of so doing.

Chrome Division, who include Dimmu Borgir frontman Shagrath on guitar, release their debut album in August. It’s called ‘Doomsday Rock ‘N’ Roll’ and is on the Nuclear Blast label.