Former Blind Guardian and Savage Circus drummer Thomas “Thomen” Stauch has joined the German “industrial/gothic rock” band Seelenzorn. The guys are hard at work on new songs. For more information, check out seelenzorn.com and the video below: Seelenzorn – “Mein Schmerz“

TheВ Paiste Drumset Competition 2008 is now on. To find out more, go to pro-technica.com/drumset/.

Download, Bloodstock Open Air and Hard Rock Hell are among Britain’s metal festivals which have been nominated for the “Best Toilets” Award in this year’s UK Festival Awards. The winners will be determined by public vote at festivalawards.com until October 20, and the ceremony will take place on October 30 at the IndigO2 in London.

According to Mad Tourbooking, New York’s hardcore legends Madball shall play live inВ Sofia, BulgariaВ onВ November 22… Madball – “Heavenhell“

Bulgaria’s MM TV shall present its Decade Awards at a ceremony on October 9, 2008 at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia.

Ozzy Osbourne is currently recording a new album. The as-yet-untitled effort is being produced by Kevin Churko, who worked with the prince of darkness on his former CD, last year’s “Black Rain”, too. Ozzy Osbourne – “Dreamer“

Swedish extreme metallers Arch Enemy are to release a concert CD/DVD package on November 7. It shall be called “Tyrants of the Rising Sun: Live in Japan“, so we guess the title says it all. Arch Enemy – “We Will Rise” (live)

Legendary rocker Ted Nugent is ready to unleash a new book he has written. Due on October 6, the edition, entitled “Ted, White & Blue: The Nugent Manifesto“, features 10 chapters on how to fix America… Here’s it’s front cover:

Slipknot have recently filmed a video for the track “Dead Memories” off their current album “All Hope Is Gone” with director P.R. Brown, known for his work with a.o. Motley Crue, Marilyn Manson and Chimaria. The clip is expected to begin airing shortly. Slipknot – “Psychosocial“

Muse have been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts by the University of Plymouth. Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dom Howard, dressed in the traditional gowns and hats (on the photo), collected their awards in person on September 25… Muse – “Supermassive Black Hole” (live)