Primus bassist/vocalist Les Claypool has put the finishing touches on a new solo album, “Of Whales and Woe,” due May 30 via his own Prawn Song label. The follow-up to 2002’s “Purple Onion” was recorded in Claypool‘s home studio and features contributions from percussionist Mike Dillon, saxophonist Skerik and Gabby La La on sitar.

The Akron, Ohio-based rock duo Black Keys will open six shows on Radiohead‘s summer tour, beginning June 10 and 11 in Montreal.Other dates include New York (June 13-14) and Chicago (June 19-20).Radiohead‘s members have been Black Keys fans for years; guitarist Jonny Greenwood was spotted side-stage during the group’s performance at the 2004 Coachella Valley […]

Norma Jean are to call their new album ‘Redeemer’. To be released in August, this will be produced by Ross Robinson.

The Lostprophets have a new drummer. He’s Ilan Rubin. The band’s new album, ‘Liberation Transmission’, is released at the end of June.

King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp has teamed up with REM’s Peter Buck and Bill Rieflin (guitar and drums, respectively) in a new band called Slow Music. Expect an album, ‘Live At The Croc’, to be released shortly.

Isis start recording their new, as yet untitled album in June, with producer Matt Bayles. It should be released on Hallowe’en – October 31.

Gamma Ray, Dream Evil and Astral Doors are all confirmed for the Ragnarok UK Metalfest, which happens on November 4 in Perth.

In early 2007, Versailles Records will release Slip Of The Tongue: A Millennium Tribute To Whitesnake, featuring current/former members of Blue Murder, Dio, Whitesnake, Kiss, Badlands, Alice Cooper Band, King Cobra, Lillian Axe, David Coverdale Band, Quiet Riot, House Of Lords, as well as Richard Kendrick, the RadioVipers, Chris Catena, Chris Heaven, Marko Pukkila, and […]

(hed)pe are to have a 15-track compilation released in June by Jive Legacy. It’s to be called ‘The Best Of (hed) Planet Earth’.

San Francisco-based doom metallers Asunder are currently putting the finishing touches to their upcoming full-length album with legendary producer Billy Anderson (Melvins, Mr. Bungle, Cathedral). Currently, the tentative title for this monument is Works Will Come Undone. The album should enshroud the light around mid-late September.