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“

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“

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“

Nufry, best known as leader of the Bulgarian bands BastardolomeyВ and Panican Whyasker, became a father for the second time! The little heiress’ name is Theodora. Congraturaltions and cheeeeeeers!!! Panican Whyasker – “Lara Croft“

It turns out that Radiohead are practicing their skills as musicians by playing songs by… Portishead. Below you may watch Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood performing “The Rip” by the trip-hop masters at some sort of a rehearsal… It’s not bad at all, so enjoy: Radiohead – “The Rip“

Vocalist Jonas Iscariot (on the photo) has left German black metallers Agathodaimon. The band, which is currently working on a new album titled “Phoenix”, is seeking a replacement. Interested parties can contact the group atВ management@agathodaimon.de. Agathodaimon – “Serpent’s Embrace“

Bulgaria’s psycho-avantgardists Pistamashina… or avantgarde psychos, to be more precise, have uploaded a performance of theirs on the Internet. Check it out below: PistamashinaВ in action:

Alien Industry – the only Bulgarian band that will support Ministry at their first and last ever show in Sofia on July 12, 2008 – shall visit Tangra Mega Rock’s studio for a live interview tomorrow at noon. Stay tuned!

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“