Megaforce has set an August 8 release date for the two-disc DVD from the legendary San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal band Vio-Lence, entitled “Blood and Dirt“. The DVD is produced and directed by Jerry Allen of Metallian Productions.

Guns n’ Roses have confirmed that their new guitarist is Ron Thal, formerly with New York band Bumblefoot. He’s replaced Buckethead.

Frontiers Records has announced the European release of Shark Island‘s highly anticipated new album, “Gathering of the Faithful”, on July 7.

Leaf Hound are to headline The Metal Brew festival at the Mill Hill Rugby Club in London on July 22. Also on the bill are Firestorm, Crowning Glory, Devulfish, Aghast, Godsized, Chordless and None The Less.

Cradle Of Filth, Saxon, Within Temptation and Dark Tranquillity are among the big attractions for this year’s Evolution Festival,which happens from July 14-16 in Toscolana Maderno, Brescia, Italy. Also appearing are Death SS, Sadist, Labyrinth, Death Angel, Atheist, Armored Saint, Annihilator, Tristania, The Gathering, Amon Amarth and Moonspell.

The Answer are to support Whitesnake on their upcoming UK tour. The jaunt kicks off on May 27 and runs through July 3.

Italian gothic metal sensations Godyva will be releasing the new full-length CD, entitled “In Good and Evil“, on June 6 through SorceryStudios Media Group.Godyva — who have been likened to Evanescence, Lacuna Coil and Nightwish — recorded the follow-up to their acclaimed “Advent” EP (2002) at Jolly Roger Studios. The band are currently in Rome […]

Derby ska punks Lightyear are to re-unite for a one-off UK tour. The band, who split up in September 2003, will have 11 gigs in the UK, all to take place in July 20-30.

German gothic rockers Lacrimas Profundere will release their new single, “Again It’s Over” (cover), in Europe on June 9 via Napalm Records. The six-track mini-CD jewel-case edition will include three non-album tracks. A video for “Again It’s Over” was recently filmed and can be viewed at this location.Lacrimas Profundere‘s seventh album, “Filthy Notes for Frozen […]

Sideonedummy are to release this year’s edition of the Vans Warped Tour album in early June. A double CD,the full track listing is: ‘Moving For The Sake Of Motion’ – Underoath, ‘My Mannequin Can Dance’ – Matchbook Roamnce, ‘Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing’ – NOFX, ‘Laura’ – Flogging Molly, ‘Five’ – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, […]