According to current GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Daren "D.J." Ashba, it will be a "cold day in hell" before former GN'R bandmates Axl Rose and Slash collaborate again, quashing rumors of a possible reunion.

When Becko of Australia's long-running rock radio station Triple M questioned D.J. ahead of GN'R's show at the Sydney 500 V8 Supercars about the reports of Axl and Slash possibly getting back together, he shot it down. "That's completely false," D.J. said. "I know Axl really, really well, and he basically said that it would be a cold day in hell [before they work together]. But, that being said, obviously I don't know the inside insight and I'm just happy to be in the shoes of an amazing, legendary guitar player. It's really a treat for me to stand on stage next to somebody like Axl and [the rest of] this band. Everybody in this band is just top-notch musicians."

As for "Axl Time," Rose's infamously late appearances onstage, which, according to Slash's autobiography, "Slash", were one of the main reasons key "Appetite For Destruction" songwriter and former GN'R rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin left the band, Ashba claims that they have nothing to do with the enigmatic singer — they are the fault of the room-service staff at the band's hotels. "It isn't even Axl that's late, it's always our room service that's late. We're waiting to eat before we go on," Ashba joked.

Heavy metal legends BLACK SABBATH have joined the club — Metal Club, that is. BLACK SABBATH's "Live At Hammersmith Odeon", a three-LP 180-gram vinyl with a triple gatefold packaging, will be released on January 11, 2011. This release will be limited to 3,000 numbered copies and is a Metal Club exclusive, so make sure to snatch yours up at a participating retailer as soon as it's available.

"Live At Hammersmith Odeon" features Ronnie James Dio, Tommy Iommi, Terry "Geezer" Butler and Vinny Appice live at Hammersmith Odeon in January 1982 during BLACK SABBATH's tour for "The Mob Rules".

Available for the first time on limited-edition numbered vinyl, the concert spotlights BLACK SABBATH as they storm through 14 of the Dio-era's best, including "Neon Knights", "Heaven And Hell", "Children Of The Sea" and "Country Girl". The band also performs several pre-Dio classics, including "Paranoid", "Children Of The Grave" and a white-hot version of "War Pigs".

Metal Club is a group of record stores throughout the U.S. and Canada that work to connect the vibrant metal community with their local record store. Fans will be able to visit their local Metal Club store for special metal promotional pieces, exciting in-store events, and a series of exclusive Metal Club releases. Please visit www.mymetalclub.com for store locations, news and information on other Metal Club releases.

Midwest thrashers LAZARUS A.D. have set "Black Rivers Flow" as the title of their second full-length album, due on February 1, 2011 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was recorded in July and August 2010 at Belle City Sound with Chris Wisco and was mixed and mastered by James Murphy at Safehouse Production.

"Black Rivers Flow" track listing:

01. American Dreams
02. The Ultimate Sacrifice
03. The Strong Prevail
04. Black Rivers Flow
05. Casting Forward
06. Light A City (Up In Smoke)
07. Through Your Eyes
08. Beneath the Waves of Hatred
09. Eternal Vengeance

LAZARUS A.D. bassist and lead vocalist Jeff Paulick comments: "First off, I have to say we are incredibly proud of 'Black Rivers Flow'.

"It's been three and a half years since we recorded our last album and we've grown a lot since then.

"During the writing process for 'Black Rivers Flow', we were dealing with great personal tragedies. We found a way to draw strength from those tragedies and use it as inspiration to write what we feel is an incredibly more sound record than the last.

"On 'Black Rivers Flow', everyone stepped up their game; the riffs are heavier, the choruses catchier, and the vocals have improved and been diversified tenfold.

"We are on a mission to show the world that we are a force to be reckoned with and aren't thinking about a trend, we're thinking long-term.

"I think our fans will hear these songs and be blown away. The energy and power this time around is undeniable, and we hope the reaction amongst the community reflects just that."

Legendary Swedish doomsters CANDLEMASS will celebrate their 25-year anniversary by performing an extra-long, two-and-a-half-hour set at Debaser Medis in Stockholm on December 18. The band's classic debut album, "Epicus Doomicus Metalicus", will be played in its entirety for the first time with the original singer Johan Längqvist. In addition, the group has been in the studio recording a couple of cover songs especially for a limited vinyl maxi that will be sold on the evening of the show. A five-CD "Doomology" box will also be available featuring the following:

CD 1: First-ever concert in Jönköping (1987)
CD 2: Buckley Tivoli (1988)
CD 3: Demos for the white album (2003 - 2004)
CD 4: "King Of The Grey Islands" demos with Mats Levén (THERION, KRUX, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) on vocals
CD : Miscellaneous demos (Johan Längqvist vocal audition for "Chapter VI") and other rarities.

The price will 250 SEK, but a free 50 x 70 show poster will be included.

CD 1: First Gig Ever In Jönköping, 1987

01. Intro
02. Crystal Ball
03. Under The Oak
04. Bewitched
05. Demon's Gate
06. The Well Of Souls
07. A Sorcerer's Pledge
08. Solitude

CD 2: Buckley Tivoli, 1988

01. Mirror Mirror
02. Bewitched
03. Solitude
04. The Bells Of Acheron
05. At The Gallows End
06. Demon's Gate
07. Bearer Of Pain
08. Samarithan
09. A Cry From The Crypt
10. Dark Are The Veils Of Death
11. The Well Of Souls
12. A Sorcerer's Pledge

CD 3: Demos From The White Album, 2003-2004

01. Black Dwarf
02. Spellbreaker
03. Seven Silver Keys
04. Assassin Of The Light
05. Copernicus
06. Witches
07. Born In A Tank
08. Black Dwarf
09. Spellbreaker
10. Witches
11. Witches

CD 4: "King Of The Grey Islands" Demos With Mats Levén On Vocals

01. Emperor Of The Void
02. Devil Seed
03. Of Stars And Smoke
04. Demonia 6
05. Destroyer
06. Man Of Shadows
07. Embracing The Styx
08. Edgar Grey

CD 5: Miscellaneous Demos (Johan Längqvist Vocal Audition for "Chapter VI") + Other Rarities

01. Ebony Throne
02. The Dying Illusion
03. Temple Of The Dead
04. The End Of Pain
05. Black Dwarf
06. At The Gallows End
07. Solitude
08. Lucifer Dance
09. Handklover Ouh Klarinett
10. Vört Sistz Rushed

Portuguese dark-rock/metal band HEAVENWOOD has inked a worldwide, multi-album deal with Listenable Records. The band is currently mixing its fourth album, entitled "Abyss Masterpiece", with German producer Kristian "Kohle" Kohlmannslehner (CREMATORY, AGATHODAIMON, BENIGHTED) at Kohlekeller Studios in Germany for an early 2011 release.

Commented HEAVENWOOD singer Ernesto Guerra: "We are very excited to be able to partner up with Listenable. They've proven all these years to be hard-working, honest and dedicated people to their bands and above all, they feel, understand and believe on our music as we do, and this seems the perfect combination for achieve our goals. I am very confident that with their involvement HEAVENWOOD will reach the next level with 'Abyss Masterpiece', our heaviest, darkest and most intense album ever."

Montreal-based death metallers NEURAXIS will release their sixth album, "Asylon", in North America on February 15, 2011. The cover art was created by artist Dennis Sibeijn of Damnengine Artwork, who worked with the band on its previous CD, "The Thin Line Between", as well with JOB FOR A COWBOY, CHIMAIRA and more.

"Asylon" was recorded at Wildsound Studio with producer Chris Donaldson (CRYPTOPSY, THE LAST FELONY, THE AGONIST). Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Savior And Destroyer", "Left To Devour", "V" and the title track.

Vocalist Alex Leblanc commented on the cover: "As many of you will see, [the 'Asylon' cover] is very different from all our previous album covers. Since the lyrics and the music are so connected on the new record, we wanted the cover to represent perfectly the vibe...dark, visceral and heavy. We used a lot of dark green to represent the sick/poisonous mood of the lyrics."

NEURAXIS will support SEPULTURA on a spring North American headlining tour. In addition, NEURAXIS will hit the road with death metal masters DEICIDE in February and March.

Leblanc commented: "[The trek with SEPULTURA is] a massive tour covering the whole North American circuit.

"Is it really necessary to tell you how stoked we are to be a part of this??? I remember moshing in high school corridors listening to 'Arise' back in the day.

"This tour will start one month after the DEICIDE tour so it will be a good and busy winter/spring for us."

AVA INFERI, the Portugal-based band whose lineup includes Norwegian guitarist Rune Eriksen (a.k.a. ex-MAYHEM guitarist/songwriter Blasphemer), will release its fourth album, "Onyx", on February 14 (February 15 in the U.S.) via Season Of Mist.

The track listing is as follows:

01. Onyx
02. The Living End
03. A Portal
04. ((Ghostlights))
05. Majesty
06. The Heathen Island
07. By Candlelight & Mirrors
08. Venice in Fog

"Where The Spirit Leads Me", the new video from TIMES OF GRACE — the new project that reteams KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist and producer extraordinaire Adam Dutkiewicz with original KILLSWITCH ENGAGE vocalist Jesse Leach — can be viewed below. The song is featured on the band's forthcoming debut album, "The Hymn Of A Broken Man", which lands in stores on January 18 via Roadrunner Records. The unique clip is just one of 13 total videos that will appear on the special edition of the album, which is also out on January 18.

Dutkiewicz and Leach worked together on KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's benchmark album, 2002's "Alive Or Just Breathing". That record has become definitive for an entire generation of American metal, with Leach's voice and uplifting lyrics serving as one of the key elements that propelled the album to "modern classic" status. Leach, who went on to sing for the more classic-rock leaning SEEMLESS and who currently sings for the metal band THE EMPIRE SHALL FALL, was always remembered fondly by KILLSWITCH ENGAGE fans, even though he left the band shortly after "Alive Or Just Breathing"'s release.

While fans will no doubt be thrilled at the concept of the duo reuniting, TIMES OF GRACE is not interested in fashioning "Alive Or Just Breathing Part II". It's an entirely new project and represents a different musical path for both Adam D. and Leach! It is an album of cleansing and catharsis for each of them, where internal demons were exorcised and set to music that's as aggressive as it is melodic.

"In all my life. I have yet to write a record that bares my soul as much as this record does," Leach said. "Adam and I had a real spiritual connection while making this and I know that it comes through in the performances and lyrics. This record has our blood, sweat and tears flowing through it. It is painfully honest at times. In short this record is our catharsis."

Adam D. also commented on what TIMES OF GRACE means for him personally, saying, "Making this record was something completely new for me. It documents some of the most difficult-yet-spirited times of my life in the past three-and-a-half years. A lot of the music and lyrics just came out of me while going through several internal struggles, and writing these songs were the only comfort I could find. I reached out to Jesse to help sing and write these songs with me because of my respect for his musical abilities, and because of our great friendship...one that seems to not change no matter what happens in our lives. In the end, I am very proud of this record, and I feel it has helped me through some of my darkest days. I'm hoping that people will enjoy it, and also that it can maybe help others to keep the most positive mindset, even through the most trying of times."

The track listing for the album is as follows; the song titles reflect the sentiment of catharsis that is the common thread running through "The Hymn of a Broken Man".

01. Strength In Numbers
02. Fight For Life
03. Willing
04. Where The Spirit Leads Me
05. Until The End Of Days
06. Live In Love
07. In The Arms Of Mercy
08. Hymn Of A Broken Man
09. The Forgotten One
10. Hope Remains
11. The End Of Eternity
12. Worlds Apart
13. Fall From Grace

Metal Blade Records has announced the signing of the Uppsala, Sweden-based metal act IN SOLITUDE. The band entered Nicke Andersson's (THE HELLACOPTERS, ENTOMBED, IMPERIAL STATE ELECTRIC) brand new studio Gutterview Recorders in Stockholm, Sweden with producer Fred Estby (DISMEMBER) on November 15 to begin recording its sophomore album for a spring release.

Commented IN SOLITUDE: "It's been a very long, uneasy process finding the right home for IN SOLITUDE. After going over several offers from labels, Metal Blade's genuine interest in, and understanding of our music, singled them out. This, coupled with our respect for them, made this historic label the obvious choice.

"Over the years, Metal Blade has put out an amazing array of masterpiece records. We are very excited and honored to be able to add to this respected collection over the years to come."

Added Michael Faley, President of Metal Blade Records: "IN SOLITUDE has a sound that is reminiscent of the classic metal of UFO while stamping their own evil imprint on it.

"We are extremely excited to have IN SOLITUDE on our label and look forward to working with this talented band while turning this underground innovator into a household word. Look for their new album in 2011."

Regarding its collaboration with Estby, IN SOLITUDE said, "From the first meeting with Fred, we knew that we wanted to work with him. He fully understood our needs and what we are aiming to create. After hearing his work, we knew that he was also a fan of organic production. This is very important to us. His studio is recently built and we are thrilled to be one of the first bands to record within its walls."

In other news, IN SOLITUDE has announced the addition of guitarist Henrik Palm (SONIC RITUAL) to the group's ranks.

The band's current lineup is as follows:

Niklas Lindström - Guitar
Henrik Palm - Guitar
Gottfrid Åhman - Bass
Uno Bruniusson - Drums

Composer Andy DiGelsomina has issued the following statement regarding the lineup for the second LYRAKA CD:

"We have added Señor Díaz of the Chilean band VASTATOR to the Lyraka Volume 2 roster. Señor Díaz is one of the most outstanding vocalists in the heavy metal scene today, combining a highly operatic style with beyond-HALFORD intensity. We are thrilled to announce also the continued participation of Tommy Heart (FAIR WARNING, ULI JON ROTH), Graham Bonnet (RAINBOW, ALCATRAZZ), and Veronica Freeman (BENEDICTUM)."

Lyraka previously announced the signing of Graham Bonnet for the recording of Lyraka Volume 2, with DiGelsomina stating, "For the second album, Graham will not only be adding his voice to the songs, but will be involved in the songwriting. I would be foolish to pass on an opportunity to collaborate with the man who co-wrote songs like 'Assault Attack', 'Desert Song', and 'Island In The Sun'."

A statement from Graham Bonnet reads: "I have been given opportunities in the past to do many kinds of projects; a word I don't like because it is one used, in my opinion, too many times. Lyraka is an adventure for me. Jasmine and Andy have given me the chance to sing and be involved in the creative side of a new world. I think we have come up with something unique. This is a different path; a road less travelled and a new light. Thanks to Jasmine and Andy for their great images... they makes my job all that much easier."

Session work for Lyraka Volume 2 will begin in February 2011. Bonnet will also be enlisted for narrative work in the upcoming Lyraka movie, slated for production in 2013.

MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil and pro-skate partner Jennifer Wester became the second pair to be eliminated from ABC's newest reality show, "Skating With The Stars" after receiving the lowest combined judges' scores and audience vote.

"It was a lot of fun! It was really a great experience to re-learn something that I knew so long ago," Neil said after leaving. "There are some great skaters here and I'm really happy for everyone. Plus, the judges were nice to me!"

According to Digital Spy, here's what the judges — Olympian Johnny Weir, skating commentator Dick Button and celebrity choreographer Laurieann Gibson — said about Vince's final performance:

Johnny: Says that he's "proud and happy" that Vince took the judges' advice from past weeks but advises him to stretch his arms out and lengthen his body to "give us something gorgeous". (Technical Merit: 5 / Artistic Impression: 6)

Laurieann: Loves his "showmanship" and the way he lets the music move him and praises his choreography. (Technical Merit: 6 / Artistic Impression: 7)

Dick: Thinks it is a great compliment that Vince listened to past feedback and is glad that he seems to be more comfortable as the weeks go by. "I see the talent in you, and don't forget it!" he adds. (Technical Merit: 5 / Artistic Impression: 7)

Total: 36/60

Watch video footage of Vince's final performance below.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, METALLICA frontman James Hetfield admitted in a recent interview that the band's shows have become more family-friendly since he became a dad. Speaking with Australia's "The 7PM Project", Hetfield said he's even stopped singing the band's obscenity-filled cover of the ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE's "So What" because he doesn't want his son and two daughters to think it's okay to use bad language. Hetfield explained, "Since I've had kids the show's become more family-friendly as far as the language goes. We haven't played 'So What' in a while — there are too many words that just ain't right. My son's heard them all, but I don't need to promote them."

Hetfield also commented on his son's musical tastes, saying, "Now and then I get an email from iTunes saying, 'Here's what your son bought.' He loves the RAMONES, AC/DC, the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS right now. He buys some METALLICA stuff . . . He actually bought them. I'm like, 'Dude, how are you going to pay for these?'"

The legendary frontman revealed that his daughters are more into pop music, but that they still listen to their dad's music whenever they can come on the road with him. He said, "There's this thing called school, which sucks. But we yanked them on the last leg of the tour when we did Japan because they'd never been there."

As for whether he considers himself a strict father at home, Hetfield said, "My voice does get a little loud at home sometimes. But I'm learning it doesn't necessarily get anything done."

Hetfield's three children are 12-year-old Cali, 10-year-old Castor and eight-year-old Marcella. He and his wife Francesca have been married 13 years.

After storming the world for nearly 40 years and taking its very special brand of heavy metal to all four corners of the planet, JUDAS PRIEST — one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time — has announced plans to embark on a final world tour. However, the mighty PRIEST will certainly be going out strong as they rock the planet starting in 2011 on the massive "Epitaph" tour — hitting all the major cities throughout the world where they will be playing the songs that helped make the name JUDAS PRIEST synonymous with heavy metal!

With all guns blazing and amps cranked to eleven, the band will be giving all its fans one last chance to witness the ultimate metal experience that is JUDAS PRIEST!

JUDAS PRIEST will be starting its world tour in Europe and has just confirmed the following festivals for 2011:

Jun. 09 - Sweden Rock Festival, Sölvesborg, Sweden
Jun. 11 - Sauna Open Air, Tampere, Finland
Jun. 17 - Copenhell Festival, Copenhagen, Denmark
Jun. 19 - Hellfest, Clisson, France
Jun. 22 - Gods of Metal, Milan, Italy
Jun. 25 - Graspop Metal Meeting, Dessel, Belgium
Jul. 23 - High Voltage, London, UK
Aug. 05 - Wacken Open Air, Wacken, Germany

JUDAS PRIEST was honored in the "Best Metal Performance" category at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards, which was held on January 31, 2010 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. PRIEST was nominated for the track "Dissident Aggressor", from the band's 2009 live album "A Touch of Evil: Live". Singer Rob Halford and the band's drummer, Scott Travis, accepted the award at the event.

In his acceptance speech, Halford said, "The fifth time is the charm," referring to the fact PRIEST had been nominated four previous times and gone home without the award every time. He mentioned that PRIEST have been making metal for 35 years and that they still love what they do. He also remembered to thank all the radio stations and press that have supported the band, and he dedicated the award to all heavy metal fans.

In a 2008 interview JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill stated about being part of a band that has defined a genre and spawned countless imitators, "We are very proud of what we have achieved. When I formed this band way back in 1970 I had no grand plan. K.K. Downing [guitar] and I were just mates from school that wanted to play some music. We have a great family among us and like family we have our good and bad days, but without sounding nostalgic, yeah, it's pretty cool what we have achieved."

JUDAS PRIEST's most recent double-disc concept album, "Nostradamus", sold 42,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 11 on The Billboard 200 chart. This marked the band's highest-ever chart position in the U.S. In Canada, the CD opened at position No. 9 after shifting close to 4,000 units.

JUDAS PRIEST's previous studio CD, "Angel of Retribution", premiered with 58,000 copies in the U.S. back in March 2005 to debut at No. 13.

JUDAS PRIEST's "A Touch of Evil: Live" live album sold around 5,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 87 on The Billboard 200 chart.

PRIEST chose 10 songs not previously released in live album form for "A Touch of Evil: Live", which was released in July 2009, in the midst of the band's U.S. summer tour.

Italian symphonic metal masters RHAPSODY OF FIRE have set "From Chaos To Eternity" as the title of their tenth studio album, due in the spring via Nuclear Blast Records. Described by the band as "the natural evolution" from this year's "The Frozen Tears Of Angels", the new CD will mark will RHAPSODY OF FIRE's final release based on the fantasy saga started in 1997 with the group's debut album, "Legendary Tales". As in the past, RHAPSODY OF FIRE founding members Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli will produce the effort, part of which (vocals and guitars) will be laid down in their hometown of Trieste. The bass and drum recordings have already been completed in Wolfsburg, Germany at the Gate Studio under the supervision of RHAPSODY OF FIRE's longtime friend and collaborator Sascha Paeth (AVANTASIA, ANGRA, KAMELOT).

Commented Luca: "We are really proud to reveal to the whole world that the production of our new full-length album is at a very good point already. Lyrically it has a particular meaning for all of us, as with the fifth and final chapter of the 'Dark Secret Saga' our band will close its fantasy cycle started 13 years ago. The dark secret will finally reveal itself and for the last time Sir Christopher Lee will give his unique and fundamental contribution to our work. Musically, expect something really special out of the ten album titles. A song like 'Ghosts Of Forgotten Worlds', with its rageous and hypnotic guitar riff, will make you breathe the dusty atmospheres of the southern ghostlands. 'Aeons Of Raging Darkness' is pure melodic chaos translated into music, 'Tornado', the greatest technical challenge for each single bandmember, and 'Tempesta Di Fuoco', the first speed track completely sung in Italian language. For my song, 'Fantasia Gotica', I wrote and finalized the cinematic orchestral arrangements inspired by the visionary genius of Tim Burton, while 'The Splendour Of Angels' Glory (A Final Revelation)' is Alex's choral and majestic track for the perfect finale of the dark secret saga. Our bass player, Patrice Guers, and our drummer, Alex Holzwarth, did their best job so far in a RHAPSODY OF FIRE album. One more word is needed to underline the excellent performance of our singer: in this new release, Fabio Lione will present himself definitely as one of the best and most versatile singers, being able to pass with unique ability and talent from the most aggressive vocals, to clean angelic voices and powerful operatic parts. Once more, you are going to be really surprised."

Added Staropoli: "As always, the cinematic elements that defined our style will enrich each track, but the guitar work will be again very important too. What is sure is that for such an album Luca and I composed our best solos ever!"

Canadian progressive thrash band SENATE has reunited after nearly three years away from the stage. The revamped lineup includes founding members Jay Siebert, Matt Di Franco, Jay Hudson and new addition, George Parfitt (drums, ex-THREAT SIGNAL). The band has auditioned several bass players and will make an announcement shortly.

SENATE will unleash three songs that were recorded shortly before the band's breakup but never released and will play the first reunion show in the group's hometown of St. Catharines, Ontario on March 18.

SENATE plans to play several shows throughout the spring/summer of 2011, and then set to work on the follow-up to its critically acclaimed effort, "The Great Northern Scenekill", which was released in December 2006.

"Get Back In Line", the new video from MOTÖRHEAD, can be viewed below. The song comes off the band's new album, "The Wörld Is Yours", which will be released in Germany on December 10 on regular CD and vinyl via EMI. In the U.K., "The Wörld Is Yours" is being packaged with Classic Rock Presents Motörhead fan pack, which will hit newsstands across the country on December 14. This is a 132-page magazine featuring not only brand new interviews with the band alongside a complete career overview, but also the entire album on CD. Following this four-week exclusive period, "The Wörld Is Yours" will be released on January 17 in a standard CD format and available to buy in all usual retailers at the price of a regular CD.

Australia's FasterLouder recently conducted an interview with MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

FasterLouder: Congratulations on your book making the New York Times bestseller list. You’ve obviously been through the release process with albums many, many times — where you release an album, you have certain hopes and expectations, you do the media cycle, then wait for the feedback, reviews, and of course the sales reports. Was it different with a book?

Mustaine: Wow, good question! Umm… not really, because when the book came out, the only thing that we were really able to gauge the success on was whether or not it was going to be on the charts, and so if it was successful on the charts we knew we were going to have a winner on our hands. I was just excited because I wanted to be able to share with the fans a little bit more about myself, and what it was like growing up. The truth of the matter is I caused a lot of problems over my career, I made a lot of enemies, and right now I don't really have any enemies anymore, because I've spent the latter part of my career being much more grateful for what I have. I have friends again in this business — I never was friendless, but the people that mattered, I didn't have in my life anymore. It’s great to be able to pick up my phone and see a text message from Kerry [King of SLAYER] and it's great to be able to check my voicemail and have a voicemail from James [Hetfield of METALLICA] or Lars [Ulrich of METALLICA]. [At the beginning of the tour] I went up and told the guys I didn't want to try and fix our relationship, I really wanted to have a new one. And that seemed to be agreeable to everyone, and it started off a really great new relationship with everyone.

FasterLouder: Can you tell us about the direction that the new songs are going in? Will it be continuing the "return of the thrash" of "Endgame"?

Mustaine: It will be more like "Endgame" and maybe a little bit… maybe sticking in that vein and going a little forward toward what I like. I like playing the more aggressive stuff. We were forced in a way to have to do certain things and it's really easy for me to blame somebody, but at the end of the day it was my fault, I could have said no, but I didn't. I was nervous that we were going to end up getting kicked off the label. I figured I would rather go underground and play what I like, and not sell as many records, but still be able to look myself in the face in the morning.

FasterLouder: With David Ellefson [bass] back in the band, has he had much input into the writing?

Mustaine: Well, the writing process right now, we’re inviting all four members to get involved, and Andy Sneap, who was a great producer on the last record, too. I'm not ruling anything out, if it's going to be me writing, if it's going to be them writing, but I talked a while ago to some people that I really respected about the potential of writing some stuff with me, so there may even be a collaboration with another songwriter. We've done stuff like that in the past.

Drummer Chris Adler of Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD told the Gun Shy Assassin that the band is preparing to begin writing material for the follow-up to 2009's "Wrath", tentatively due in late 2011/early 2012 via Epic.

"We just finished all the touring for 'Wrath' which ended up taking, in full, about two years; I think the longest we were home at any time during those two years was about three weeks, so it's not often that — just kind of seeing what's going on out there — bands are able to tour that long," Adler said. "In fact, most bands are struggling to do anything and they're putting out an album a year. We've been lucky to be able to keep going and it's been cool, but it's also been really exhausting, so we're going to kind of lay low for the holidays, and then I think probably February, get together and start writing the new one which we hope to have done by the end of next year."

He added, "We're already booked for several tours in 2012, so, we've already got the schedule rolling and a little job security, so things are good. We're booked through the end of July of 2012… if we can hold it together."

Regarding the songwriting process for the next CD, Adler said, "It's going to take a minute, but hopefully February, we'll start knocking around ideas. I know there are a lot of ideas already. I think [guitarists] Willie [Adler, Chris' brother] and Mark [Morton] have eight or nine really good long ideas of what they want to do. We are working with [producer] Josh Wilbur again and hoping by July, we will be in a studio somewhere, with songs written, kind of banging 'em out."

"Wrath" sold around 68,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 2 (behind TAYLOR SWIFT's "Fearless") on The Billboard 200 chart.

DEFTONES has issued an exclusive remix of the title track from the band's "Diamond Eyes" CD to benefit DEFTONES bassist Chi Cheng, who remains in a semi-comatose state after being injured in a November 2008 car crash. A message at Cheng's fundraising site said, "(DEFTONES guitarist) Stephen Carpenter's project SOL INVICTO has decided to offer their official remix of 'Diamond Eyes' exclusively on OneLoveForChi.com to help in raising funds needed for Chi to go to the East Coast. The track is available for a donation of 99 cents. 100% of all proceeds go to benefit Chi Cheng."

Cheng's family is trying to raise money to send Cheng to a doctor on the East Coast who has had success with reviving semi-comatose patients.

DEFTONES drummer Abe Cunningham recently gave The Pulse Of Radio an update on Cheng's condition. "He's still just trudging along, you know," he said. "It's extremely slow. Trying to keep it in people's minds, you know, I mean, you know, it's been nearly two years now, people, like anything, you know, you just move on to the next. So that's where we're concentrating now, you know, and just trying to keep people aware of it. But he's just there, and it's pretty wild, man, you know."

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine has revealed via his Twitter account that "a huge announcement is coming for next summer in the States and in Europe and the U.K." He added in a separate posting, "Just went through a couple weeks of hell arranging something special for summer. Stay tuned! We're going to have some Big shows coming up."

A "Big Four" tour of the U.S. and other parts of Europe — featuring the so-called "Big Four" of 1980s thrash metal: METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER and ANTHRAX — is very possible for next year.

The new DVD and Blu-ray titled "The Big Four: Live From Sofia, Bulgaria", filmed last June at a concert starring METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard "Top Music Videos" sales chart last month month with sales of 22,000 copies. The set also debuted at No. 1 in Canada, the U.K. and Austria, while entering at No. 4 in Germany.