Australian funeral doom deities MOURNFUL CONGREGATION will embark on their first American tour today in Seattle, with support from Aldebaran and Anhedonist on all dates! The tour will wind down the West Coast over the next two weeks, making stops in Oregon, California, Arizona and Texas, including a headlining performance at the upcoming Rites Of Darkness III festival alongside Zemial, Stargazer, Cruciamentum, Pallbearer, Pagan Altar, Weapon and many more.  

Southern Lord Recordings proudly announce the signing of Ontario-based BURNING LOVE, as the label prepared for the release of the unit’s anticipated upcoming sophomore full-length in early 2012.  

  Watch a brand new music video from SISTER SIN featuring Doro (of WARLOCK) for the cover of MOTORHEAD’s “Rock N Roll.”  

Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, ZEBULON PIKE is an instrumental prog-doom metal band formed in late 2002. Inspired in equal parts by heavy sounds of the ’70s (Mountain, Pentagram, Captain Beyond, early Judas Priest), progressive rock (King Crimson, Rush), and 20th century classical (Bela Bartok, Arvo Part, and many others), ZEBULON PIKE combine the impact of metal with the calculated approach of “art” music. The result is a refined, muted aggression necessary for inciting the slow motion apocalypse.  

LIVING SACRIFICE, who have been thrashing for over twenty years, return with a brand new DVD. “In Finite Live” features a professionally shot and recorded multi-camera performance filmed in Pomona, Southern California. The band’s set list spans their impressive catalog. The band counts members of bands as diverse as LAMB OF GOD, AS I LAY DYING and DEMON HUNTER among their fans.  

WHAT:                 DimeBash 2011 – Fellow musicians pay homage to one of metal’s beloved fallen heroes by performing songs either written by or that were an inspiration to Dimebag Darrell.  All proceeds from the event will benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up & Shout Cancer Fund.  

All-American anthemic rockers Drowning Pool announced today that they will be parting ways with their current singer, Ryan McCombs. The hard working Texas band, who has worked with 3 singers in their 10 year career, issued the following statement:  

God of Thunder and Avenger, Tanarus is Earth’s mightiest hero…or is he? Loki suspects his “brother” is not who he says he is and in your first look at The Mighty Thor #9 from the creative team of Matt Fraction & Pasqual Ferry, Loki is determined to find the truth! In a race against time, Loki must turn to Dr. Donald Blake for help while the All-Mothers go to battle against Asgardia’s insidious new enemy. See how it all goes down this December in The Mighty Thor #9!  

This is THE BIG ONE! This December, 20 years after Michael Allred’s independent comics icon was introduced to the world, a celebration of all things Madman will take the form of a gigantic 11 x 17 hardcover! The MADMAN 20TH ANNIVERSARY MONSTER HC will include an all-new MADMAN story from Allred, as well as contributions from an impressive list of industry giants such as Darwyn Cooke, Frank Quitely, Jeff Smith, and Erik Larsen.  

Old school thrash metal that is dynamically composed and injected with maximum groove, Juggernaut from Chicago thrashers DEGRADATION delivers the goods with authenticity and conviction. This is as real as it gets, folks. Experience the full frontal assault for yourself by contacting ClawhammerPR@gmail.com.  

Multi-platinum rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers will launch the North American leg of their I’m With You World Tour in January. Tickets for six shows go on sale on December 3rd (see below for routing) with more shows and ticket on-sale dates to be announced in the coming weeks. The 2012 arena tour will be the band’s first full-scale tour of the U.S. since 2007 when they hit the road in support of 2006’s Stadium Arcadium.  

Chaos Records is making a special slimcase edition of new ZOMBIEFICATION EP Reaper’s Consecration available for 500 of its Mexican fans. A vinyl MLP edition also limited to 500 copies will be released worldwide. Both editions are set for an early 2012 release.