February 10, 2012 marks the 3D theatrical launch of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace! Set against the thrilling and exotic backdrop of a “galaxy far, far away,” Star Wars is perfectly suited to the immersive 3D theatrical experience  

After exploring more atmospheric avenues, Forteresse returns to a more traditional and aggressive breed of Black Metal for its fourth album. Resounding as always with a firm “Québécois” identity and filled with the piercing leads and hypnotic riffs that have become the band’s trademark, Crépuscule d’Octobre is a new epic chapter in Forteresse’s history!  

Candlelight Records today proudly announces the worldwide signing of Corrosion Of Conformity. Since early this year, the band — featuring the esteemed Animosity line-up of vocalist/bassist Mike Dean, guitarist Woody Weatherman, and drummer/vocalist Reed Mullin — has been working with long-time producer John Custer. Now nearly complete, their still untitled eighth studio album is planned for release early in the New Year.  

Rammstein’s long-awaited retrospective release, Made In Germany 1995 – 2011, will be available on Dec. 6 through Universal Germany’s marketing and distribution deal in the US with Vagrant Records.  

So, metalmachine.net caught up with Corrosion Of Conformity Bassist/Vocalist Mike Dean from NYC this week. Not many people knew that COC was opening specific dates for Glenn Danzig and his Legacy Tour. Metal Machine was the only Metal entity onsite for COC. We got the exclusive shit straight from Mike Dean. Mike spoke about the new CD coming in February from the band, touring and is Pepper still a part of COC?  

When the impossible is everywhere and the very fabric of reality is threatened by insanity, the world needs more than super heroes…they need Defenders! Enter Defenders #1  

Rammstein release “Mein Land,” the first single from the Rammstein retrospective Made In Germany 1995-2011, on Nov. 11 through Universal Germany’s marketing and distribution deal in the US with Vagrant Records.  

The world of MORIARTY just got a little bigger with the announcement that Mike Vosburg will serve as guest artist for MORIARTY #7. Famed for his work in Marvel, DC and HBO’s Tales from the Crypt TV series, Vosburg joins writer Daniel Corey and artist Anthony Diecidue in creating a special flashback sequence for the 3rd chapter in The Lazarus Tree storyline.  

Modern UK metallers THE SOULLESS (formerly IGNOMINIOUS INCARCERATION) have confirmed a new UK tour with BURY TOMORROW.  

At A Loss Recordings have confirmed the release date for the limited LP edition of WHITEHORSE‘s latest mammoth full-length, Progression. Following an initial CD release via Sweat Lung early last year as the band stormed the U.S. alongside The Body, At A Loss officially released the album via digital download in July, harvesting drop-jawed reactions from extreme doom/sludge fans and critics.  

Earlier this year, Usagi Yojimbo creator Stan Sakai was named the 2011 Cultural Ambassador by the Japanese American National Museum. Shortly thereafter, the JANM opened their Year of the Rabbit exhibit—the most comprehensive collection of Sakai’s work to date.  

Arizona thrashers HEMOPTYSIS have released a music video for the track “M.O.D.,” taken from their latest album Misanthropic Slaughter. The video was shot earlier this month in an abandon warehouse in Vail, AZ. Production and direction came courtesy of Sean Sinerius and Robert Jaime at Big Shot Studios. To check out the video for “M.O.D.”