Riff-mangling  instrumental/progressive act LOINCLOTH have inked a deal with Southern Lord Recordings for the release of their debut full-length, aptly dubbed Iron Balls of Steel on January 17th, 2012. Brooklyn Vegan are helping us spread the word like the plague this week by streaming two tracks from Iron Balls of Steel.  

Dave Lombardo, legendary drummer of SLAYER, has responded with an early reaction to dozens of early photos of his band in the upcoming photo book Murder in the Front Row: Shots From the Bay Area Thrash Metal Epicenter, by Harald Oimoen and Brian Lew.  

BLACK COBRA have just confirmed a headlining tour immediately following their previously-announced tour supporting Kyuss Lives! and The Sword this November into December.  

GWAR guitarist Cory Smoot AKA Flattus Maximus was found dead on the bands tour bus today. Lead singer Oderus Urungus spoke about Cory today…  

Demand for Tom Morello’s epic dystopian fantasy has driven comic stores across the U.S. to a complete sell out of issue #1! From the mind of musician Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, The Nightwatchman), with art by Scott Hepburn (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic), Orchid is the tale of a teenage prostitute who learns that she is more than the role society has imposed upon her.  

  Brazilian grindcore bandits DESALMADO have locked down a string of Europe live assaults, set to begin in less than two weeks. The band will invade Portugal on November 10th and rampage through several regions of the country before moving on to pillage audiences throughout Spain, Belgium, Holland, France, Denmark, Germany and Italy for a solid month, for the most part headlining clubs and DIY venues with support from brutal local acts in each market.  

Recently reunited trash legends Dead Horse have been added to this year’s Fun Fun Fun Fest, which will take place in Austin, TX November 4th – 6th and features the likes of Slayer, Cannibal Corpse and Henry Rollins.   

This past June, Toronto metal troupe MASTERY entered Studio 57 at Music Lab in Austin, Texas with producer Tim Gerron and recorded their as-yet-untitled full-length.  

California death horde GRAVEHILL has issued the following statement regarding the cancellation of their planned performance at this year’s Goregrowler’s Ball:  

Chicago record label and artist development outfit Mortal Music will release the sophomore album from THE DOGS DIVINE on November 8th.  Entitled Size of the Fight, the album will be distributed by MVD Audio and shows a heavier, more diverse side to this modern American hard rock band.  

The band Staind recently had a press conference in NYC at The Best Buy Theater. The band also played in NY to benefit 911 victims. See what the guys had to say about their new CD, playing live and more…  

  On Janaury 17th, 2012, Metal Blade will re-issue the three BOLT THROWER albums Mercenary, Honour Valour Pride and Those Once Loyal on vinyl. All three albums are Gatefold LPs in coloured vinyl!