Founding Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman stepped onstage with his band at this past Saturday’s Big 4 concert in Indio, CA, marking the first time he has played with Slayer since last October.  

Nevermore guitar player Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams have announced their departure from the group. The two have released a joint statement:  

VIZ Media has announced the launch of THE PRINCE OF TENNIS anime series available for Download-to-Rent/Download-to-Own from iTunes® in the U.S. (www.iTunes.com) and Canada (www.iTunes.ca). Seasons 1-4 contain 50 episodes (dubbed) of the venerable sports drama that will be available in their entirety starting April 18th.  

So, it finally came to this, Dark Horse.. I knew that it would, but I didn’t think that it would come so soon… you have thrown me into the realm of Conan, the Barbarian. I have managed to avoid anything “Conan” related since California elected him as governor, but it seems that he’s a captain of a pirate ship, here, so I guess he can do just about anything, huh?  

Kylesa, the Savannah-based quintet who have won widespread praise for their earth-shaking blend of psychedelia and hard rock, return to the road on May 25 for a series of headlining dates as well as performances at venerable summer festivals including Bonnaroo, Pitchfork Music Festival and Maryland Death Fest.  

The band Retro Grave will be heading into NYC’s “The Studio” located at Webster Hall. Retro Grave (ft. members from metal legends Trouble) will be playing with GNAW and Kayo Dot.  

Just in time for X-Men: First To Last, the next big X-epic from Chris Yost, Paco Medina & Dalibor Talajic, Marvel is proud to unveil new X-Men Evolutions variants!  

Veteran Ukrainian doom/death act APOSTATE, who released the critically acclaimed Trapped in a Sleep on Black Art Records are seeking a new record label for their next release. The band is also seeking booking agencies for purposes of worldwide touring.  

The following was issued by California-based death horde GRAVEHILL in regards to their forthcoming album, When All Roads Lead To Hell, and the band’s new label situation.   

British heavy metal icons Judas Priest have announced that KK Downing, one of the founding members of the band, has decided to retire from the band and as a result, will not be taking part in the group’s forthcoming, Epitath tour. A press release from the band reads as follows:  

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Silver Surfer #4 (of 5), from writer Greg Pak and artists Harvey Tolibao & Iban Coello!  

Last night in Chicago I was privileged to spend my night with three amazing bands and a crowded house.  The opening band was the Atlas Moth.  I had heard of these guys and missed them at the Metaliance in Joliet, I did see their awesome merchandise though.  Everything was really psychedelic, t-shirts with drop acid not bombs sticks out to me, so I was really intrigued.  At the bar all I  heard were good things about them and a real positive buzz.  As soon as they broke into the first song I was hooked.