Musicians from across the rock world have issued statements about and tributes to Michael Jackson, the legendary pop icon who passed away on Thursday (June 25th) at the age of 50. Since his shocking death in Los Angeles from what early reports say was a heart attack, fans and fellow artists around the world have reacted strongly to the passing of the so-called “King of Pop.”

Velvet Revolver/Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, who played on Jackson’s “Black or White” and “Give In to Me,” commented: “Really sad news about Michael. He was a talent from on high.”
(more…)

Machines Of Grace, the new band featuring drummer Jeff Plate (Savatage, Metal Church, Trans Siberian Orchestra) and lead singer Zak Stevens (Circle II Circle, Savatage), has a self-titled album coming out on July 7. “It’s just a pure, solid melodic rock sound,” describes Stevens. “It has infectious grooves and its own brand of outright power. To me, it’s got great songwriting with a hard rock edge and strong commercial appeal.”

Megadeth has set Endgame as the title of their twelfth studio album. The album is currently scheduled to be released in September through Roadrunner Records. It was recorded at the band’s brand new, self-built studio near San Diego, with both Andy Sneap and Mega-mastermind Dave Mustaine producing. Some track titles include “Headcrusher,” “1,320,” “How The Story Ends” and “This Day We Fight!”

(more…)

NFL offensive linemen bang heads all the time. A trio of Dallas Cowboys linemen are now professional head-bangers, too.

Leonard Davis, Marc Colombo and Cory Procter have signed a recording contract as part of a heavy metal band called Free Reign. Their debut album for Australia’s Riot Entertainment will be released this fall.
(more…)

Metallica is now selling the only official biography of late bassist Cliff Burton, called To Live Is To Die: The Life And Death Of Metallica’s Cliff Burton, at its website, Metallica.com.