Polymathic metal legend Devin Townsend drops in to talk about his new album, KI, the demise of the major labels, and messages to alien civilisations…

Montreal’s Never Drafted have self-released their début EP, The Ritual Standoff; while there’s no shortage of ambition, the final result might have benefited from a longer wait.

Yet more weird and wonderful bands join the line-up for Smalltown America’s This Ain’t No Picnic festival.

Curmudgeons beware – emo-popsters Farewell are crossing the pond to tour with YouMeAtSix in October. Expect… cheerfulness.

Floridian post-grungers Shinedown got a lucky break – they’re supporting the inexplicably popular Disturbed on their UK tour in October.

Three classic Metallica albums re-released on top-quality vinyl… you know, the ones from before they started to suck?

Mellow stoner-blues trio Dead Meadow meander back to the UK for a handful of tour dates this September.

Wade McNeil’s Black Lungs will cover you in phlegmy gobbets of folk-punk fury on five UK dates. Take an umbrella?

HiFi Handgrenades are apparently Dave Grohl’s new favourite band – find out why as they tour the UK in August and September.

Californian psych-noiseniks The Warlocks will be bringing their widescreen sonic experience to the UK in the latter half of August.