Opeth mastermind Mikael Akerfeldt took the time to address his bands upcoming “God Of War III” videogame-inspired contribution to the “God Of War: Blood & Metal” digital EP, which is expected out in March. He had the following to say:

“…I just finished and approved the mastering of a new song I wrote called “The throat of Winter“. I wrote it for that game, “God of war” that we’re supposed to be included in, or however that works. Is it a digital album? I don’t know how that shit works, but it’s done anyways. Hell, I’m still with my turntables (got 3 of them) and right now I’m playing a Aussie original of “High voltage” by AC/DC.

Song is very odd, it’s good I think, or for my taste it is, but even I can understand it’s very….odd! Produced and recorded it from scratch and I’m happy with the sound if I may say so myself. Fred laid down a killer acoustic solo and Per laid down an amazing twiddly tweet moog solo. It’s not a very metal song, I’m saving up for that..later…..yet it’s got a metal “mentality”, or what I remember metal used to do to me. I can feel it, even though it’s not a “metal” song per definition. Anyways, if you hear it I hope you like it.”

Justin Broadrick recently cleared up some confusion surrounding the upcoming re-release of Godflesh’s “Streetcleaner” album with the following statement:

“I have had a few questions / assumptions on Twitter regarding the news that the Godflesh ‘Streetcleaner‘ LP is being reworked. The truth is that I am finally remastering the album, there are no remixes / re-recordings or such nonsense. Additionally, I am hoping to compile an extra discs worth of rough and original mixes from the ‘Streetcleaner‘ studio sessions, also rehearsal versions, etc. More news as I compile this. If all goes to plan, this will be a very exciting and much needed update of the ‘Streetcleaner‘ LP. Planned for release on Earache in June 2010 to coincide with Godflesh at Hellfest.”

Down bassist Rex Brown has checked in with the following update regarding his health:

“After two major surgeries to close out 2009, I have recovered from pancreatitis and am looking forward to getting back to work with Down. I’d like to thank everyone for their support and well wishes during my illness and recovery.”

In other news, the band have offered up a lengthy update on their plans and their individual members’ happenings. Highlights include tentative plans for a new Down album; a new Crowbar album along with a series of reissues; a new Kingdom Of Sorrow album and more.

The full update can be found here.

108 have posted an audio player for their new album “18.61” online here. The album, which showcases new drummer Mike Justian (ex-The Red Chord/Unearth, etc.,) was recorded by Alex Garcia-Rivera (ex-Give Up The Ghost) and mixed by Kurt Ballou of Converge. A release is expected in the coming months through Deathwish Inc.

The Chariot have made their sixteenth webisode from the road available online, you can check that out below:

Upon A Burning Body’s upcoming new album “The World Is Ours” has been bumped back to an April 06th release date via Sumerian. As previously reported, the band will soon debut a video for their track “Carlito’s Way” which they recently shot with director Scott Hansen (A Day To Remember, Carnifex).

Megadeth frontman/guitarist Dave Mustaine recently checked in with the following update regarding the bands rehearsals for their upcoming “Rust In Peace” 20th anniversary tour:

“RIP rehearsal are going pretty good. We are sorting out some new gear, organizing the stuff we’ve got, hot-rodding everything, and deciding on several aspects of the show. Of course we realize that RIP was approximately 45 minutes long, and our show is longer than that, that we are going to need to keep several other classics in the show as well as our favorite new songs too.

So far we went over Holy Wars, Hangar 18, Tornado of Souls, Take No Prisoners, Five Magics, and Poison Was The Cure. I am letting a DAT run in the background for serendipity in case I have a moment where I come up with something new and it doesn’t slip away if I don’t record it.

It may sound strange to hear that we are going over the songs that we already know, but this is a pivotal record in Heavy Metal and it didn’t become that way by playing what we think is right. We have all been under the microscope and we have found several things that we have improved on, as well as learning the new RIP songs, and I can’t stop smiling while we are playing.

Its kinda cool too to be brainwashing myself with RIP before we get ready to go into the studio for our ultimate Roadrunner record. I am not going to go on record and say anything yet until I can sing over these songs, but for now, watching Chris play these solos is mind-blowing. Its just like Marty was here again.

When you guys ’see’ Shawn you are going to be blown away, as well as how ferociously he is playing right now. Speaking of Shawn, we are getting ready to go with James up to the Grammys today, and do some pre-lim stuff. Shawn and I wrote “Head Crusher,” and the funny thing is that this is my eight nomination and I have never won.

I think what’s the use going, but then I see Shawn’s enthusiasm for his first time ever being nominated, and I am actually excited for our chances and for him. Of course we are nominated in a category with formidable competition, and they are all of our friends. I actually joked with Kerry King and said, “Can ya let us win it this year?”

Honestly, I don’t think I was ready to fully appreciate what this all means the previous times. I know that we may win, and that we may not. I know what it feels like to lose, and I would like to know what it feels like to win. I mean I would really be excited if Shawn and I won, but either way we have been recognized by our peers to be one of the best and I am proud to be back in the finals for the Grammys.”

Demon Hunter have made some behind the scenes footage from a recent photo shoot for their upcoming new album “The World Is A Thorn” available online below. “The World Is A Thorn” will see a March 09th release date through Solid State in both standard and deluxe editions.