Went to a cool party last night for Clutch, as they performed a handful of songs from their forthcoming new album, due in September. It was at the performance and showroom of D’Angelico guitars here in NYC. First off, Clutch was great. Second off, the D’Angelico line of guitars are beautiful. I wasn’t really familiar with them before. Apparently they’ve been made in South Korea after leaving the U.S. many years ago, but now they will be produced here again in the states. I’ll post some shots as soon as I can. Anyhow, during the show, Brent Hinds of Mastodon arrived to check out Clutch (and looked at some fretless guitars), who are touring with Mastodon, including a stop tonight in Central Park at Summerstage. I introduced myself to him and we instantly hit it off. I mean, he’s not the scary aloof person I thought he was. He’s kind, gentlemanly and funny! And he doesn’t do interviews, but agreed to talk to me! So, hmmm, I need to contact his publicist, STAT! There is something so cool about Mastodon. They are amazing live. A must-see if you’ve never caught them before!…..I also met the editor-in-chief of Metal Hammer, Alexander Milas. Hopefully we can find some way to work together! I love me some Metal Hammer!…..Five Finger Death Punch and Papa Roach announced their late summer tour yesterday. Saint Asonia‘s performance from Rock on the Range is posted. Check it out here……Speaking of Metal Hammer, check out their video interview at Rock on the Range with In This Moment. Love Chris and Maria. Screw the haters!…….Got this from Pulse Of Radio. Busy day for Bullet for My Valentine: The band announces their new bassist, released a lyric video for their new song “No Way Out” and revealed that their new album, titled Venom, will drop August 14. Jamie Malthias joins Bullet for My Valentine as bassist, replacing Jay James who left in February after spending 12 years with the group. To find out more about Malthias, scope out his new Twitter account, @BFMVJamie. Bullet For My Valentine posted a teaser online for its fifth studio album earlier this month. Frontman Matt Tuck told Metal Hammer about the band’s approach this time, “What we really wanted to capture was the feeling of that excitement, that angst and that anger, that you finally get in that moment to let the world know who you are and what you want to say. Then, as the albums go on, and you get a bit older, that goes away. So we’re like, ‘Let’s recapture that angst of that younger, feisty Bullet that we used to be.’” The band also wrote online that 2015 is “shaping up to be a massive year for us, with lots of exciting things going on behind the scenes which we’ll be announcing as soon as we can.” The band will be part of the lineup for Slipknot‘s “Summer’s Last Stand” tour, which kicks off on July 24th in West Palm Beach, Florida and also features Lamb Of God and Motionless In White. Watch this. Lyric video for “No Way Out” I also heard 3 other tracks, including the title tune, “Venon” and another called “Battle,” both of which will be big tunes from the forthcoming album!….The dates for the Five Finger Death Punch and Papa Roach run should be announced ANY MINUTE! Can’t wait. Two powerhouses together! Rock is NOT DEAD!…….Celebrating life today, some classic folks! Pete Townshend of the Who is 70! Dusty Hill, ZZ Top bassist is 66, and former AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd is 61.