The "Big Four" Make Metal History and More [Unplugging]

It’s always nice to see bands put aside their differences and come together for one night of legendary music making. That was the case for the “big four” in thrash metal – Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth – at the Sonisphere Festival in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Members from all four bands performed the finale together (Diamond Head’s “Am I Evil?”) with the three bands vocalists’ alternating verses. For many, this was a night that they will never forget – a night of metal’s most historic moments.  Also this week, a few tours announced headliners. Kiss, Eminem, Blink 182, and Rise Against will headline Epicenter Twenty Ten, and Godflesh will be headlining the Supersonic Tour. Itching for some new tunes? Radiohead may be releasing new material in 2010, The Walkmen announced a new album out in September, Jenny & Johnny are offering a Mp3 download, and The Roots are streaming their entire new album on Myspace. So, with all of that in mind, I suggest you spend the better part of your week listening to new music, reliving metal history, and enjoying the summer.

Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Megadeth Perform “Am I Evil?” Encore: The “big four” in thrash metal (Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth) joined together on stage at the Sonisphere Festival in Sofia, Bulgaria. Members from all four bands performed the finale, Diamond Head’s “Am I Evil?” Follow the link for video footage of the performance.

KISS, Eminem, Blink 182 and Rise Against Set to Headline Epicenter Twenty Ten:Kiss, Eminem, Blink 182, and Rise Against have been announced as headliners for Epicenter Twenty Ten, the two-day festival taking place September 25-26 at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA. Several other notable artists will be performing as well.

Radiohead May Release New Material in 2010: Guitarist Ed O’Brien commented on the new material, saying production should wrap within “a matter of weeks.”

The Roots Streaming Entire New Album on Myspace:The Roots’ entire new album, How I Got Over, out June 22nd, is currently being streamed on the band’s Myspace. The new album also features several interesting collaborations.

Godflesh To Headline Supersonic Tour:Godflesh has been confirmed as the headlining act at Supersonic Festival 2010, which is being held in the band’s hometown of Birmingham, England. The festival will be held October 22-24 at the Custard Factory.

The Walkmen Announce New Album, Tour, Cover Art:After two years, The Walkmen has announced the upcoming release of Lisbon, out September 14th. The band has also announced a massive tour with The National, Japandroids, and Grizzly Bear.

Jenny & Johnny Announce Tour Dates, Offer Mp3 Download:Jenny & Johnny have announced new fall tour dates, with some shows supporting Pavement, Superchunk, and Belle and Sebastian. Also, the duo has released an Mp3 of their new single, “Scissor Runner.”