Merl's back from LA, and he's only gone and heard the new Deftones album. Cheeky sod. Plus, Iron Maiden at Download discussed, Bring Me The Horizon trolls recklessly mocked, the new Down EP reviewed, Skindred probably not headlining Download, Dillinger Escape Plan and Kimbra being mates, Black Tide, Black Sabbath, Dragonforce, AxeWound and hair.

Fancy going to see Soundgarden, The Mars Volta, Skindred and more at Hard Rock Calling on Friday July 13? We have three pairs of tickets to give away, and all you have to do to stand a chance of winning is answering one very easy question

Metallica, Killswitch Engage, Biffy Clyro and Skindred reviewed at Download 2012!

THE VIDEO! Hill and Merl are joined by Hammer new boy Amit to talk Mission To Lars, Zakk Wylde’s new book, Guns N’ Roses with Myles Kennedy at the Hall Of Fame, plus reviews of Skindred, Andrew WK and Meshuggah gigs, our top five non-metal albums and so very bloody much more.

The Mars Volta have been confirmed to appear on the bill at this year's Hard Rock Calling festival. The three-day event takes takes place at London's Hyde Park on July 13-15. The Mars Volta will headline the second stage on the opening Friday night, which is crowned by the return of Soundgarden. Also confirmed to play that day are Iggy And The ...