Bassist from 1983 to 2002, David Ellefson, has rejoined thrash titans Megadeth. Band-leader Dave Mustaine "This shows the power of brotherly love and forgiveness. David Ellefson belongs in Megadeth. Next we are going to show you the power of getting your asses kicked...HARD!"

Dallas, Texas' Kill The Client have signed to Relapse Records, bassist James Delgado saying, “Relapse has been the label of many of our heroes, influences and friends for many, many years and it is a honour to now be counted within their ranks. I feel that this band has a lot to add to the voice of the socially and politically astute grinders and punks throughout the world right now and we really appreciate the vote of confidence, musical freedom and exposure Relapse has offered us with this signing.

German post-sludge types The Ocean have announced the title of their next two albums as 'Heliocentric' (due April), which refers to the theory that the sun is the stationary centre of the universe, with planets orbiting around it, and 'Anthropocentric' (due October) which deals with the belief that the Earth is at the centre of the universe. "There are a few really calm songs with mainly piano and vocals, as well as some crushing heavy tunes. There is a very special atmosphere to it that pervades the album," says guitarist Jonathan Nido.

The organisers of Birmingham's Reanimator thrash gigs have announced their intention to release the follow-up to Resilience Records' 'Bangers & Thrash' compilation, as a cassette limited to 40. Bands confirmed so far are Seregon, Hospital Of Death, Nebukadnezza and Sweden's FKÜ, and money raised will be donated to the family of late Evile bassist Mike Alexander.

Los Angeles' 16 are reissuing 1993's 'Curves That kick' and 1996's 'Drop Out' through Relapse, both albums we're originally released through Pushead’s Bacteria Sour label and have been remixed and remastered, with the former to feature entirely new artwork. Vinyl versions are also on the way.

Last night I slept in the back lounge of our new bus, wasn’t too bad really. Noisy, lights flashing past, sliding around on the wipe down seats. Actually it was pretty depressing. At some point during the early hours, I found a comfy nook and slept great after that. Arie and Joel are always the ones up early and as soon as Arie was up I asked if it was all right to go sleep a bit in his bunk, which he was cool with so all good in the end. Bit of improvisation needed is all.