411 Mania — Was Hulk Hogan lying about almost joining Metallica? Is the music video for the Red Hot Chili Peppers' latest single worth checking out? Would we want to see Barack Obama perform on American Idol? 411's Jeremy Thomas and Tony Acero debate these topi... more info

Metalsucks — Records by Alcest, Bleeding Through, Liberteer and Riotgod top this week’s slate of new releases. Oh, and we suppose Metallica have a “new” record out too. Those and more after the break. Alcest – Les Voyages de L’Ame (Prophecy) Alcest are... more info

ContactMusic — Wrestler-turned-reality TV star Hulk Hogan has sensationally revealed he was once asked to consider joining Metallica The beloved Wwf star was a session musician before he turned to the ring and he admits his career almost took a very different path ... more info

Chorus.fm — According to professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, he was asked to join (http://www.nme.com/news/metallica/61668) *Metallica (http://absolutepunk.net/metallica)* in their early years. more info

411 Mania — Obey your master, brother... more info

Metalsucks — It’s occasionally hard to tell whether we should cheer superstar wrestler Hulk Hogan as an unhinged eccentric or jeer him as a sideways freak who paws his own daughter on TV when not sweatily humping other half-nude guys on TV. Okay, shit, it’s ... more info

Guardian Music — Singer considers 1986 album to be his greatest – and defends decision to record in South Africa during apartheid regimePaul Simon has said he considers his 1986 album Graceland his greatest musical achievement and has defended his decision to recor... more info

Guardian Music — Brit nominee Feist teams up with fellow folk popper M Ward (25 Mar, Royal Albert Hall, SW7; 26 Mar, 02 Apollo, Manchester) ...With a forthcoming 12-inch of remixes, including one by Andy Weatherall, who knows what the sludgy drone rock of Wooden Shji... more info

411 Mania — Bands join Metallica and Black Sabbath on the show... more info

Metal Injection — Download Festival is looking pretty prettttty pretty good right about now. Besides their three headliners, The Prodigy, Metallica (playing the Black Album in full in celebration of it's 20th anniversary) and the reunion of Black Sabbath, the fes... more info