White Noise: News on Velvet Revolver, Shadows Fall, Metallica, Marduk, Dimmu Borgir and More

Have you ever been stuck in a relationship that made you miserable? You want to end things, hoping you'll find some joy in life. But for some reason, you stick it out, and suffer. Well, imagine what it must be like to be in a band you can't stand anymore. It seems that was the experience former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash had with Velvet Revolver. Slash didn't say anything about what he was going through. But with Scott Weiland out of the picture, Slash is talking about the misery he had to endure. Plus, we've got album news and notes, a lost pendant, and an unexpected collaboration is revealed. It's White Noise, and it starts now.

+ Now that Velvet Revolver's searching for a new singer and things are on hold with the band until that happens, Slash is talking about his experience in the band. And it hasn't been a great one. "I always support whatever group I'm playing with, [and] I'll never say anything bad about them while I'm in it," Slash tells Classic Rock Magazine. "But f--kin' Velvet Revolver ... that was the toughest five years, dealing with that band, just because of the obvious [Weiland], and really, really bad management. Joke management for the entire time." Slash says for the five years the band existed with Weiland, "I could never be happy. I could never get comfortable and happy with it because it was such a f--king mess. That last tour in the U.K. was the first time I ever had any fun in that band, because I knew that Scott was leaving and it was a huge relief."

Slash says he doesn't mind opening up about his feelings now, because "Scott, to me, is now like George Bush ... I like him now that he's not here," Slash told the magazine. "I have nothing bad to say about Scott, but he doesn't work well with others in a group situation." Slash is still working on his upcoming solo album while Velvet Revolver looks for Weiland's replacement.

+ It seems Avenged Sevenfold are working on new material. Great. Frontman M. Shadows says the band has been "relaxing after almost 20 months of straight touring," but that they have been throwing some song ideas around. "I think after we get back from the U.K. we will be able to fully get into this writing process," he says. "I'd hate to say more and start speculation and rumors this early in the process so that's all I'll say about the album. Time flies and you'll have a new record on your iPod before you know it, so be patient."

+ Opeth's song 'The Lotus Eater' will be appearing in the forthcoming PSP game 'Saints Row.' Look for that game to hit stores sometime in March 2010.

+ Vans has teamed up with blackened metallers Dimmu Borgir to create a pair of shoes featuring the band's artwork. The shoe will be on display at Booth #116 at the San Diego Comic-Con International from July 22 through July 26. Dimmu's Silenoz commented on the collaboration, saying, "Finally, we have a real special treat available for the true Dimmu fan! What other company in the world other than Vans could possibly do a Dimmu Borgir shoe justice? Wear it proud!"

+ Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich needs your help. It seems he lost a pendant earlier this week in Spain and is offering a reward for its safe return. Ulrich lost the item just before the band's set July 14 in Madrid, while out on a jog along the city's Jorge Juan street. In the event you were on that very street, on that day, and you found it, email this address for more details.

+ Finnish metallers Poisonblack plan to enter a studio next month to start tracking their next album, which will be released early in 2010.

+ Here's an awesome video, shot during Greece's Rockwave Festival, of Down performing 'Bury Me in Smoke' with Mastodon's Brett Hinds. Enjoy.

+ Marduk have unveiled the grim cover art for their forthcoming album, 'Wormwood.' The band will also be performing in Baltimore on August 12; in Philadelphia on August 13; and in New York City with Tombs on August 15.

+ Yesterday, a new Shadows Fall tune, called 'King Of Nothing,' was getting spins all day over on Sirius XM radio's Liquid Metal channel. The track, taken from the band's upcoming disc 'Retribution,' features a guest appearance from Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe. The album is set for release September 15.