Seems as though it’s been a while since we updated the various goings on of some former Tool touring mates, so here goes!

Bong smoking pals Mastodon are currently recording their new album The Hunter, which is expected to be released later this year.  it has some pretty awesome artwork for the cover:

Expect a world-wife tour to follow.  The ‘Don are rumoured to be playing Soundwave in 2012, which is good news, however they really should do their own tour for a change…

Math-metal buddies Meshuggah are currently playing some gigs in Europe, however have been working on their followup to obZen.  In a recent interview with Marten by Studio Rock, he revealed the record company plans to release the album in March 2012, and the band will complete the recording once they finish their current tour.

Long haired chums The Melvins have just finished a short tour with Trevor Dunn on bass, and will be heading over to Europe later this year for some shows:

• October 4, 2011 – Rome, Italy – Circolo degli Artisti
• October 6, 2011 – Mezzago, Italy – Bloom
• October 7, 2011 – Geneva, Switzerland – KAB Usine
• October 8, 2011 – Zürich, Switzerland – Rote Fabrik
• October 9, 2011 – Munich, Germany – Hansa 39
• October 10, 2011 – Vienna, Austria – Arena
• October 11, 2011 – Ljubljana, Croatia – Cvetlicarna Mediapark
• October 12, 2011 – Zagreb, Croatia – Tvornica Kulture
• October 13, 2011 – Prague, Czech Republic – Lucerna Music Bar
• October 14, 2011 – Erfurt, Germany – Stadtgarten
• October 15, 2011 – Wroclaw, Poland – Firlej
• October 16, 2011 – Berlin, Germany – Volksbühne
• October 17, 2011 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Lille Vega
• October 18, 2011 – Grünerløkka, Oslo, Norway – Blå
• October 23, 2011 – Stockholm, Sweden – Hornstull Strand Etablissement
• October 24, 2011 – Malmo, Sweden – Debaser
• October 26, 2011 – Haarlem, The Netherlands – Patronaat
• October 27, 2011 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg – Kulturfabrik
• October 28, 2011 – Schorndorf, Germany – Manufaktur
• October 29, 2011 – Köln/Cologne, Germany – Gebäude 9 (Onkel’s Minifestival) (Date TBC)
• October 30, 2011 – Kortrijk, Belgium – De Kreun (Sonic City Festival) (Date TBC)
• October 31, 2011 – Paris, France – Glazart

The Melvins promised to return to Australia later this year also, but who knows if that will actually happen.  Buzz you’re breaking my heart!

In other no less important news:

• Jakob are recording with Aaron Harris pretty soon
• Volto! are playing two sets at the Baked Potato on Saturday night