Brian Slagel, founder of the massively influential Metal Blade Records, sat down with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich of Metallica for a surreal meeting of the metal minds recently. The trio discussed the impact of Metallica's iconic self-titled album, Kill 'Em All, 25 years after its initial release. Behold the revealing discussion - it's one that you won't want to miss:

Old-school thrashers Hirax are preparing to release a brand-new live DVD, "Thrash and Destroy", on June 30 via Selfmadegod Records. The disc will feature the band's entire 75-minute performance from the Keep It True Festival, which was held November 3, 2007 in Dittigheim, Germany. Check out the full track list...

Ever wonder how much your favorite band makes? Ever think about starting a band and taking your act on the road? The picture may not be as pretty as you think. God Forbid guitarist Dallas Coyle has updated his "Hard R" column over at Metalsucks with an interesting commentary into the world of tour finance.

TheGauntlet is reporting that, following a disagreement over money that led to longtime Anthrax bassist Frank Bello striking new vocalist Dan Nelson, Bello has been fired from the band by drummer Charlie Benante. According to reports, it appears that former Armored Saint/Fates Warning bassist Joey Vera - who briefly replaced Bello for a stint in 2004 - will be brought back into the fold. Stay tuned for more updates.

UPDATE: TheGauntlet is now reporting that all parties have resolved their differences. False alarm!

Stop the presses! The highly-anticipated Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards are in the books and Testament walked out as the surprise winners of the prestigious "Album of the Year" award for The Formation of Damnation. The thrashers took the award over runners-up Atreyu, Bullet for My Valentine, Children of Bodom and Down.