As we here at SPIN.com sit back and look at the past week, we can't help but wonder: Is the U.K. planning a musical takeover? Oasis and Snow Patrol both kicked off massive North American tours; Lily Allen premiered a brand new single and video; Coldplay was slapped with a new lawsuit; and Robbie Williams revealed his, uh, weird drug habits. It appears the invasion has already begun.

Despite an already heavy touring regiment, drummer Lars Ulrich has said Metallica will be staying on the road behind their latest album, Death Magnetic, through 2010 -- and that the quartet hope to stop into a few new l

This Sunday, November 23, fans' 15-year wait for Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy will finally come to an end. But there's one particular fan -- and former touring partner -- who's "not losing sleep waiting" for its arrival: Metallica's James Hetfield.

John McCain isn't doing so well these days, but a few other old-timers had a triumphant week on SPIN.com: Metallica kicked off their world tour, Eminem rapped about hip-hop, and a little band named Guns N' Roses (ever heard of 'em?) released their first single since Ally McBeal was on TV.

If the opening night of Metallica's world tour in Glendale, AZ, Tuesday was any indication, rock's not dead. Check its pulse, and you'll hear the double-bass drumming of Lars Ulrich.

As you get ready to celebrate Columbus Day, check out our scoop on Green Day's next full-length and Metallica's upcoming tour, and listen to exclusive new tunes from Manchester Orchestra, Minus the Bear, and others. Plus: Get more of the best from the past week: