Thrash metal overlords Slayer have announced the first few dates on their Unholy Alliance Tour. The bill, planned as an alternative to the more mainstream Ozzfest, will feature Mastodon, Lamb of God, Children of Bodom and Thine Eyes Bleed.

Slayer will deliver an hour-plus set to close out each night of the Unholy Alliance; Thine Eyes Bleed will open on all dates, followed by Bodom and Mastodon (who'll be rotating slots) and then Lamb of God. The two-decade running metal act - who has influenced countless metal, hardcore and other bands - entered the studio last week to record the 11 song album with executive producer Rick Rubin and producer Josh Abraham (Velvet Revolver, Staind)