As reported earlier today, ex-MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman's forthcoming album Future Addict, is due to be released in Japan on March 12th via Avex. This album features reworked, reconstructed, completely remade versions of some of the coolest songs from Marty's entire career. According to his website, "everything from his first band, DEUCE, to his current Japanese stuff, it is all in there and all of it is on steroids. There are also three new songs including the first single, 'Simple Mystery' (click below to view). Vocals on the entire album are handled by none other than Marty's longtime drummer, Jeremy Colson, making his worldwide vocal debut! This album is an amazing introduction to Marty`s illustrious career, as well as the beginning of an exciting new era of his music. US and Euro releases to follow, more info on that to come."

More news from Friedman's website reads as follows:

"Japan's top entertainment magazine, Nikkei Entertainment, is releasing a book in mid-April titled, Ii-Jyan J-Pop! (Awesome J-Pop!). This book offers An in-depth and very unique insider`s view of the Japanese music scene as only Marty can see it. The book is culled from over a year of interviews with Marty and plenty of out-takes from his outspoken and often controversial popular monthly column in Nikkei Entertainment.

Marty produced, arranged and laid down all guitar and bass on the upcoming Sony single from Ruby Gloom, 'Siren' c/w 'My Treasure'. As many of you know, Ruby is a animation character broadcast in several countries around the world. Nana Kitade plays the part of Ruby on this brilliant high energy single. Release date is March 25.

On the completely opposite side of the musical spectrum, down-tempo electronica pioneers THE SUPREME BEINGS OF LEISURE have a new album 11i on which Marty makes a guest appearance on the song 'Oneness'. Marty is a huge fan of SBL and was honoured to play the track for them.

February 18 marks the industry premiere of the movie Gugudatte Neko Dearu in which he made his Japanese major motion picture debut. The movie is set for a fall release.

Many more upcoming TV appearances, be sure to check them out if you have access to Japanese TV. Check updated list below.

February 25 - NHK Eigo De Shabera Night(with Jimmy Page)

March 3 - NHK Eigo De Shabera Night

March 7 - TV ASAHI Sora Mimi Awards 24:15-24:45

March 10 - Nippon Television Uta Sta!

March 14 - TV ASAHI Sora Mimi Awards Part 2 24:15-24:45

March 17 - Nippon Television Uta Sta!

Every Friday - WOWOW 5PM Ougon American Pops

Every Monday - NHK 1140PM Jukebox Eikaiwa

'Simple Mystery':