VH1 Classic’s centerpiece in original programming That Metal Show debuted the latest season to record numbers for 2013. The Season 12 premiere aired on Saturday June 1st and is the cable channel’s highest rated telecast of 2013 to date. The show is hosted by radio/TV personality Eddie Trunk and comedian/TV personalities Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine. The latest premiere welcomed former METALLICA and NEWSTED bassist Jason Newsted to the show for the first time. The episode garnered a 143% increase in viewership over the Season 11 premiere that debuted last August 2012. Also appearing on the season premiere was guest drum legend Carmine Appice, a Metal Modem segment with HATEBREED singer Jamey Jasta and the Season 12 return of Stump The Trunk to name a few. The premiere episode is available online and can be viewed at this location (restricted to some territories).

"It's great to know the faithful fans didn't forget about the show after such a long layoff from new episodes. It's been an amazing run on VH1 Classic that just keeps getting bigger and better,” states host Eddie Trunk. “Thanks to all the viewers for watching and making That Metal Show the flagship program for VH1 Classic! You guys rule and I hope you enjoy the next seven all new shows featuring more new features, guests, and the return of some older features as well."

This week’s episode welcomes STONE SOUR/SLIPKNOT vocalist Corey Taylor back to the show with Stone Sour guitarist Josh Rand who makes his That Metal Show debut. The band sits down with Eddie, Don and Jim and discusses their latest releases House Of Gold & Bones Part 1 & 2. The guys discuss the ideas behind releasing the albums 6 months apart, the unique packaging ideas for the album and even share a story about a New Year’s Eve with a drunken MEATLOAF. A sneak peek of that story can be seen here (restricted to some territories).

Also, the latest episode features the return of the TMS Top 5, a Metal Modem session with drummer Dave Lombardo known for his work in SLAYER and PHILM and an Origins segment with GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Bumblefoot. The guest musician for episode 2 is guitarist Richie Kotzen. The episode airs at 11:00PM EST/PST.

Season 12 guests and airdates (all times at 11 PM ET/PT):

June

15* – Rex Brown (Pantera, KILL DEVIL HILL) and Sebastian Bach (*100th Episode)

22 – Jake E. Lee (former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist / BADLANDS) and Rick Allen (DEF LEPPARD)
29 – QUEENSRŸCHE (Scott Rockenfield and Todd La Torre) and Dave Mustaine (MEGADETH)

July

6 – Rob Zombie and John 5 and Tom Keifer (CINDERELLA)
13 – Scott Gorham and Ricky Warwick (THIN LIZZY/BLACK STAR RIDERS) and Neil Fallon (CLUTCH)
20 – Buck Dharma (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT) and KIX (Steve Whiteman and Brian Forsythe)