There's some big news in the music waters this year.

Metallica has a new album coming out this year (the band is hoping for a September release). For those who can’t wait, join missionmetallica.com, a site where all you fans can get up to date info on the upcoming album, exclusive “fly on the wall” footage of the making of the album, song snippets, chances to win backstage passes, and tons more. For the hardcore fans, go Platinum and you get all the stuff the regular guy gets, plus a download of the album at midnight the day it comes out, a physical copy delivered to you that day, and a lot more.

Also due September of this year is the still untitled third album from Dido, which has been postponed more than once due to family illness. This will be Dido’s third album, following up on the hugely popular No Angel and Life for Rent.

The Killers are hitting the studio in June to record their third studio album, rumored to be titled Reactions. Singer Brandon Flowers mentioned a song on the album called “Tidal Wave,” which is influenced by David Bowie and Roy Orbison songs. We should see the album sometime in the Fall.

It’s been eight years since 2000’s Stiff Upper Lip, but hard rock heroes ACDC are back in the studio recording material for a new album. There’s no confirmed title yet, and the release date is a hazy “later this year.”

Also later this year is the newest offering from the chart-topping Black Eyed Peas, The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies). Both Fergie and will.i.am are currently enjoying successful solo careers.

Speaking of which, will.i.am is collaborating with Michael Jackson on the King of Pop's upcoming album. Jackson has been working on the songs for several years now, and is said to have recorded somewhere around 100 potential songs for the album. No word yet on a title or definite release date.

That’s it for this week’s edition of Looking Forward.