The masked metal madmen of Mushroomhead have just kicked of their USA Fall Tour, so get a helmet and mark your calendar.

Claiming the distinction of beating Slipknot to the whole scary-masks-and-uniforms thing (Mushroomhead debuted in 1995, Slipknot in '98), this Ohio electro-metal supergroup is more overtly horror-themed in their presentation, contributing songs to horror soundtracks (Freddy vs. Jason), elaborate high-tech stage shows (past set designs have even included a Nightmare Before Christmas theme) and a blood-drenched video for single “Twelve Hundred” set in a mad scientist's lab.

This fall they'll be putting the fear to audiences all over the Eastern US with evil assistance from the aptly-named Autumn Offering, as well as fellow Ohioans XFactor 1 and industrial outfit Human Factors Lab. Come November, the 'heads will head south, with satanic support from Mexico's own devil-lovin' grinders Brujeria.

Once the tour concludes in December, the band will return to the studio to work on their as-yet-untitled new album – presumably after a snuggly holiday break with their nearest and dearest.

In the meantime, don't forget their DVD Volume 2 hits shelves on October 28. The follow-up to their 2005 DVD (titled, amazingly enough, Volume 1) will contain over 2½ hours of live footage from the “Savior Sorrow” tour, several music videos (including the recent “Save Us,” and tons of behind-the-scenes weirdness, all shot and edited by the band.