The singer has joined forces with influential producer Dan the Automator and Glassjaw drummer Larry Gorman to form a group whose sound is described as 'dark and futuristic, with a blend of garage and dance'. Palumbo, who will be playing guitar and bass, along with vocals, says that Head Automatica has given him chance to write music he knew 'wasn't right for Glassjaw'.

Dan the Automator has previously worked with Primal Scream, Eels, Cornershop and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. He is also one-half of the Handsome Boy Modelling School and produced some of Damon Albarn's Gorillaz project.

Head Automatica start recording their debut album in San Francisco this autumn, with a view of releasing something in early 2004.

Palumbo isn't the first metal main-man to dabble with electronica, Chino Moreno has been working on his Team Sleep project for the past few years. Hey, maybe the two groups should get together and play some shows over here... but it's best not to get your hopes up, judging by Glassjaw's recent track record...

DiScuss: Why are our metal heroes abandoning their roots and churning out this meepy bleepy stuff? Are they all just getting too old to rock out? How has Daryl found time to start a new band when he's so ill with Crohn's disease?...