Who would have thought that Dethklok would be the first out of the gate this season with a Christmas special? They will apparently be picking ‘Secret Santas’ and arguing about the Christmas tree. And it would appear that Toki’s mother is visiting from Norway, so his Christmas is totally ruined. Poor Toki.

Metalocalypse, Cartoon Network, 12:30am, late tonight but actually Monday

Last Sunday was the Season Three premiere of Metalocalypse and it seems that the creative ambitions have expanded with the new 30-minute time slot. First a quibble with the people at Adult Swim — what is with the unbelievably lame designation ‘Stoner Series’? Dude. Seriously uncool.

So, in last season’s cliffhanging finale it looked as if a much-beloved character had died violently (but things are not always what they seem). Since then, without Charles’ moderating influence, Dethklok’s spending habits have spiraled out of control including the purchase of a solid ruby metronome, champagne humidifiers and giant panda throw rugs (although it must be noted that Nicholas Cage has made satire in this realm nearly impossible). It also appears that The Tribunal is mobilizing.

I will keep an open mind. Frequently an opening episode has to lay down some groundwork — and there were some good laughs, but no great ones. In the past the golden moments have occurred when these overindulged self-absorbed idiots went about in the real world, dealing with family weddings, dating, or just trying to cope with a toaster. And there seemed no end of material in the lives of insecure, image-obsessed musicians, the excesses of the bloated rock-and-roll life, and jokes about bass players. But, if Brendon Small wants to take this in a new direction, I’m there. And at least the lawyer is okay.

Target! The new Dethklok album, Dethalbum II, goes on sale today. Purists can buy it on vinyl somewhere, all others can buy the cd at Target for $7.99. That is very good value. Dethklok will perform two shows at the Boston House of Blues, October 27th and 28th. Brendon Small is an insane guitarist, but I’m not having any luck finding out who the other band members will be.  If you aren’t a fan of Metalocalypse, I can allow for that; but Mr. Small is also the genius behind Home Movies, also on Adult Swim, and if you don’t like that show then there is something wrong with you.

For me anyway. Tragedy All Metal Tribute to the BeeGees, will be playing the Showcase Live in Foxboro on April 2nd. This venue might not be totally horrible as it is standing room only/general admission like a regular club. BUT, here’s the awesomest thing, Brendon Small of Dethklok will also be performing with the School of Rock All-Stars (not a Dethklok show per se, but they will do a couple of Dethklok numbers). AND before the show Mr. Small is holding a 30 minute Q & A session! (The venue’s write-up also suggests that he will be playing with Tragedy.) All this is only $15 . . . plus a $3 ‘convenience charge’.  If you can make it through the first 30 seconds of this video without smiling then I weep for your frozen heart. (I have written about Dethklok before.)

April 2, Thursday, Showcase Live, Patriot Place, Foxboro

Dethklok may not be a real band, but they make real music.  At some point while watching Metalocalypse, the discriminating viewer will suddenly realize — hey, these guys are actually kinda good. At any rate, this album is now on my iPod.  It stands on its own just as music, but the rewards of researching the lyrics — which can be a tad indecipherable — are huge. Very silly stuff.  ‘Birthday Dethday’ is probably my fave right now.

The show has returned to Sunday night in reruns.  Tonight’s episode: Murdering Outside the Box. Dethklok has an end-of-quarter employee evaluation to find out who is embezzling from the company.

Metalocalypse, 12:30am, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim

(There is some violence, but only when integral to developing plot and character … as in ‘Itchy & Scratchy’.)

When Toki gets news that his dad is dying, he’s forced to travel back to his home town in Norway. The rest of the band decides to make a vacation out of it, citing “album inspiration” as their excuse to further put off working on their delayed album.

Adult Swim, 11:59pm, Cartoon Network

Tonight’s episode of Metalocalypse — When Nathan learns that his ex-girlfriend, Rebecca Nightrod, has already found new love while still in a coma, he decides to return to the dating scene. Unfortunately, the rest of the band makes it difficult for Nathan to make a true love connection. (rerun:good one)

Adult Swim/Cartoon Network/11:59pm

Metalocalypse is fast becoming one of my favorite things ever. Lately they have been running two episodes back-to-back.  Tonight’s listing is “The band’s new album is released; the Revengencers make their next move”.  Dethklok is a real ‘band’ that has actually performed live and you can buy ‘Dethalbum’.  Past guest voices have included Brian Posehn and Andy Richter — and an impressive roster of metal musicians have sat in on the show.  It always makes me laugh out loud at least twice.

11:59pm/each episode is 11 minutes/Adult Swim on the Cartoon Network

tonight on Adult Swim

at 11:30pm the return of Robot Chicken — Tubba-Bubba’s now Hubba Bubba

followed at about 11:59pm by Metalocalypse — Dethrecord

followed by Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job

(times approximate, this network is pretty loosey-goosey and the shows are only about 11 minutes long)

Tonight on the Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim

12:00am to 12:15am on Metalocalypse — Auto Event

Followed by the Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job* — Spaghetti

*The New York Times describes this show as “shoddily produced, sloppily edited”.

Really? This is what’s behind the curtain? Not really very death-y. I mean I knew it was a cartoon but… really?! At any rate, good news for Metalocalypse fans, Dethklok is a real band and it’s touring. Nearest venue — the Palladium in Worcester, June 24th. Mr. Small (Berklee grad!) and Mr. Blacha are the subject of today’s ‘A Night Out With’ column in the NYT where they go out and raise hell in a …. sushi bar! Okay that’s not very metal but… they totally charged the whole thing to Adult Swim. Check out the Metalocalypse site where Brendon will teach you how to play the theme, although about a minute in he starts getting really frustrated with how slow and stupid you are.

Metalocalypse/Adult Swim/Cartoon Network/Sunday 11:45PM