Vans worked super closely with Metallica for a series of releases, the first of which has just dropped. The “Kill Em All” Half Cab Pro comes appropriately in all black suede with blood accents and coincides with the 30th anniversary of the epic album of the same name. Does that officially make “Seek & Destroy” an oldie? Whoah. Get them now at Atlas. More looks after the jump.

Eddie Elguera started going backwards in the 70’s and then Salman Agah took it to switch in the 90’s. In this episode Grosso sits down with both to connect the dots from the 70’s to the 90’s and beyond.

We’ve lost some great friends and people in skateboarding over the years and to honor them Grosso dedicates this Loveletter to our fallen brothers.

Following up the release of their technologically advanced LXVI, Vans will drop the Stat this October. Bringing the ultra-lightweight feel of the original to a midtop, the Stat features LuxLiner construction, WaffleFlex tread design and an UltraCush Lite midsole unit. The Stat comes in four colorways including an All-Weather model with Scotchguard-treated Wolverine pig suede and 1200D ballistic nylon paneling (above). See the other colors after the jump.

Jason Dill has rejoined the Vans Syndicate squad, so naturally he sits down and chops it up about weight loss, smoking, silly religions, his approach to past, present and future video parts as well as chain-smoking monkeys. Enjoy.

Christian Hosoi has been alcohol and drug free for 12 years but still has some great stories of getting fucked up back in the day. Check out his story about tripping in Hawaii. Via Offthewall.tv.

Offthewall.tv presents Jeff Grosso’s ode to slams. If you’re not falling off your skateboard then you’re not trying hard enough. Check out what Arto Saari, John Cardiel, Jerry Hsu, and Greg Hunt have to say about meeting the pavement.

Vans and Spitfire keep their ill collabo series going with three new kicks for Fall 2012. Check out the Chukka Low above and the TNT 5 Mid and the AV Native American Low after the jump. So sick. Via Espionage Kicks

Twenty years, twenty skaters, twenty photos and one shoe, was the premise for the opening reception of the Vans Downtown Showdown Amsterdam. Featuring live music from Ray Barbee, Tommy Guerrero and Chuck Treese, DJ sets from John Cardiel, artist-customized Half Cabs from over 20 contributing artists selected by Steve Caballero as well as the first European exhibition of TWENTY, curated by Lance Dawes, a selection of photographs of some of the world’s greatest skateboarders wearing the world’s greatest skateboard shoe as captured over the years by some of the world’s greatest skateboard photographers.

The good people at Vans gave us a preview of the 2013 Van Doren collection at their Agenda booth. The series features shoes with a reissued aloha, stars & stripes, and leopard patterns along with a bag collection. Hit the jump for some closer looks.