Respect where it is due. Heavy metal titan, political activist hero and System Of A Down frontman Serj Tankian has yet to offer up a project or product unworthy of the intense and continued attention of those who love music, love the world around them and care deeply about the overt inadequacies of those entrusted with its protection and future.
System of a Down’s artist and activist Serj Tankian, will release a new five song EP titled Perplex Cities on Oct. 21 via his own Serjical Strike label. Perplex Cities is his second EP in the last couple of years, following his 2021 release of the hard-hitting Elasticity EP. Before reaching the music streaming platforms next month, each track off the EP will be made available via a free augmented reality experience featuring Tankian presenting the five tracks himself in an intimate fashion. Via the app he will be appearing in the same space as the listener-viewer to explain the music and listen along. The first such immersive experience is available now, with the release of “Pop Imperialism” via the Arloopa app. Check it out here.
Celebrity Therapist (MNRK Heavy / Modern Static Records) is the brand new LP from the six-piece Atlanta noise merchants, who announced themselves to the world with their debut EP My Dixie Wrecked in 2017 and have since continued to consistently put out new music including the Animal Tetris EP and their acclaimed 2019 LP Die On Mars which was also re-released as an instrumental version. Continue reading
Whenever an established act loses its frontman, especially one as talismanic as Max Cavalera, fans are usually left choosing sides. Do you go with the musician striking out on their own or do your allegiances remain with the band? Largely dependent on the situation, an amicable split can leave listeners happily following both parties down separate paths to the promise of glory but when open hostility is at the heart of the separation, loyalties are often put to the test.Continue reading
If you’ve ever found yourself unable to sleep, deeply troubled by an almost primal need to comprehend the diverse sociopolitical ramifications of what would happen if a ruthless, semi-robotic and fully weaponized flamingo overlord was installed as the leader of a society of subservient worker flamingos, then seek immediate psychiatric help. Seriously, just leave and come back to this later. It can wait.Continue reading
From the opening shred and bombastic drumming, the listener knows 8 Kalacas’ Fronteras (Atomic Fire Records) is going to be epic. If you aren’t familiar with the 8 Kalacas, be prepared. It’s not straight up punk or metal. The songs veer stunningly off the tracks with the insertion of a ska sound that immediately puts one in the mind of the old Batman and Robin television series with Adam West and Burt Ward. The album is frenetic, wild, and just plain fun! Fronteras is part ska, part punk, part metal, part schlock, and all amazing. If you are a fan of Russkaja, then 8 Kalacas is your band. It’s like that, but in Spanish.
There has been an outpouring of support for Russian Circles since they annoucned most all of their gear was roobed after the first few shows opening for System of A Down and Korn last weekend. The band has now shared a verified GoFundMe launched by band manager, Cathy Pellow to help them after suffering back-to-back financial losses.
Serj Tankian has sadly contracted COVID-19 during the first few dates of System of A Down’s highly anticipated west coast tour dates. Now the band has been forced to cancel their shows at Bank of California Stadium this weekend. The band shared the news on social media post. Continue reading
Russian Circles just kicked off their tour opening for System of A Down and Korn this past weekend, and it is a huge opportunity for the acclaimed post-Rock band. Sadly, they were robbed of a bunch of their gear at a hotel Saturday night in Chowchilla, California, near San Jose.The band has listed their extensive stolen gear list, most of it rare, custom, and irreplaceable, and how to contact the band. Please be on the look out for the gear and help if you can.
Luminaries from across Metal and Rock have recorded video greetings to wish Machine Head a happy 30th anniversary. The band was founded in Oakland, California after founder Robb Flynn left the Bay Area Thrash band Vio-lence in 1990. Luminaries from across Metal and Rock have recorded video greetings to wish Machine Head a happy 30th anniversary. The band was founded in Oakland, California after founder Robb Flynn left the Bay Area Thrash band Vio-lence in 1990. Among the artists well wishing are members of of Metallica, Korn, Slayer, System Of A Down, Anthrax, Five Finger Death Punch, Testament, Exodus, Behemoth, Lamb Of God, Halestorm, Trivium, Fear Factory, Kreator, Hatebreed, Black Stone Cherry, Death Angel, Fit For An Autopsy, Repentance, Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood, and many others. The band also released a 30th anniversary shirt via their merch company which you can order below. Watch the clip here
“Let freedom ring with a shotgun blast!”
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