System of a Down vocalist Serj Tankian is independently releasing two albums this summer through his Serjical Strike Records. He will drop Orca, his first true symphony, on June 25, and follow it on July 23 with a collaborative jazz-infused album, dubbed Jazz-iz Christ.

Recorded in Linz, Austria in October of 2012, Orca was composed and demoed in Tankian's home studio and fully realized after a successful Kickstarter campaign that helped fund a recording and debut performance at the regal Brucknerhaus with the "Das Karussell Ensemble." With conductor Werner Steinmetz at the helm, the four acts of Orca mix influences from early 20th century composers with modern film compositional dynamics showing influences ranging from Ennio Morricone to Philip Glass. Listeners are met with a mingling of sounds and intertwining pieces that are both serene and bombastic at the same time, offering a fresh interpretation to the classical art.

Jazz-iz Christ is Serj's brainchild, but truly is a collaborative effort between many musicians that Tankian curated to be part of the group and self-titled album. Among others, there are considerable contributions from renowned pianist Tigran Hamasyan, flautist Valeri Tolstov, and trumpet player Tom Duprey. Additional performances from Stewart Copeland (the Police) and actor/musician Davis Alpay and Vincent Pedulla make for a very unique collaboration. The 15 tracks that comprise Jazz-iz Christ, a mostly instrumental effort except for 4 tracks, are an amalgam of progressive jazz, electronic, ethnic and even rock elements, displaying a unique presentation of the genre itself. ]]> Serj TankianSerjTankianSystem of a DownSystemOfADown Amy Sciarretto 2013-04-26T09:00:00+00:00 http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/25/scarface-gene-simmons/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/25/scarface-gene-simmons/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/25/scarface-gene-simmons/#comments Filed under: News

Rapper Scarface has a dream collaborator and it's none other than KISS bassist Gene Simmons. Because, well, who wouldn't want to work with the God of Thunder? Scarface even has designs on an all-star rock band.

"I don't even know when my next album is going to come out, but I am going to make a rock 'n' roll album, though," the Houston-born hip-hopper said. "Me on guitar and vocals, and like Kiss, like Gene Simmons. Like [Smashing Pumpkins] Billy Corgan. Seriously. When I call 'em, it's on."

He also dreams of recruiting Linda Perry, who has crafted pop hits for Pink and Christina Aguilera, to produce this masterwork.

As for this rock supergroup's name? ]]> Gene SimmonsGeneSimmonsKissscarface Amy Sciarretto 2013-04-25T12:00:00+00:00 http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/25/kiss-beth-short-film/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/25/kiss-beth-short-film/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/25/kiss-beth-short-film/#comments Filed under: News, Daily News Brief

Noisecreep has joined forces with Sacred Mother Tongue and The End Records to premiere the thrashy new track "Pawn" from the band's Out of the Darkness, which drops April 30.

"It's a dark, twisted, angry riff, full of aggression, and it spits fury in the face of the listener from the get go," singer Darrin South warned Noisecreep before we listened to the track, so we felt compelled to pass said warning on to you, dear reader. "Even the opening sample gives you a preparatory gut punch before the song even starts."

Luckily for us and for you, that's just how most metalheads like it! A sonic punch in the gut is always welcomed.

South continued, "The aggressive parts are a direct attack on the ignorant among us, who look for no answers, and swallow whatever is fed to them. These people will always be played, as pawns. The song later expands into a far more euphoric chorus, it speaks of the longing, desperate cries of the 'little man' who is trying to be a better person, trying not to be caught up in the propaganda and fear mongering, trying to find his own peace in the world."

So, armed with that background information and the warning about the opening salvo, dive head first into "Pawn."

When he's not giving Fred Durst an injection of credibility by infusing Limp Bizkit songs with a dose of spazzed-out riffery, guitarist Wes Borland is taking on other projects, like, uh, scoring an animated short film featuring Chris Bosh, a member of the Miami Heat who is not LeBron James or D. Wade.

It's a strange and creepy intergalactic cartoon and they even use the word "dingleberry." No, we're not kidding. Not the standard stuff of Saturday mornings, but certainly a strange trip, indeed.

Watch it for yourself, Bizkitaholics. ]]> Limp BizkitLimpBizkitWes BorlandWesBorland Amy Sciarretto 2013-04-24T14:30:00+00:00 http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/24/as-i-lay-dying-tim-lambesis-addresses-satanic-rumors-more/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/24/as-i-lay-dying-tim-lambesis-addresses-satanic-rumors-more/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/24/as-i-lay-dying-tim-lambesis-addresses-satanic-rumors-more/#comments Filed under: News, Daily News Brief

As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis has taken the time to clarify the lyrical concepts behind his Pyrithion side project and their The Burden of Sorrow EP. He said that fans were concerned that it was his "crazy Satanic side band" since the lyrics are darker.

AILD's lyrics are mined from his personal life, while his other projet Austrian Death Machine is jokey fun. Check out this video where Tim explains it all, alongside a cute puppy! We love seeing him show both his silly and serious sides in this video. ]]> As I Lay DyingAsILayDyingTimLambesis Amy Sciarretto 2013-04-24T09:00:00+00:00 http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/23/ozzy-osbourne-sharon-osbourne-dark-place/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/23/ozzy-osbourne-sharon-osbourne-dark-place/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/23/ozzy-osbourne-sharon-osbourne-dark-place/#comments Filed under: News

This news won't upset our pals at Metal Sucks. Attack Attack! have split. The band posted a note on its Facebook page about the beginning of the end, which includes a final tour. They are bummed to put an end to their electronically-influenced metalcore band, but felt it was time.

The update appears to have been posted by AA!'s Andrew Wetzel.

"Well everyone, it's been a wild ride for Attack Attack, but I think it's about time Whiting and I take some time to write this note.

Godsmack frontman Sully Erna will make his film debut in Army of the Damned. According to the movie's official Facebook page, the story revolves around a filming of a hit reality TV show that goes horribly wrong when a group of small town cops respond to a call. No release date for the film has been released yet.

Photos of Erna as character Sheriff Bridge have been posted on Army of the Damned's Facebook page. Check 'em out -- Sully's packing some serious heat!

Attila will release About That Life on June 25. Pre-orders are available here, and you can listen to a snippet of the new song "Middle Fingers Up" below. ]]> AttilaGodsmack Amy Sciarretto 2013-04-22T09:00:00+00:00 http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/19/rush-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction-acceptance-perform/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/19/rush-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction-acceptance-perform/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/19/rush-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction-acceptance-perform/#comments Filed under: News, Video

Rush were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last night (April 18), honored with a killer speech by Foo Fighters' frontman and rock Renaissance man Dave Grohl and the Foos' drummer Taylor Hawkins.

In the speech, Grohl nodded to the pervasive mysteries of rock 'n' roll, from Elvis Presley sightings and beyond. He then mused that the mystery of when Rush became cool eclipses them all!

Grohl asked, "When did Rush become fucking cool?," a question he would come to answer later in his speech.

After spouting off the titles of all Rush albums, Grohl declared, "Their legacy is that of a band that stayed true to themselves no matter how uncool they may have seemed to anyone. I think it is safe to say that Rush are indeed a band that has balls and they've always been cool. So consider this mystery solved. It is our honor to finally induct Rush into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." ]]> Rush Amy Sciarretto 2013-04-19T10:35:00+00:00 http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/19/the-red-chord-singer-becomes-a-cop/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/19/the-red-chord-singer-becomes-a-cop/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/19/the-red-chord-singer-becomes-a-cop/#comments Filed under: News, Daily News Brief

Guy Kozowyk, singer for metal band The Red Chord and owner-operator of Black Market Activities, a record label, is now a New Hampshire cop and a member of the long arm of the law. Congrats, Guy! Be careful out there, protecting and serving! See photos of him being sworn in here.

The first date of Zakk Wylde's acoustic tour is set for this Sunday, April 21 at the Independent in San Francisco. The show begins at 8:30PM PT and if you aren't located in the Bay Area and can't be there, well, you can still partake in the fun and watch the live stream online. Stay up past your bed time (if you are on the East Coast and beyond) with Zakk, SDMF-style! Find out everything you need to know here. ]]> the red chordTheRedChord Amy Sciarretto 2013-04-19T09:35:00+00:00 http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/18/black-sabbath-god-is-dead-listen/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/18/black-sabbath-god-is-dead-listen/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/18/black-sabbath-god-is-dead-listen/#comments Filed under: News, New Music

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi opened up about his ongoing cancer treatment, revealing that there is a 1 in 3 chance that the disease could return. He was incredibly candid about how he is handling it and what is body is going through while he battles it. What a brave soul!

"I have to have an antibody administered by drip every six weeks or so to keep the lymphoma in check. It sort of coats the cancer cells, stops it from going anywhere else. I have to come back home no matter where I might be in the world," the legend admitted, revealing how his illness affects the band.

He continued, "The tour dates are arranged so that I can always get back for treatment. It's the only way I can manage my illness and keep on the road. I'd love to play more shows than we're doing but my health has to be sorted out first."

Iommi further stated, "After each session, I feel sick and tired, and that lasts for a week or so. I'm finding that it takes around 10 days to fully recover from each round of treatment, but if that's what it takes, I have to accept it." As for right now, he is "feeling ok," confessing, "since we've been in rehearsals and recording sessions, I've felt pretty good - great even." [Birmingham Mail] ]]> Black SabbathBlackSabbathTony IommiTonyIommi Amy Sciarretto 2013-04-18T09:30:00+00:00 http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/17/iron-maiden-nicko-mcbrain-wife-arrested/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/17/iron-maiden-nicko-mcbrain-wife-arrested/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/17/iron-maiden-nicko-mcbrain-wife-arrested/#comments Filed under: News

Dillinger Escape Plan have shared the track listing for One of Us Is the Killer, out May 14.

"Prancer"
"When I Lost My Bet"
"One Of Us Is the Killer"
"Hero Of the Soviet Union"
"Nothing's Funny"
"Understanding Decay"
"Paranoia Shields"
"CH 375 268 277 ARS"
"Magic That I Held You Prisoner"
"Crossburner"
"The Threat Posed By Nuclear Weapons"

Rob Zombie is a regular guest on Howard Stern's morning radio show, and even plays on the show's theme song, "The Great American Nightmare." Their personal friendship didn't stop Stern from grilling Zombie about the beef he had with Marilyn Manson while the two were on tour together as part of the 'Twins of Evil' co-headlining trek in late 2012. Zombie addressed the issue for the first time, dialing it down and saying it wasn't that big of a deal, even though a "feud" between the two rockers was oft-discussed in the press.

Recalling the incident, Zombie said that Manson remained on stage past his allotted set time one night. Zombie said, "It was no big deal. He went on late, which doesn't matter. He just has to get off on time. Buildings have strict curfews. They will literally turn the power off and the lights on. He can go on whenever he wants and do whatever he wants. It doesn't matter to me. I don't pay attention. He just has to come off at the allotted time...He was like 25 minutes late. I was in my dressing room getting dressed. I don't hall monitor."

Even so, Zombie happened to be watching Manson's performance on the TV in his dressing room that particular night and noticed he kept on going and going. He repeated that he didn't care about the fact that Manson went on late, which made us think that perhaps he really did. Eventually, though, it was revealed that Manson going on late means he went off later than planned, which interfered with Zombie's set. ]]> Marilyn MansonMarilynMansonRob ZombieRobZombie Amy Sciarretto 2013-04-16T13:15:00+00:00 http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/16/deftones-guitarist-comments-on-chi-cheng/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/16/deftones-guitarist-comments-on-chi-cheng/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2013/04/16/deftones-guitarist-comments-on-chi-cheng/#comments Filed under: News, Daily News Brief

Deftones' guitarist Stephen Carpenter has issued his statement regarding the death of bassist Chi Cheng, who passed away on Saturday, April 13 after spending several years in a semi-conscious state after a serious 2008 car accident.

Carpenter said, "There are so many things I can say, and yet at this moment, none of it matters or compares to the loss everyone feels. There will be a hole in our lives where Chi once was. But that will be filled every day with all of our love and memories we all have in our heart. He will always be here because of love. It's time we all give our love and best, and do our best to love. Especially ourselves. Chi would want that for everyone. All our healing will begin with love. I love you Chi." [Blabbermouth]

When we hear the term "concept" album used (or thrown around by) bands, it can elicit one of two reactions. We often groan because most bands don't address the notion correctly, not realizing that a true concept album is something like The Who's Tommy. Every song has to be a part of a story, with one bleeding into another thematically and sonically, and a lot of bands that release conceptual pieces don't do that. The second reaction is, "Wow, that's ambitious! Let's hear it." Ultimately, it can be brilliant or pretension.

Soilwork took the ambition implicit in a concept album up a notch. They released a double concept album with their latest, the 20-song The Living Infinite. A double concept album? Gulp! That's undertaking, one that Stone Sour boldly succeeded at with the two parts of House of Gold & Bones. Rather than have them spill tedious details, Noisecreep had to probe the Swedish melodic death metal band about what made them go this route.

Drummer Dirk Verbeuren answered the call and then some!

Kane Roberts, who was a longtime guitarist playing with Alice Cooper, in addition to having worked with KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley and Rod Stewart over the years, has admitted to steroid use.

The axeman, known for his guns and his buff bod, confessed to Metal Sludge that he has juiced up in the past.

While he first joked that he ate an extra piece of salmon every day to maintain his physique, he came clean, saying, "No, yeah, I did that, but there were no side effects." It sounds like he didn't suffer from roid rage or a shrunken penis, which are said to be the physical downsides of taking steroids.

Roberts, born Robert William Athas, shared his opinion on illicit substances, saying, "I think you can abuse any drug, even if you take too many aspirin, but recreational drugs are a different deal. I don't want to get on a soapbox, but if you do drugs, you're life will go nowhere. You'll just be standing still. That's really true. You need to keep your brain firing on all pistons. But with steroids, there are some benefits to it, so I took 'em." ]]> Alice CooperAliceCooperkane robertsKaneRoberts Amy Sciarretto 2013-04-15T13:00:00+00:00