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.
In a new feature here, we recap the biggest stories of the week here at Ghost Cult! We went to 12, because fuck it, it’s our list! This week we have new reviews from Slipknot (one week early) the comeback from Razor, news about Guns N Roses, Serj Tankian of SOAD, Disturbed, vinyl from QOTSA, a major fest gets canned, our interview with Long Distance Calling, a review of Heilung, and the new video from Casket Robbery!
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.
Ibaraki is the new solo project from Trivium’s Matt Heafy, and Rashomon is released through Nuclear Blast, having been over a decade in the making. The name translates as “Wild Trees”, but is also taken from a terrifying Japanese demon of feudal legend, and the concept is a profound affirmation of Heafy’s Japanese-American heritage, incorporating a number of different musical styles. Although the main inspiration clearly sits within the black etal genre, taking influence from the experience of Emperor’s Ihsahn, who co-produced, and whose quirkier ideas from his solo work are peppered throughout the release. Continue reading
Serj Tankian (System of A Down) has shared a new music video for his song “Rumi,” a tribute to both Tankian’s six-year-old son of the same name, and the 13th-century Sufi poet. The track comes from his recently released new EP, Elasticity. The vinyl version of that EP is out now. Also, the documentary about Serj’s music and activism, Truth To Power is available to watch now on VOD (Video On Demand). Watch the video now!
Serj Tankian of System of a Down recently released his new solo EP Elasticity, has dropped a new lyric video for his track “Your Mom’ today. You can watch the clip below. You can purchase and stream the album from the links below, with vinyl arriving April, 30th, 2021.Continue reading
Marc Maron’s “WTF Podcast” has shared a new interview with System of a Down’s Serj Tankian to discuss the new documentary “Truth To Power.” The film highlights Tankian’s life in political activism and music. On the podcast, Serj discussed his life story, how he got into music, how SOAD formed, how the band reunited in 2020, an interesting story of a run-in with late Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun, and the film.
System of a Down vocalist and political activist Serj Tankian will release a new solo collection of rock songs, Elasticity, on March 19. The official music video for the EP’s title track, which was directed by Vlad Kaptur, will arrive tonight (Thursday, February 4) at 9:00 p.m. PST / 12:00 a.m. EST. is out now!
System of a Down had one of the biggest stories in 2020 when they reunited and released two new songs for charity to benefit Armenia. Now Serj and Shavo have joined Zane Lowe on Apple Music to discuss their new songs “Protect the Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz”, why they hadn’t come back before now, except as a live act, and more. Watch the video and read some excerpts now courtesy of Zane Lowe on Apple Music.
Truth To Power, the documentary about the social justice movement started by System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian will make its world premiere at Cannes Virtual Market this week. The film is Executive Produced by Oscar® Nominee Joe Berlinger (Paradise Lost Trilogy, Somekind of Monster, Metallica Through The Never) and Live Nation Productions, the film offers exclusive access to the man behind the music, award-winning director/writer/producer Garin Hovannisian (“I Am Not Alone”) captures both intimate and historic public moments, including Serj’s role in inspiring the massive peaceful protests of 2018’s Velvet Revolution in his native Armenia which successfully ousted an oligarchic regime. Watch the trailer below! The film features an original soundtrack composed by Serj. Continue reading