What are you listening to? Here’s what keep me going this week:
Serj Tankian – Imperfect Harmonies/Imperfect Remixes
Serj’s second solo album and 4-song remix showcase his brilliantly quirky musical side. While not as metal (or even as rock) as his first album, Elect The Dead , this one is full of electronic sounds, catchy choruses, and poignant lyrics. I find myself listening to “Gate 21” on repeat. The ablum version uses mostly piano to accompany Serj’s emotional lyrics. The remixed rock version steps up the tempo and Tom Morello (Audioslave, Rage Against The Machine) adds his signature punchy guitar work. Other highlights include the dance-beat laden “Borders Are…” and the ballad “Wings Of Summer.” Serj sings “Yes, It’s Genocide” entirely in Armenia, refers specifically to the Armenia genocide of 1915 for which Turkey has not yet formally recognized. This is album is a musical journey and Serj is a brilliant guide.
Scar Symmetry – Holographic Universe
Scar Symmetry is a new band to me. I just got one of their more recent albums, Holographic Universe. It’s what I expect and love from Swedish melodic death metal. There’s plenty of heaviness mixed with soaring choruses, and high-energy vocals. I’d say that Scar Symmetry has a bit of prog to their sound as well. There’s just enough Dream Theatre influence to differentiate them from other bands without going over the top. I’ve heard that Scar Symmetry is getting a new singer, so I’m interested to see how their sound evolves. For now, Holographic Universe delivers the metal you need.
News and Tours:
There are rumors about a new music from A Perfect Circle. In the fall, APC played several shows, back-to-back, in a handful of cities. Each night they played one of their three albums start to finish. This summer’s tour is more extensive and highly anticipated. When A Perfect Circle emerged in the late 90’s they were one of the original ‘Super Groups,’ comprising members from several already famous bands (Tool, Smashing Pumpkins, and Josh Freese, who plays drums for everyone). The term super group seems ridiculous since bands constantly trade members or form other groups. Whatever you call them, I hope A Perfect Circle continues on.
Acrassicauda has embarked on their first us tour. Acrassicauda is an Iraqi thrash metal band. After leaving Iraq (where metal can get you killed) they're spreading their punishing sound across the US. Aggressive, technical, and lyrically intense (not surprisingly), their 4 song EP Only The Dead See The End Of War is dark and awesome. You must check out this band!
DevilDriver is out on tour with Danzig in support of their 5th studio album, Beast. I’ve been following lead singer Dez Farfara on Twitter and the shows have been met with awesome fan feedback. I’m looking forward to seeing them in July! Check out my review of Beast: http://greenchamberstudio.blogspot.com/2011/02/evolution-of-beast.html
System Of A Down have started their reunion tour. I’m glad to see them back. I don’t know if there will be any new music coming soon, but at the very least I’d like them to come to the East Coast!
Valet Parn is a metal band from Greece. Check out their album. They’re on tour with long-time Greek death metalers, Septic Flesh (who also just released a new album, their seventh).
System Of A Down have started their reunion tour. I’m glad to see them back. I don’t know if there will be any new music coming soon, but at the very least I’d like them to come to the East Coast!
