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Serj Tankian has covered David Bowie’s “I’m Afraid Of Americans.” The System Of A Down frontman teamed with electronic producer and composer Brendan Angelides on a version of the track that Trent Reznor famously reworked in 1997 — and the accompanying video was assembled from real childhood photographs of the two of them, driven by motion capture. It’s out now, and it’s the next single from Angelides’ album “Can You Feel The End Begin?”, due August 14.

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Serj covering Bowie, with a video built from baby pictures and a mosh pit. Scott Penfold breaks it down on the Metal Breakdown Daily — download the free Loaded Radio App on Apple iOS and Google Play and take the show with you.

The Collaboration

Angelides is not a name most metal fans will know on sight, which is a shame, because his résumé is enormous. Formerly recording as Eskmo, he’s released on Ninja Tune, Warp and Planet Mu, scored all seven seasons of Showtime’s “Billions,” picked up a BAFTA nomination in 2024 for his work on “Assassin’s Creed Mirage,” and co-composed Darren Aronofsky’s “Postcard From Earth,” which has been running at the Las Vegas Sphere. NPR once described him as “part musician, part magician.”

He’s also, for what it’s worth, a guy who got pulled into heavy, bass-driven music at around fifteen years old by Primus and The Prodigy. So the Serj connection makes more sense than it looks on paper.

By his own account, the cover happened almost by accident. He’d been building a beat for the new record when he found himself singing Bowie’s words over the top of it unprompted — and the first person he thought of to bring in was Tankian, who he says has been an inspiration to him forever and who he now counts as a friend.

Then there’s the video, which is the detail that makes this whole thing stick. It’s built from their own childhood photos. They filmed themselves to drive the motion capture, face-tracked it, composited the whole thing — and, in Angelides’ words, had a mosh party. Two grown men, rendered as kids, in a pit. That’s a genuinely strange and lovely idea for a song this dark.

Angelides has said the album it belongs to is half about what happens to creative communities during authoritarian times. We’ll leave the politics of that where he put it — it’s his record and his statement to make.

Also Recommended – Every System Of A Down Album Ranked—Fans Still Argue About #1

About That Bowie Song

Worth getting the history right, because a lot of outlets are running this as a 1995 track and the real story is better.

Bowie and Brian Eno wrote “I’m Afraid Of Americans” during the sessions for 1.Outside. An early rough mix — with the line “I’m afraid of the animals” instead of “Americans” — got quietly dumped onto the Showgirls soundtrack in September 1995. That’s the version people mean when they say 1995. It’s a demo, essentially.

Bowie clearly knew there was something in it, because he rebuilt the song from the ground up for 1997’s Earthling. And then it got rebuilt again: Virgin issued it as a North-America-only maxi-single that October, packed with six remixes overseen by Trent Reznor, who’d toured with Bowie in 1995 and had become a genuine friend and collaborator. Reznor’s V1 mix — with his vocals, guitar, bass and drums all over it — is the version that stuck. He also played Johnny in the video, stalking a visibly rattled Bowie through New York City.

Here’s the part that gives this cover some weight: that single peaked at No. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it was the last time David Bowie charted on the Hot 100 while he was alive. “Blackstar” and “Lazarus” only got there after he died in 2016.

So Serj isn’t covering a deep cut. He’s covering the last thing Bowie ever landed on the American charts, a song about America, with an industrial rock lineage running straight through Nine Inch Nails. That’s a lot of history to walk into.

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Where This Leaves System Of A Down

Tankian has spent years now doing exactly this — solo records, film scores, collaborations, one-off singles — while System Of A Down continues to exist as a live entity that hasn’t put out a full-length since 2005.

And business is very much booming on that front. The band recently announced a 2027 stadium run through Australia and New Zealand with Faith No More, their first shows down under since 2012, on top of their 2026 European dates. Twenty-one years without a new album and they’re still filling stadiums on the strength of a catalogue that genuinely doesn’t have a weak entry, plus the two singles they released for Armenia in 2020.

Is a Bowie cover with an electronic composer the new System Of A Down music anyone’s been begging for? No. But it’s Serj doing what Serj does, and the man’s voice on that chorus is worth four minutes of your day.

“Can You Feel The End Begin?” arrives August 14.

TL;DR

• Serj Tankian has covered David Bowie’s “I’m Afraid Of Americans” with electronic producer and composer Brendan Angelides, formerly known as Eskmo.
• The video was built from real childhood photographs of both artists, using motion capture, face tracking and compositing.
• The track is the next single from Angelides’ album “Can You Feel The End Begin?”, out August 14, 2026.
• Angelides has said the album is partly about what happens to creative communities under authoritarianism.
• The Bowie original was written with Brian Eno during the 1.Outside sessions, first surfaced as a rough mix on the 1995 Showgirls soundtrack, was remade for 1997’s Earthling, and became a hit through Trent Reznor’s V1 remix — Bowie’s final Billboard Hot 100 entry during his lifetime.
• Angelides is BAFTA-nominated for Assassin’s Creed Mirage and scored all seven seasons of Showtime’s Billions.

FAQ

Alright, SOAD faithful — does Serj’s take hold up against Bowie’s original and the Reznor remix, or is that a fight nobody wins? Give us your verdict in the comments, and follow Loaded Radio for daily rock and metal news.

The post System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian Has Covered David Bowie’s I’m Afraid Of Americans appeared first on Loaded Radio.

Anthony Altamura (ex-Stray From The Path) directed the visuals.

The post Dreamwell Tackle The Dark Side Of Organized Religion With “Carrion Birds On The Ark” Video appeared first on Theprp.com.

GoFundMe .

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Boy George recently revealed he’s using AI to re-record his old hits. He’s also using it to create new songs in support of genocidal regimes.

The post Boy George Says He Used AI To Create His New Pro-Israel Reggae Song appeared first on Stereogum.

Fire Talk’s Angel Tapes imprint is a reliable source of promising acts, like Shower Curtain and Sleeper’s Bell. Bloomington’s Just Penelope are the newest signees, and their explosive, catchy brand of shoegaze is instantly enticing, or at least it is on today’s single “After” from their just-announced debut EP Great Lake.

The post Just Penelope Announce Debut EP <em>Great Lake</em>: Hear “After” appeared first on Stereogum.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JONESTOWN Unleash Long-Awaited Debut Album Promise of Enlightenment

Stockholm Heavy Metal Veterans Deliver 75 Minutes of Thrash, Progressive Firepower, and Classic Metal Craft
Release Date: May 29, 2026
Genre: Thrash Metal / Heavy Metal
For Fans Of: Metallica, Anthrax, Dream Theater
Stockholm, Sweden – After nearly seventeen years of evolution, setbacks, and renewed determination, Swedish heavy metal force Jonestown have finally released their long-awaited debut full-length album, Promise of Enlightenment , available now independently through Bandcamp and all major streaming platforms.
Formed in 2009, Jonestown’s debut is the culmination of years of songwriting, growth, and perseverance. The album features nine original compositions alongside two unexpected cover selections: the Ramones classic “Wart Hog” and Nirvana’s “Breed.” Clocking in at approximately 75 minutes, Promise of Enlightenment is an ambitious statement that showcases the band’s ability to merge crushing thrash aggression, traditional heavy metal songwriting, progressive arrangements, and melodic vocal delivery.
The album was recorded at Studio for Nations in Stockholm , produced by bassist Linus Larsén , with co-production and sound engineering by Daniel Jedrzejewski . The record was mixed and mastered in Warsaw by Sebastian Has , known for his extensive work with Polish extreme metal legends Behemoth.
Lyrically, Promise of Enlightenment explores themes of religious fanaticism, geopolitical conflict, war, and horror, delivering a thought-provoking backdrop to the band’s dynamic and technically driven compositions.
“The album gave us the chance to show the width of our influences and capabilities, and it let every band member shine in different aspects,” says vocalist and guitarist Einar Svensson . “It was never really in doubt that these nine songs should end up on our first album.”
Bassist and backing vocalist Linus Larsén adds:
“The basic structure of all songs has probably been around since at least 2013. But performance-wise, I think the difference after the reunion is big, to the better, luckily.”
Jonestown’s lineup features Einar Svensson (vocals, guitar, keys), Jacob Zetterberg (lead guitar), Linus Larsén (bass, backing vocals), and Johan Hambring (drums, backing vocals) . The current lineup represents a reunion of four of the band’s original members, who returned in the early 2020s with a renewed focus on bringing their long-developed material to life.
The band’s ambition and musicianship have already earned praise from Swedish metal media. Sweden Rock Magazine awarded the album high marks, with Jonas Wettmark describing Promise of Enlightenment as:
“a mastodon record at 75 minutes” and noting that Jonestown’s sound is “both progressive and punk.”
With influences ranging from classic thrash giants to progressive metal innovators, Jonestown have crafted a debut album that refuses to follow a single path. Promise of Enlightenment is a bold introduction from a band that spent years refining their sound and waiting for the right moment to strike.
Listen to Promise of Enlightenment now:
Bandcamp: https://jonestownsweden.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yvHYLJvu19quFYSkOOBNf
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jonestown/1884778060


Follow Jonestown:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonestownSweden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonestownband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JonestownMusicSweden

For press inquiries:
Jonestown
jonestownsweden@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WE ALL RISE Earns Major Feature At BraveWords With New “Dead And Rotting” Music Video Featuring Biohazard’s Billy Graziadei
Groove Metal Powerhouse Continues Momentum Following Acclaimed Debut Album The Beginning Of The End
Groove metal force We All Rise continues to make waves in the metal world as legendary publication BraveWords has featured the band’s latest music video for “Dead And Rotting,” shining a spotlight on the explosive collaboration with Biohazard guitarist, vocalist, and producer Billy Graziadei .
The new video showcases one of the heaviest tracks from the band’s debut full-length album, The Beginning Of The End , released through Golden Robot Records . Produced by Billy Graziadei and mixed and mastered by acclaimed producer Tue Madsen (Meshuggah, Suicide Silence), the album has been praised for its crushing blend of classic ’90s groove metal, hardcore intensity, and modern heaviness.
In its feature, BraveWords highlighted the unique creative bond between Graziadei and the band, noting We All Rise’s statement that they consider him “the fifth member of the band.” Beyond producing the record, Graziadei played a significant role in shaping the band’s development both musically and personally.
The article also revisits another standout moment from the album, “Crown,” which features Biohazard co-founder Evan Seinfeld . According to the band, the collaboration helped reconnect Graziadei and Seinfeld after more than a decade apart, contributing to the renewed friendship that preceded Biohazard’s celebrated reunion.
Rejecting modern studio shortcuts, We All Rise embraced a traditional recording approach, capturing live performances through real amplifiers to preserve the raw energy and authenticity that defines their sound. That same spirit is front and center in the new “Dead And Rotting” video, delivering a relentless visual assault packed with crushing riffs, aggressive grooves, and uncompromising intensity.
The BraveWords feature marks another significant milestone for We All Rise as the band continues building momentum around The Beginning Of The End and expanding its reach across the global metal community.
Watch “Dead And Rotting” now and experience the next chapter in We All Rise’s unstoppable rise.
Check it out here: https://bravewords.com/news/biohazards-billy-graziadei-stars-in-new-dead-and-rotting-video-from-we-all-rise/

About We All Rise

We All Rise combines the crushing groove of Pantera, the hardcore grit of Biohazard, and the relentless power of Machine Head into a modern metal assault that stays true to the genre’s roots while forging its own identity. Their debut album, The Beginning Of The End , showcases a band built on authenticity, powerful songwriting, and a commitment to delivering real, uncompromising heavy music.
For press inquiries, interviews, and review requests, contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com
More details on the band here: https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29231/we-all-rise-release-explosive-new-music-video-for-dead-and-rotting-featuring-biohazards-billy-graziadei

My Morning Jacket’s Jim James will soon be gracing us with his first solo album in eight years. The good Mr. Olliges announced Wowed Out in June and shared its pounding, soulful, psychedelic hymn “Come Again.” Today he’s back with the title track, which keeps the shimmering keyboard sounds and utopian language flowing.

The post Jim James – “Wowed Out” appeared first on Stereogum.

Bloodstock Bound: Archaea

As Bloodstock gets closer, we delve deep into the line up to find out more about some of the bands playing the New Blood and EMP stages at this years event.

Today we chat with Archaea

Please introduce yourselves.

To introduce ourselves:

· Dave Morgan: Lead Vocals
· Alex Harris: Guitars & Backing Vocals
· Lewis Crosby: Guitars
· Peter Mansfield: Bass & Backing Vocals
· Cal Deaves: Drums

As a band, we hail from Merseyside, with Lewis and Alex based on the Wirral. Pete, Dave and Cal are over in Liverpool. Originally, Dave is from Barrow-In-Furness, and Alex moved to Merseyside 12 years ago from sunny Kent. Fun fact – he actually goes way back with the lead vocalist of Vampyra – this year’s winners of M2tM Kent. We’ve been following each other’s Masses’ progress and are now looking forward to a celebratory beer at the campsite!

How would you describe your sound?

We’re a hybrid of a heavy metal band with some hard rock and more recently, metalcore undertones. We’ve been described as an “accessible” metal band – this, combined with our energy and power onstage, makes us stand out (or so we’ve been told!) We like to think we’re a very dynamic band, with highs and lows popping out from everywhere. We go from melodic, clean and subtle to 100% full tilt very abruptly. Our music has the balance of punchy riffs, melodic solos, killer breakdowns and catchy lyrics. We take a lot of time to write our songs to make sure each piece has its own personality that can stand on its own and not just be a filler song in an album.

How did you land your spot on the Bloodstock bill?

We won the Merseyside Metal to the Masses competition.

How tough was this years competition?

Incredibly tough – the final ended up being a huge event which showcased virtually every band who competed across the competition. This served as a reminder of the quality throughout. The final itself came down to four bands – each completely different and incredible in their own right. It was an incredible event put on by some of the most dedicated people we’ve had the pleasure of working with.

What does playing at Bloodstock mean to you?

Playing Bloodstock is the culmination of all our hard work and bolsters our faith in the live music scene. It truly means absolutely everything. It’s an enormous achievement for us, and we worked so hard and put everything we had into winning M2tM. We’re extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished and even more proud that we get to represent our region as the ambassadors from Merseyside. Also, congrats to all at Bloodstock for hitting 25 years; here’s to 25 more!

For people who’ve never seen you live, what can they expect at Bloodstock?

Energetic. Melodic. Hard-hitting, catchy and unrelenting.

We hit the stage hard and showcase not only heavy headbanging riffs but soaring shreddy solos, mixed with powerful singing and even more powerful screaming – throw in a cohesive and tight rhythm section – and we are quite the force to be reckoned with. What people aren’t really going to get from simply listening to our tracks, or even the live session tracks (we had to stay incredibly still with the headphones on), is the energy we bring to the stage. We’re excited to be there when we’re on stage, and we think it shows.

Hopefully it’s contagious, and we’re not to be missed.

What day are you performing?

We are performing on Friday, on the New Blood Stage!

What other bands are you looking forward to watching at Bloodstock this year?

There are so many talented bands across the festival, but to name a few:
Lamb of God, Body Count, Party Cannon, Battlesnake, Orbit Culture, Vended, Black Label Society, Saxon, Judas Priest, Evil Scarecrow, Testament, Bleed From Within & Wailing Banshee & Sellsword. Plus, we’re looking forward to checking out as many bands on the New Blood stage as we can!

Playing the New Blood Stage is just the first steppingstone in a bands journey. What’s next in your plans for world domination?

We’re working on finishing some new songs with a view to getting back into the studio by the end of this year – for our next release in 2027. We have a number of songs which we have been rotating into our recent setlists which haven’t been officially released yet, so we’re excited to get these recorded. (Some you’ll hear on the New Blood stage!) Also, plans to expand our merch line, more gigs, invest in our stage show, behind-the-scenes clips, gig documentaries, elevate our stage craft, gear upgrades and more!

Are you camping with the fans? Which campsite are you heading for?

Through M2tM we’ll be at artist camping, so we’ll be there for the full event!

You’ve gotta keep hydrated at Bloodstock, what is your drink of choice for the weekend?

Dave: Whatever lager is cheapest.

Alex: Lots of water, interspersed with crispy pints.

Lewis: Any good beers I can find!

Pete: I love drinking cider; however, I always have to keep water or a bottle of Coke nearby! Cal: Beer, lots of berry-flavoured Volvic and a cheeky Dr. Pepper from time to time!

See you at Bloodstock in a few weeks!

For all the latest news, reviews, interviews across the heavy metal spectrum follow THE RAZORS’S EDGE on facebook, twitter and instagram.

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