System of a Down reunited and played some shows in 2011. Drummer John Dolmayan outlined the band's plans, or lack thereof, for 2012. He says frontman Serj Tankian may release another solo album, and SOAD may tour in the summer. As for a new album? John says, "I know there's a lot of people waiting for an album; I'm waiting for an album just like they are. It's gonna happen when it's right and when we can make something that tops what we've done in the past."

Blink-182's first post-reunion album Neighborhoodsdebuted at #2 after its first week. Billboard says Blink sold about 151,000 copies. Rapper J-Cole was #1 with 218,000. New albums by Wilco and Mastodon also debuted in the top 10.

Florence + The Machine frontwoman Florence Welch loves "big, American pop music" but resisted the lure of big American pop producers for their new album Ceremonials. The video for new song "Shake It Out" is below. Here are some more Florence links for ya... she talks about her love of fashion and performs at a Chanel runway show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbN0nX61rIs

Evanescence performed at this year's Rock In Rio festival in Brazil. Quality video of their entire set made it online. Their new, self-titled album comes out October 11.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CY3wRWJwP4 

Slipknot/Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor is going on an acoustic/spoken-word tour in small venues across the country. He'll bring 'An Evening with Corey Taylor' to The Social in Orlando on December 13.