At KROQ's 23rd Annual Almost Acoustic Christmas, Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath revealed some not so shocking news – that he's not a fan of pop culture force of nature Honey Boo Boo. Watch this video interview linked below where he discussed the lighter side of life, since Rise Against is known for its serious and politically-charged nature. McIlrath called it "the new lowest form of television and the most despicable celebration of a lack of intellectual ability." He also said that she is someone we should not aspire to be like, given HBB's inclusion on Barbara Walter's annual list of most fascinating people.

Watch the Rise Against interview at this link.

Progressive metal mainstays Cynic are in the studio working on their fifth album. They're holed up in Perfect Sound Studios in Hollywood.

Drummer Sean Reinert shared some details about the project, saying, "This album marks Cynic's fifth release. It's a bold new sound for Cynic and marks a gigantic leap in the band's progression. We've had a lot of time to let this material develop and gestate, and it finally feels ready to be unleashed on the world. I've been in trio mode with Malone and Masvidal flushing out a zillion and one details, and couldn't be happier about what's happening with these songs. They are truly alive!"

Early working titles for tracks are as follows: "Endlessly Bountiful," "Moon Heart Sun Head" and "True Hallucination Speak." Chew on that, Cynic fans. [Via Press Release]

Watch Cynic's 'Wheels Within Wheels' Video




Motorhead
may release a new album in 2013. Guitarist Phil Campbell mentioned that the band might try and record thus summer. Here's to hoping. [Via VH1 Classic Radio]

Rhapsody has share its Top 30 metal albums of 2012. If you use the service, you definitely want to check out their picks. [Rhapsody]

Former Chimaira guitarist/Fear Factory bassist Matt DeVries, one of our favorite ginger kids, will fill in for Unearth bassist John "Slo" Maggard on the band's upcoming tour. Maggard will not be participating in the winter Brothers of Brutality tour as he must attend to personal matters

Unearth frontman Trevor Phipps posted the following update:

"John 'Slo' Maggard will unfortunately be sitting out the Brothers of Brutality Tour (Whitechapel, Emmure, Obey the Brave, The Plot In You) this coming January/February. His absence is simply to take care of personal matters at home and is only temporary. Slo will remain a member of Unearth moving forward and is actively involved in the writing process for our next album, which we plan to record and release some time in 2013.

Luckily, our long-time friend Matt DeVries (Fear Factory, ex-Chimaira) will be taking over bass duties for the tour. Slo will certainly be missed on this tour, but having DeVries on board is something we are all looking forward to. He's a true pro, a great performer and one of our closest friends in the business. Good times ahead!" [Metal Insider]

More From Noisecreep