SYSTEM OF A DOWN bassist Shavo Odadjian will direct the first video off the forthcoming BAD BRAINS album "Build a Nation". Production will take place in Portland and also at the Sasquatch Festival later this month, where BAD BRAINS will be performing. Those appearances will be documented and a "making of the video" will also be filmed.

"I've been a fan of the BRAINS ever since I can remember," Shavo said in a statement. "They are iconic pioneers of punk, not just the music but the attitude. The energy that comes off their stage is like no other. HR's performances have affected not only my band, but almost every heavy band in our era. Another major inspiration is their message of trying to promote righteousness and living the righteous way. I am going to rock this video for the BRAINS and try to capture their intense energy. It's a big responsibility... I'm honored."

A BAD BRAINS world tour is in the planning stages, including several major festival appearances both in the USA and Europe. The Sasquatch Festival on May 27 will see both BAD BRAINS and BEASTIE BOYS take the stage. The following dates are confirmed.

BAD BRAINS tour dates:

May 25 - Berbati's Pan, Portland, OR
May 26 - Berbati's Pan, Portland, OR
May 27 - Sasquatch Festival, George, WA
Jun. 24 - NY School Of Rock Festival, Asbury Park, NJ
Jun. 25 - NY Boat Ride, New York, NY
Jul. 29 - The Rogers Picnic, Toronto, Canada
Aug. 05 - Virgin Festival, Baltimore, MD

An audio sample of a new BAD BRAINS song, entitled "Jah People Make The World Go Round", has been posted on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's first proper studio album in over a decade, "Build A Nation", which is scheduled to arrive in stores on June 26 via Megaforce Records. The album features all the original members of the group: HR, Darryl Jenifer, Dr. Know and Earl Hudson.

Produced by longtime fan, Adam Yauch of the BEASTIE BOYS, "Build A Nation" is a return to form for the band that helped define American punk and hardcore music. It also represents the first studio album, outside BEASTIE BOYS albums, to be recorded at the BEASTIE BOYS' "Oscilloscope" laboratories and studio compound in New York City.