System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian has opened up about his emotional struggles during the recording of the band’s most recent albums, Mezmerize and Hypnotize, released in 2005. In a new interview with Metal Hammer, Tankian revealed that he had “emotionally checked out” of the band during that period, offering a deeper look into the creative tensions that led to SOAD’s extended hiatus.
A Turbulent Creative Process
Tankian described a challenging dynamic within the band at the time, saying, “Because of the push and pull, I became very passive. There was music I wanted to bring in that I felt like I couldn’t… I was in a weird place.” Despite feeling creatively stifled, Tankian still appreciates the musical quality of the albums, calling them “great” but acknowledging that the experience left him feeling emotionally drained.
“I needed oxygen,” Tankian admitted. “I felt like there was too much going on.”
These revelations are not entirely new. Tankian has spoken about his disconnection during this time in previous interviews and his recent memoir, Down With the System, but his candid reflections in the Metal Hammer interview further illustrate the personal and professional struggles that contributed to the band’s hiatus from 2006 to 2011.
Nearly Two Decades Without a New Album
Since the release of Mezmerize and Hypnotize, System of a Down has yet to produce another full-length album. However, the band did come together in 2020 to release two singles, “Protect the Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz,” raising funds to support Armenia and Artsakh during their conflict with Azerbaijan and Turkey.
Tankian called the project a temporary truce between himself and guitarist-singer Daron Malakian, whose creative differences have often been cited as a major obstacle to new material.
Hints of Hope for the Future
In a recent interview with The Sun, Tankian hinted that new music might still be on the horizon. “If System ever decided to make a record, it would be a fresh start in a brand new way, in a beautiful new direction,” he said. He also revealed the existence of unreleased material from past recording sessions, describing some of it as “amazing gems” that could be shared with fans in an archival release.
While these comments give hope to fans longing for new music, there are no concrete plans for a full album at this time.
Serj Tankian’s Current Projects
In addition to performing occasional live shows with SOAD, Tankian has been busy with his own creative endeavors. His memoir, Down With the System, delves into his personal journey, shedding light on his artistic struggles and successes. Tankian also released a solo EP, Foundations, in September, further showcasing his versatility as a musician.
The Legacy of System of a Down
Despite their prolonged absence from the recording studio, System of a Down remains one of the most influential bands in modern metal. Their unique fusion of aggressive riffs, political commentary, and melodic experimentation has earned them a loyal fanbase. The band continues to perform live, including a high-profile concert with Deftones at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco this past summer.
For now, the future of System of a Down remains uncertain, but Tankian’s reflections underscore the complexities of balancing creative freedom and collaboration within one of metal’s most iconic bands.
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