A recent interview with System of a Down drummer John Dolmayan has provided fans with insights into the band’s potential future musical endeavors. Dolmayan expressed that creating more music is not out of the question, though after 25 years, it remains improbable. Despite this, he suggests that any new music would be a pleasant surprise for everyone involved. The band has only managed to release two tracks in the past two decades, both inspired by global conflicts and aimed at humanitarian efforts. Meanwhile, Serj Tankian highlighted the need for an egalitarian approach within the band as a prerequisite for new album releases. Tankian emphasized that equality in all aspects of music creation and sharing visions could pave the way for new material.
The Band's Musical Stagnation Explained
John Dolmayan recently addressed the prolonged hiatus in System of a Down's music production during an Argentine radio interview. He metaphorically compared the band's output to dining satisfaction, suggesting that if they feel content with their existing work, there might not be a strong drive to create more. However, Dolmayan did not completely rule out the possibility of new music, acknowledging it as a potential but unlikely scenario. This perspective aligns with the band's sporadic touring since resuming activities in 2011, which has yielded minimal new recordings. Their most recent tracks were released in 2020, motivated by geopolitical tensions, reflecting the band's commitment to social causes.
Dolmayan elaborated on the challenges faced in continuing the band's legacy. After releasing "Mezmerize" and "Hypnotize" in 2005, the group has struggled to maintain a consistent creative output. The drummer pointed out that the band's reluctance to produce more music stems from a sense of fulfillment with their current repertoire. Yet, he cautiously mentioned that should the urge arise, fans might witness a delightful surprise in the form of new compositions. Furthermore, despite intermittent tours, the band has primarily focused on humanitarian efforts rather than expanding their discography, highlighting their dedication to meaningful causes over commercial pursuits.
Towards a New Album: The Egalitarian Approach
Serj Tankian, during a discussion about his memoir, shed light on the conditions necessary for System of a Down to record a new studio album. He stressed the importance of adopting an egalitarian philosophy within the band, emphasizing equal participation in all aspects of music production. Tankian explained that fostering equality in sourcing ideas, splitting profits, and sharing visions could rejuvenate the band's creative process. This approach aims to ensure that every member feels equally valued and invested in the project, potentially leading to innovative outcomes.
Tankian recounted an instance where he attempted to introduce a manifesto-like proposal to his bandmates, outlining a vision for moving forward collaboratively. Although initially met with resistance, this idea underscores the significance of mutual respect and shared goals in achieving artistic success. By advocating for egalitarian principles akin to his activist endeavors, Tankian hopes to instill a renewed sense of unity among the members. He believes that embracing such principles might one day lead to the creation of a new album, bridging the gap between past successes and future aspirations. The band's upcoming performances in South America and North America serve as reminders of their enduring influence, even amidst periods of creative stagnation.