On the surface System Of A Down‘s surprise return with two new songs this month appeared to have ended what has largely been a much publicized 15-year stalemate for the band’s creative output. However, the group were quick to point out that the arrival of “Protect The Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz“, didn’t necessarily mean there was more new material to come.
Both tracks had origins dating back a year or more and were recorded and released to generate funds and awareness for the Armenian people of Artsakh in the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh War. To that end, the band have raised over $600,000 thus far.
When asked recently by Guitar World of the chance of more new music from the band in the future, guitarist and primary songwriter Daron Malakian commented:
“Look, I never say never. We didn’t even know this was going to happen. I was on my way to releasing these songs with my other band Scars On Broadway. Then the situation in Armenia happened and put our differences aside. And our differences are only within the band.
Personally and outside of the band, everybody gets along reasonably well. There is no hate for each other in SOAD. We’re like a family. A lot of people think, ‘Oh, Serj and Daron don’t get along!’ and no, that’s not true. Serj and Daron get along just fine.
But Serj and Daron, or Shavo and Serj, different people in the band will have a different idea of how they want the band to move forward. That’s kinda where our disagreements are at.”
When pointed out that there’s a chance it could happen, he replied:
“I never say never but at the same time I’m not expecting to do any more with SOAD right away or immediately after this. It really does seem like our fans like these new songs. That’s important to me.
That’s what it’s all about – inspiring people and future generations to continue the art, the spirit and the evolution of rock and roll
We’ve added two new songs to the System catalog that are on the level with everything else that we’ve put out and our fans have accepted it that way, which means a lot to me.
That’s kinda where we’re gonna leave it for now. If more happens later on, then we’ll talk about that, but for now I will continue doing what I’m doing and everyone else will just continue what they’re doing. It’s all cool though, I’m really pleased with the response we got.”
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