In a recent interview with Metal HammerSystem Of A Down singer Serj Tankian revealed he was emotionally detached while recording albums mesmerized et Hypnotize in 2005, a period he describes as “strange phase” in his life.
“I was emotionally absent” : Tankian confides sur mesmerized et Hypnotize
During his interview with Metal HammerSerj Tankian shared his feelings on the creation of System Of A Down's last two studio albums. He explained that he went through a difficult period marked by an emotional disconnection from the group. By discussing the process of creating albums mesmerized et Hypnotizehe declared: “I had a very special relationship with these last System records, because I was, to a certain extent, emotionally absent while they were being made. Because of internal tensions, I became very passive. There was music I wanted to bring, but I felt like I couldn't… I was in a weird phase. I contributed creatively, but… I don’t know. I needed oxygen – I felt like there was too much going on.”
Despite this feeling of distance, Tankian also mentioned that certain parts of the recording, notably at Rick Rubin's place in Laurel Canyon, were moments “magnificent”. He clarified: “I always think these songs are great. But when I look back on it, I also remember that it was a weird time in my life, and that’s something I have to take into account.”
These statements recall the tense climate that reigned within the group at the time, a situation exacerbated by disagreements over the distribution of creative and financial roles. Tankian had already discussed these frustrations in a manifesto published in 2018, where he described his wish to leave the group before the release of the two albums, due to broken promises and a dynamic that he described as unbalanced.
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An uncertain future for System Of A Down
Since the release of HypnotizeSystem Of A Down has not recorded new music, except for two singles in 2020 (Protect The Land et Genocidal Humanoidz), created to help disaster victims in Artsakh. These titles made it possible to raise more than 600,000 dollars (approximately 567,000 euros).
However, Tankian confirmed that he does not wish to pick up where the group left off. He prefers, in the event of creative reconciliation, to start from scratch: “If System ever decided to make a record, it would be a fresh start in a completely different direction, something beautiful and new.”
The band members even considered finding a replacement for Tankian with his agreement, which reflects the ongoing difficulties within System Of A Down. Despite these tensions, the band remains active as a live entity, focusing on touring as a legacy band.
