In a recent interview with Metal Hammer magazine, System Of A Down vocalist Serj Tankian spoke about the creative differences within the band and the evolution of his relationship with his bandmates. Tankian responded to drummer John Dolmayan’s comments that Serj “didn’t want to be in the band for a long time.”
“John means a lot to me. He’s my brother-in-law, I love him and I saw him yesterday, but there are times when he got angry and said stupid things.”Tankian said. “And look, there are times when I got mad and said some stupid things, too. The band always had the ability to move forward without me, and John knows that.”. He insists that, for him, System Of A Down is about more than just the music. “It’s our relationship together. And that means more to me than the band itself, or even the music itself.”
Tankian’s recent memoir, Down With The System, sheds light on this dynamic, revealing that the band auditioned for a new singer after he expressed a desire to leave in 2017 due to his disdain for extensive touring. He revealed that in “the last few years,” he had suggested a close friend as his replacement, though the band never seriously considered the offer.
Reflecting on the band’s history, Tankian discussed the tensions between him and guitarist Daron Malakian, which stemmed from their evolving creative roles. “Daron Malakian is passionate and incredibly serious about his music”explique Tankian. “As time went on, I started playing more and more musical instruments and started becoming a songwriter, and he started writing more lyrics. We started to encroach on each other’s toes.”
The band played their first show in 11 months on April 27, headlining the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas. Tankian’s memoir, Down With The System, was published May 14 by Hachette Books, and provides insight into his time with the band and his personal growth as an artist.
