SYSTEM OF A DOWN are set to embark on their biggest-ever North American stadium tour in late August and September 2025 — but fans hoping for a new album. Serj Tankian explained the situation in the band and the relationship between the members.
During an interview on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, he was asked about this 20 year gap since their last albums.
“Not at this time,” Tankian said when asked about new music. “We’re all working on music. Daron [Malakian] just put out a record with SCARS ON BROADWAY, which is really good. I recommend people check it out. I’m putting out a record of covers, collaborations and collages… But for SYSTEM, it’s not about whether we all want to make a record. It’s about whether we see it the same way creatively. If we don’t, it’s not worth doing. If we do, then it’s worth doing.”
Tankian explained that the reason behind the lack of new material is purely artistic: “Our differences of opinion were always creative differences, which I am proud to say. They weren’t personal differences. We always loved and respected each other, and more than ever now. So, that’s not why we haven’t made a record. We haven’t made a record because of a vision difference, and that’s an artistic difference.”
He emphasized the group’s unity offstage: “Most bands, they don’t work together because they may not like each other. In our case, that’s not the case at all. We love each other. We’ll tour together, we’ll hang out, have dinner together, bring the family over, enjoy each other. But if we don’t see eye to eye on something, then we won’t do that project — period.”
SYSTEM OF A DOWN’s return to stadiums comes after years of scattered festival appearances. Tankian said his health had previously made touring difficult, citing back surgery and recovery, but he is now “physically stronger” and ready for the run.
So, let’s see if they will ever be able to agree to a music vision and release new material.
