Guest Posted February 1, 2001 Report Share Posted February 1, 2001 System of a Down Talks New Record System of a Down fans have been waiting a long two years now for a new System of a Down record. The band released its debut album, System of a Down, back in 1998, and garnered a pretty rabid fan base with it. But fear not, kids, cause the band is working hard on a follow-up, due out in late June or early July, and we recently got the chance to talk to System guitarist Daron Malakian about it. According to Malakian, the band (which also includes frontman Serj Tankian, bassist Shavo Odadjian, and drummer John Dolmayan) is currently in L.A., working with famed producer/bearded man Rick Rubin, and is approximately two weeks away from finishing up the recording process. So just what can we expect from the new record? Well, Malakian says the band will still deliver the characteristic hard-rock System sound, but maybe with a bit more… melody? "It's not like your not gong to hear System-that's the best way I can compare it," he says. " It's like if you listen to U2 records, you find something a little but different stylistically about each record. Our new album is a bit more melodic without being weak-it's melodic in a deep, heavy way. Serge's vocal mode has been melodic. We don't want to play straight-in-your face thrash. I'd say it's a bit more serious when it comes to the music. Me and Serge do some vocal harmonies-it comes off in a very Pink Floydy kind of way. You could say it's somewhat of a roller coaster ride. I see it as a huge progression for us. We're really big on building ourselves. And will you hear some differences." Malakian said that the band was quite taken with the passionate fan response to System of a Down, likely because of the lofty subject matter tackled lyrically. And the next record will be no different. "We have subject matter that jumps around from topics like the U.S. prison system and the way people die." Admittedly, it is questionable as to whether all of the band's fans actually take the time to listen closely to the lyrical content, but that's a reality Malakian and the band are fully aware of. "Some people come up to us and say we've changed their whole life, and some are just drinking beer and throwing gang signs and all that. Bit it's ok, because we don't write for the fans so much. We really write for ourselves. We just want to be able to play music. There's a lot of crap out there right now. I would like to make a difference musically." Malakian also talked a bit about what it's like to work with the infamous Rick Rubin, saying that Rubin, who also produced the band's debut album, is surprisingly easy to work with. "He comes in about once or twice a week and gives his opinion on it," explains Malakian. "Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. He's not really a musician, but more of a listener. He's got a good ear for putting songs together. I've been a fan of his for quite a while." And as for rumors circulating that System might head out on this year's Ozzfest tour, Malakian said nothing is set in stone yet, but that you can bet your butt that the band will be touring extensively in support of the record. Check www.systemofadown.com for updates on the band. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 5, 2001 Report Share Posted February 5, 2001 i can't wait the next album.....system of a down kicks ass.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 9, 2001 Report Share Posted February 9, 2001 Pilafhead, First i'll tell you i'm 24 and i'm a great fan of SOAD.If what i'll tell you sounds stupid,please don't laugh at me. If you ever talk to a member of SOAD would you please tell him'there's an Armenian fan of you in Turkey waited for your show with Slayer in Istanbul...He listens you everyday as hearing the voice of his brothers....'''I play their album to my friends being proud of them.And please tell them as they said on P.L.U.C.K.' A few were remained were never found',one was my parents and their son listens to them. I know i sound like a Britney Spears fan but as i said before don't laugh me...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 9, 2001 Report Share Posted February 9, 2001 Levon, I'm 36 and every bit as much of a fan, so don't feel embarrased! I even have a SOAD mousepad here at my desk at work. And a sticker on my car, posters at home, a drumstick on a shelf, etc....I'm more pathetic than you I keep hoping to see one of them in Glendale. If I ever see them, I will definitely say something for you. Thanks, it'll give me something to say!!! Do they have an upcoming show with Slayer in Instanbul??? I like Slayer alot, too, by the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 10, 2001 Report Share Posted February 10, 2001 Pilafhead, I'm not sure but I think they were touring with Slayer in 1998 or 1999.Slayer came to Istanbul but SOAD didn't want to play in Turkey. They have so many Turkish fans.I'm sure their tickets will be sold out if they ever play here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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