In September, a series of photos from SYSTEM OF A DOWN sparked rumors that the band was back in the studio working on new music. And now SYSTEM OF A DOWN has officially confirmed they are working on their first album since 2005.
Speaking with Kerrang, drummer John Dolmayan shared that SOAD had written 15 songs so far, and had been hard at work for the past six months. But when fans can expect new music still hasn’t been determined. “We don’t know what’s happening in terms of release, it’s still not 100% as far as plans go,” he said.
It’s unclear whether vocalist Serj Tankian will be part of the new album, as he wasn’t pictured in any of the photos SOAD shared while recording. Dolmayan added that they would work until they had everything just right. “I want everyone on board and feeling good about it, that’s what we’re trying to accomplish right now,” he said. “There’s a tremendous amount of pressure on us, though, because it’s been 11 years – at least 12 by the time it comes out.”
But it sounds like, with or without Tankian, SOAD is in a good place musically.
Dolmayan told the magazine, “Our playing ability is better than it ever has been and we’re trying new things. We’re not trying to make ‘Toxicity’ Part II, just because it was by far our biggest album. This needs to be something for a new generation of SOAD fans, so everyone can see we’re not resting on our laurels.”