Since their reunion became official in 2010, many have wondered if new music was ever in the cards for System of a Down. Now, the band have revealed that the writing process for a new studio album is well underway.
Speaking with Kerrang, drummer John Dolmayan revealed that the band have been at work in the studio for the past six months, having come away with 15 tracks that are "album-worthy" so far.
"I want everyone on board and feeling good about it, that's what we're trying to accomplish right now," he told the publication. "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."
He continued, "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. I'm not gonna put my name on an album I'm not 100 percent proud of."
The arrival of a new album would mark System of a Down's first release as a group since Hypnotize and Mesmerize arrived in 2005. Frontman Serj Tankian has been the busiest band member in the group's absence, releasing a number of solo records rooted in rock, jazz and classical. The band are also set to headline Download Festival in June 2017 alongside Aerosmith and Biffy Clyro.
Speaking with Kerrang, drummer John Dolmayan revealed that the band have been at work in the studio for the past six months, having come away with 15 tracks that are "album-worthy" so far.
"I want everyone on board and feeling good about it, that's what we're trying to accomplish right now," he told the publication. "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."
He continued, "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. I'm not gonna put my name on an album I'm not 100 percent proud of."
The arrival of a new album would mark System of a Down's first release as a group since Hypnotize and Mesmerize arrived in 2005. Frontman Serj Tankian has been the busiest band member in the group's absence, releasing a number of solo records rooted in rock, jazz and classical. The band are also set to headline Download Festival in June 2017 alongside Aerosmith and Biffy Clyro.