Serj Tankian says System Of A Down are finally back in their groove again.
In a new interview with Kerrang!, System’s singer opened up about the state of the band as they prepare for a massive 2026 stadium run across the UK and Europe, supported by Queens Of The Stone Age.
“Right now, we’re having the best time of our lives as a band,” Tankian said. “We’re really enjoying each other on tour. It’s so welcoming. We’re deeply involved with each other’s lives, personally. It’s what I’ve always wanted the band to be.”
He admitted the group had to step back before finding their rhythm again. “We had to go back to our own corners, assess things, and come back together to really appreciate what we have. We don’t do big tours anymore. We pick and choose what we want to do. It’s more about friendship than business.”
Tankian added that System’s new mindset is built on freedom and mutual respect. “We’re not selling widgets. We’re artists. We want to stay careful, not overexpose ourselves, and play because we want to. Ten to fifteen shows a year, and now we’re doing stadiums instead of arenas. It’s mind-blowing.”
Tankian laughed at the idea of their rise to stadium status. “I never thought we’d be that kind of band. It’s insane. It speaks volumes about the connection people have with our music. It’s generational now, kids coming with their parents. We don’t know exactly why it hits so deep, but we’re grateful.”
Guitarist Daron Malakian echoed the sentiment talking to NME. “For the first time in a long time, we had dinner and laughs together on tour. We got along and rediscovered our friendship. I missed my friends. That doesn’t mean a new album is coming. It just means we’re happy again.”
He continued, “The album stuff is what always drove wedges between us. I’d rather have my friends and celebrate what we’ve built over thirty years. New album or not, we’re proud of what we’ve done.”
Tankian hasn’t ruled out new music entirely but has been cautious. “There is no album that is written,” he recently confirmed. “If it happens, it’ll be a fresh start in a brand new way.”
A new SOAD album. Imagine that!! Is there any other band you’d rather hear new music from?!
