Over the last year or so, System of a Down have been slowly but surely crawling back into our consciousness as they announced a few selected tour dates, festival appearances, and a hints that they might be recording some new tunes. Finally, our speculations are over as drummer John Dolmayan confirmed that a new album is on its way through an interview with Kerrang. Dolmayan expressed how the band has written at least fifteen tracks over the past few months, as they are well aware the pressure they have to face for releasing a new album that expands a near twelve year follow up from 2005’s Hypnotize.
Speaking to Kerrang, Dolmayan says:
“We don’t know what’s happening in terms of release, it’s still not 100% as far as plans go. I want everyone on board and feeling good about it, that’s what we’re trying to accomplish right now. 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.”
“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% proud of. I know there’s a lot of talk, we read a lot of it – trust me. Especially Shavo, he loves that shit!”
Unfortunately, there are no further updates that include a specific release date. Hopefully, we will see this album during the Fall of 2017. What will 2017-era System sound like? Well, as immigrants that have had no problems writing political music in the past, we wouldn’t be surprised if our new President is the subject of a song or two.
Here is what we do know – their 2017 tour dates that can be found below:
06/01 – Zurich Hallenstadion – Switzerland
06/02 – Nurnberg Rock Im Park – Germany
06/04 – Mendig Rock Am Ring – Germany
06/07 – Nancy Open Air Zenith – France
06/09 – Download Festival – UK
06/10 – Paris Download Festival – France
06/12 – Prague O2 Arena – Czech Republic
06/13 – Berlin Wuhlheide – Germany
06/14 – Hamburg Barclaycard Arena – Germany
06/16 – Nickelsdorf Nova Rock – Austria
06/17 – Lodz Impact Festival – Poland
06/20 – Nimes Festival – France
06/23 – Madrid Download Festival – Spain
06/30 – Arras Main Square Festival – France
07/01 – Rock Werchter – Belgium
07/02 – Tui Arena – Germany
[via AP]
