In a new interview, System of a Down drummer John Dolmayan has addressed the long-standing question every fan has been asking for nearly two decades: Will there ever be a new SOAD album?
Speaking to Argentina’s Rock & Pop FM 95.9, Dolmayan shared a surprising metaphor about the band’s situation. Instead of fueling anticipation, his words pointed to closure.
“I would say that if you are satisfied with what you have, then you don’t need more,” he said. “It’s like if you go to dinner and you just keep eating, eventually you’re not gonna be hungry anymore.”
Dolmayan compared the desire to create new music to hunger—something that, for him, seems to have faded over time. His comments suggested a sense of peace with what the band has already achieved.
“But if you know what you wanna eat and you look forward to that and you enjoy it, then you won’t be hungry.”
When asked directly about the possibility of new material, Dolmayan didn’t sugarcoat his answer. While he didn’t entirely rule it out, his tone left little room for optimism.
“Now if System of a Down makes more music, and that’s not impossible, although after 25 years, it’s unlikely.”
He ended on a bittersweet note. Fans shouldn’t hold their breath, but if anything does come, it’ll be a rare and unexpected gift.
“I would say that don’t expect it, but if it happens, it’ll be a nice surprise for all of us.”
In 2020, System of a Down released two new songs — “Protect the Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz” — marking their first new material in 15 years. Despite the brief return to the studio, the band has not released a full-length album since 2005. [Source: Blabbermouth]
Internal conflicts have also played a major role in the band’s creative pause. John Dolmayan has openly stated that making a new album would require “very strict guidelines,” referencing political differences and long-standing interpersonal friction among the band members. [Source: MetalSucks]
Vocalist Serj Tankian has echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the need for equality in creative decisions. He has revealed that previous attempts to create under a democratic structure failed, though he remains open to future collaborations — if the right conditions are met. [Source: Blabbermouth]
Despite the lack of new recordings, the band has not disappeared. In 2025, System of a Down launched their “Wake Up! South America” tour — their first in the region in a decade. They also announced upcoming North American stadium dates with Korn, Deftones, and Avenged Sevenfold. [Source: Blabbermouth]
