Falling in Reverse frontman Ronnie Radke has addressed criticism from System of a Down fans after Serj Tankian appeared on the band’s new song “Joseph” alongside Corey Taylor, and warned fans to leave Serj alone.
The backlash stemmed from comments left by System of a Down fans who questioned Tankian’s decision to collaborate with Radke and Taylor. One fan wrote about the collaboration, calling it an unwelcome surprise.
“Serj Tankian coming out of hiding to hop on a Falling in Reverse song with Corey Taylor is a hilariously cruel joke that we all deserve,” the fan wrote.
Another fan expressed disappointment with both System of a Down and Slipknot over the partnership.
“Disappointed in all of Slipknot and SOAD,” the fan commented. “I can’t believe any of them would partner with Ronnie Radke.”
Radke responded directly to the criticism, defending Tankian’s character and asking fans to stop targeting him.
“Serj is a good man,” Radke said. “Leave him alone.”
The controversy comes on the heels of a release that marks a genuine milestone for the rock and metal scene.
“Joseph” dropped on September 14, 2026. It represents Falling in Reverse’s first new music in more than a year. The single arrived alongside a music video directed by Jensen Noen, with both Taylor and Tankian appearing on screen.
The track holds added significance beyond the current backlash. It marks the first time Taylor and Tankian have ever appeared together on the same recording, bringing together two of the most recognizable voices in modern metal for a single song.
The song’s title carries a personal connection to Radke himself. “Joseph” is Radke’s own middle name, making the track partly a self-reference rather than a nod to any outside figure or narrative.
The pairing of Slipknot’s frontman and System of a Down’s frontman on a Falling in Reverse release has generated significant attention across the rock community. The collaboration stands out as a rare crossover moment between three distinct corners of the genre, and that attention has only intensified as fans continue to debate the merits of the partnership online.
