After seven years without releasing new music, Daron Malakian returns with his side project Scars on Broadway , announcing the new album " System of a Down's successful South American tour, with sold-out stadium shows . Thus, the album will be the band's third and already features a controversial first single: " Killing Spree " which also has an official music video.
"Killing Spree": a critique of dehumanization and everyday violence
The track “ Killing Spree ” opens the album with an intense emotional charge and provocative lyrics. According to Daron Malakian, he explains ( with transcription via Blabbermouth ) that the song is not intended to glamorize tragedies, but to portray a brutal reality with sincerity. “I’m not defending or romanticizing this. I’m just saying: young people are in a fucking murderous frenzy,” comments Daron. “People are so desensitized that they don’t help anymore, they just film.”
Therefore, the musician's critique goes beyond explicit violence: it also addresses modern apathy, lack of empathy, and absence of respect for life.
Daron Malakian composed and produced the entire new album
As with previous Scars on Broadway albums, Daron Malakian is responsible for most of the creation of the new work, including compositions, production, and instrumentation. However, he also had contributions from his bandmates Orbel Babayan (guitar) and Roman Lomtadze (drums).
“Writing songs is the only way I know how to live. It’s my purpose,” explains the musician. “I don’t limit myself to one style. It’s like painting a picture, all the colors are available. All the emotions too.” Thus, this approach resulted in an album that moves between heavy moments and more measured ones, always with authenticity and emotion.
With bold themes, sharp lyrics, and a sound that blends heaviness, melody, and social commentary, "Addicted to the Violence" has everything it takes to be the most impactful work of Scars on Broadway's career to date. As such, the album is already highly anticipated by fans, especially after the initial impact of "Killing Spree".
The official release is scheduled for July 18, 2025. Therefore, it promises to excite not only Daron Malakian's fans, but also the alternative metal scene as a whole.
Check out the music video for “Killing Spree” in the player below:
Tracks from the album “Addicted To The Violence”:
01. Killing Spree
02. Satan Hussein
03. Done Me Wrong
04. The Shame Game
05. Destroy The Power
06. Your Lives Burn
07. Imposter
08. You Destroy You
09. Watch That Girl
10. Addicted To The Violence
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