Ego Kill Talent has once again become the target of criticism on social media after the announcement that they will be opening for all shows on System of a Down's , which includes Brazil in May. The Brazilian band will also accompany the group in performances in Colombia (April 24), Chile (April 30), and Argentina (May 3), in addition to dates in Curitiba (May 6), Rio de Janeiro (May 8), and São Paulo (May 10, 11, and 12).
With Emmily Barreto on vocals, the group has already opened for big names like Evanescence (2023) and Linkin Park (2024). In its previous lineup, with Jonathan Dörr , it also shared the stage with names like Korn (2017) , Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age (2018), and Metallica (2022) — which raised criticism about how often it is booked as an opening act.
In an interview with Folha de S. Paulo (via Igor Miranda ) , bassist Cris Botarelli commented on the discomfort this situation generates among some of the public. For her, the "hate" isn't personal, but rather a reflection of frustration with the Brazilian music scene.
"It's much more painful because a scene doesn't have as much room to develop as it should."
Guitarist and founder Theo Van der Loo emphasized that there is no favoritism:
"The international artist always chooses the opening band. This whole 'favor' thing is harder than people think. We've been working hard for a long time."
He recalled that the opening act for the Foo Fighters came about through a fan campaign, while the opportunity with Metallica came through C3 Presents , the production company also responsible for Lollapalooza.
System Of A Down drummer defends:
System of a Down drummer John Dolmayan publicly defended EKT in the comments of a post by the production company 30e . He stated:
"Ego Kill Talent is opening for System of a Down because that's what System of a Down wants. We're old and dear friends and we like the music. Stop it, grow up and keep your hate under control."
When confronted by a fan complaining about the ticket prices, Dolmayan retorted:
"Do you want a refund?"
READ ALSO : Ego Kill Talent will be System Of A Down's guest band at all their South American shows.
