"I believe that doing the same things with the same people is always artistically redundant."
of a Down vocalist Serj Tankian released a letter to fans after guitarist Daron Malakian Kerrang! magazine about the band's hiatus and the lack of a new studio album.
Malakian revealed that Tankian didn't want to record the albums Mezmerize and Hypnotize in 2005 and has recently shown reluctance to record new work.
In response to the interview, the vocalist posted a confession on Facebook containing several revelations about the reason for the 13-year hiatus since the last album. First, he reveals that the break was his decision, "I am responsible for the hiatus that SOAD went on in 2006. The other band members wanted to continue touring and making new albums."
When speaking about the reason for his decision, he cited artistic differences, explaining that he believes "doing the same things with the same people is always artistically redundant" and felt he needed to pursue a solo career.
He also mentioned the band's finances, revealing that "when Mezmerize/Hypnotize came out, Daron handled the artistic side and received a large share of the songwriting credits," and confirmed that he didn't want to be part of the 2005 albums, "I wanted to leave the band before that, so I don't feel very close to the compositions on those albums. There were songs I wanted to include on them, but they were left out due to broken promises."
After the band's reunion on stage in 2011, Tankian said he was hesitant to do new work with SOAD, but that he listed "solutions" so they could return to the studio, however the other members disagreed.
He concludes the statement by apologizing to the fans, "I'm so sorry I couldn't deliver another System of a Down album for you. For that, I apologize."
You can read the full statement below, with more information about the hiatus and the desire to pursue a solo career. More revelations are expected soon regarding Tankian and Malakian's relationship and the future of System of a Down, which is planning a US tour in the coming months .
