Serj Tankian revealed that System Of A Down began searching for a new vocalist in 2018, shortly after he offered to leave the band.
In an excerpt from his memoir Down With the System: A Memoir (Of Sorts) , released in May of this year, Tankian reflected on his indifference to participating in major tours with his bandmates (via NME ):
“Near the end of 2017, we had a band meeting at Beno’s (the band’s manager) office. When I arrived, I told everyone I had an item I wanted to add to the agenda. We went through the litany of business discussions and then it was time for my item.”
“‘So, who’s going to throw me a farewell party?’ I asked the group. ‘Does anyone want to be the master of ceremonies?’ I laughed a little, but I was serious. ‘Look, guys, I’ve made it very clear that I’m no longer interested in touring, both because of my back and because it’s no longer something I have the vision for.’”
He continued: “'The point is, though,' I went on, 'I don't want to hold you back. This is your dream. This is what you've worked your whole lives for. You deserve to have this.' I looked at Daron , Shavo, and John , knowing that what I said next would be a hard blow. 'I think you should find a new singer.'”
Tankian reveals that the band later rejected such a request and dropped the subject completely. “I kind of thought they had forgotten about the idea of hiring a new singer, but a year or so later, John, Shavo and I were at a fundraiser in Glendale, and this singer I knew stood up and sang a beautiful Armenian song. Shavo was sitting next to me at the table. He leaned over and patted me on the shoulder.”
“'By the way,' he gestured to the singer, 'we tested this guy as a singer. The only problem was that he couldn't scream or growl.' I was surprised. Not that they were testing replacements, but that they kept it a secret.”
Tankian continued writing: “'Why didn't you ever tell me?' I whispered. Shavo shrugged. 'I don't know.' I turned to Shavo, now looking directly at him. 'Listen, he's a good singer,' I said. 'I can literally take him to the parking lot right now and teach him how to growl. You should really consider him.'”
For now, it seems the band is firm in its decision to have Tankian in the band, and has reduced the number of shows. They have only played two shows between 2023 and 2024 so far. The next show on the group's schedule is in August, and it is sold out. The night will feature bands like Deftones , The Mars Volta, among others.
While System of a Down is on hiatus from performing live, Tankian is preparing for the release of his solo EP Foundations (2024, Gibson Records), scheduled for release between September and November of this year.
READ ALSO: Serj Tankian: what would motivate him to record a new System Of A Down album?
