“I became very passive” – Serj Tankian reveals new insights about his time in System Of A Down

Serj Tankian, the frontman for System of A Down, recently talked to Metal Hammer about his mental health and his level of involvement with the band’s current albums, 2005’s “Mezmerize” and “Hypnotize,” which are multi-platinum alternative metal/nü-metal. The band’s then-mentor, Rick Rubin, recorded that independently released double effort, with guitarist and singer Daron Malakian also contributing behind the boards. You probably already know how distant Tankian became from his bandmates by the time he was asked to contribute to those two albums. Tankian recently told Metal Hammer that he had effectively “emotionally checked out” because he was unhappy with his own artistic input being ignored or passed over. Over the years, Tankian has discussed the matter on multiple occasions. When he publicly revealed his 2018 manifesto with his bandmates, he may have captured his weariness and disinterest.

I had a very unique relationship with the last few records because I had, to a certain degree, emotionally checked out of the band while making them. Because of the push and pull, I became very passive. There was music I wanted to bring in that I felt like I couldn’t… I was in a weird place. I contributed creatively, but I didn’t… I don’t know. I needed oxygen – I felt like there was too much going on. I still think those songs are great. But when I think back on it, I also remember that it was a weird phase of my life, and that’s something I have to be aware of as well. We really enjoyed recording the albums at Rick Rubin’s place in Laurel Canyon, right across from the Houdini house.

Although the group was able to earn almost $600,000 for Artsakh aid in 2020 by repurposing some unused ideas for two new singles, they have been stuck in a creative rut after “Hypnotize.” In the nearly two decades afterward, there have been other attempts to resurrect the band; however, Tankian’s credo was not well received by his fellow musicians, therefore the band continues to tour as a legacy act for the time being. However, this was nearly not the case, as the others went so far as to try out a replacement with Tankian’s approval. Tankian would rather the quartet essentially start from scratch rather than piece together the several song ideas they have stockpiled, should the band and he ever get back on the same page.