Here’s why System Of A Down released their first new music in 15 years

System Of A Down are officially back with their first new music in 15 years.

On Friday, the band debuted two new songs “Protect The Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz” which address the ongoing conflict in Artsakh and Azerbaijan.

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It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since we last heard new music from System Of A Down. Back in 2005, they released their last full-length albums Hypnotize and Mesmerize. Both albums include the hits “Lonely Day,” “B.Y.O.B.” and “Radio/Video.”

On Friday, however, System Of A Down returned with two new songs that hold particular importance to them. The band, who are all of Armenian descent, share on their Bandcamp that these songs “speak of a dire and serious war being perpetrated upon our cultural homelands of Artsakh and Armenia.”

Proceeds from the songs are going to the Armenia Fund which works to help “create a better homeland for the Armenian nation.” System Of A Down further elaborate on the ongoing conflict which took a turn for the worse at the end of September.

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“On September 27, the combined forces of Azerbaijan and Turkey (along with Isis terrorists from Syria) attacked the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, which we as Armenians call Artsakh,” they say. “For over the past month, civilians young and old have been awakened day and night by the frightful sights and sounds of rocket attacks, falling bombs, missiles, drones and terrorist attacks. They’ve had to find sanctuary in makeshift shelters, trying to avoid the fallout of outlawed cluster bombs raining down on their streets and homes, hospitals and places of worship. Their attackers have set their forests and endangered wildlife ablaze using white phosphorus, another banned weapon.”

The music and lyrics speak for themselves. We need you to speak for Artsakh. https://t.co/3zHg44xj2j to download, pre-order, and donate now. pic.twitter.com/qAhwmR0ewp

— System Of A Down (@systemofadown) November 6, 2020

System Of A Down guitarist Daron Malakian wrote and produced the two new songs. The band also released a powerful video for “Protect The Land” directed by Ara Soudjian and Shavo Odadjianwhich. The video includes footage of the ongoing protests and fighting in the region.

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“I wanted to show the unification of our people around the world for one common cause, illustrating the power in numbers,” bassist Shavo Odadjian says on the video. “So we brought together people from all ages and professions who believe in and are fighting for that same cause.”

John Dolmayan, System Of A Down’s drummer, revealed that a text was the catalyst that led to the band’s reunion.

“I texted: ’No matter how we feel about each other, no matter what issues linger from the past, we need to put them aside because this is bigger than System Of A Down and bigger than all of us… we need to do something to support our people.'”

Dolmayan and frontman Serj Tankian have publicly shared a difference in political beliefs over the years. Despite this and some of Dolmayan’s controversial comments in recent months, System Of A Down managed to set their differences aside and come together for these important songs.

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Back in 2019, Malakian shared that System Of A Down were working on a new album. However, according to him, the release was facing various delays due to Tankian.

“System had a certain way of putting together the albums and the music, and I guess that was me writing and all that, and producing the records, along with Rick [Rubin],” Malakian said. “And Serj wants to do things a different way. And it’s not just me. It’s kind of three of us that don’t necessarily see eye to eye with where he would wanna take the band.”

At this time, it is unknown for these two new songs are standalone singles or will be part of a potential new album from System Of A Down.

“Protect The Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz” featuring animation by D. S. Bradford are available to stream below.

What are your thoughts on System Of A Down’s new songs? Let us know in the comments below.