Serj Tankian explains his creative differences with Daron Malakian and how they met (2024)

[@VictimsOfADownOfficial]

Visit victimsofadown.com/ for the ultimate SOAD experience!

[@Parrish_Muhoberac]

Thank you for that link!

[@jonathanpatch5281]

It's kind of a miracle that any band sticks together for longer than 30 minutes.

[@Will-fr9hg]

Very true. I’m quit happy with the many albums they’ve put out.

[@SergiMedina]

Money. Lots of it.

[@DrStupid87]

It's surreal seeing a guy with a voice that powerful sounding so calm and chilled in an interview. Thanks for all the good times and songs Serj and System

[@derekgregg9009]

A guy who yells on stage never has to yell in other aspects of his life

[@pipsasqeak820]

I think people just have to realize that its perfectly normal for creative differences to exist, and that sometimes it does get into the way of creating things as a team, thats just a reality of being an artist, its not like the band has disbanded or hate eachother, they just went there own ways, its actually really respectable

[@freebirdus6839]

its perfectly fine for system to go on without serj yes

[@pippo9830]

​@freebirdus6839 and who would frankly listen to an album by system of a down without serj? It already exists and it's called scars on broadway. Nobody except you and 12 people on the planet would ever listen to a system of a down record without serj on vocals. It's like the queen without freddy mercury or van halen without eddie van halen

[@norcodaev]

Yup, I have to agree with that person 👆🏻 System of a Down without Serj is not System of a Down.

[@hv1225]

Sounds more like Ego problems than creative differences.

[@metpach]

​@@hv1225Yup Serj has a massive ego but pretends it's tiny. He's the only reason they aren't making new music. Creative differences? No. Daron writes 80% of the music and lyrics. So what is he complaining about? Not having enough of his material in? Well dude you gotta write something.

[@DivineBanana]

I always really enjoy the song "radio/video" because it really demonstrates serj's point on how beautiful their voices harmonize together, even if they are just singing "la la la la" the beauty of their harmonizing voice and the melody of it transform it into something nigh heavenly or angelic.

[@cusa_official9794]

You know

[@WhatsKevinBacon]

and soldier side gives me goosebumps still

[@vicoschangoku609]

strangely, when he tries to explain this, it was the first song that cames to my mind (followed by Aerials)

[@z-beeblebrox]

@@WhatsKevinBacon Soldier Side and Hypnotize are harmonic masterpieces

[@kyleb6236]

Serj and Darons voices together was the most blessed thing we have ever had on this earth. It was just meant to be. Both so different but together they created rhythmic master pieces as well as always entertaining us along the way.

[@chrisg7731]

Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell, but Daron and Serj are second.

[@Ruinz410]

@@chrisg7731that’s what I was thinking. Staley and Cantrell is number 1.

[@chrisg7731]

@@Ruinz410 I would genuinely believe that both Serj and Daron would agree with that assessment, too.

[@Parmy.7]

Serj and Daron’s voices together are like magic 🥹 i wish I could see them live someday

[@Blackbeard0531]

I saw them live in 2006 and I cherish that moment in my life so much.

[@3amturtles]

For once a band actually has “creative differences”

[@dogshake]

@@antonio155 No it’s pretty explicit that it’s creative.

[@AteneaMalakian97]

​@@antonio155 Realmente son diferencias creativas, Serj acaba de decir que Daron es muy protector, sensible y apasionado por su música Además conoce a Daron desde los 16, básicamente lo conoce desde niño, así que sabe lo que dice. Y shavo mencionó una vez en una entrevista que el problema entre ellos no es nada que no se pueda solucionar

[@PhishyBusiness]

you might need to listen to or at least be knowledgeable on more than one band then

[@eighteen-naked-cowboys]

this happens in many, many bands i'm not sure what his comment is supposed to mean.

[@omari6108]

Sometimes it helps to hear it first hand.

[@giuliomartini5523]

I like how Serj describes the situation, in a very sweet and calm way and I believe that, in his own way, he is sincere, even if he is clearly minimizing the situation, because what we have seen, read and heard in recent years says something else: it's not just about "creative differences" which probably exist between the two but are the least. A real rift was created between the two, due to the fact that Malakian, thanks to his immense talent as a musician, literally "engulfed" the group and became, in fact, its undisputed and indisputable boss. Serj, album after album, was demoted and marginalized more and more and this must have led him to the decision to leave a group at the height of success to attempt a solo career, free to do what he wanted as he wanted it. I am convinced that if Daron had, even just in interviews, recognized the role and contribution of the other members of SOAD, especially Serj, perhaps today there would be less tension between the two and a sixth album.

[@missakd4987]

Serj could have continued with SOAD and his own music. Instead, he's sitting there for years now and giving ambiguous reasons for not.

[@keithklassen5320]

Daron may have musical talent but his lyrics are utterly stupid. Sometimes that works for the song, and sometimes it doesn't. Lyrically, the band made their best work when Serj was writing, far and away.

[@Skoora]

You’re actually just describing what he said in the video. Daron wouldn’t take or accept what he considers intrusions into his wheelhouse.

[@giuliomartini5523]

I said more, actually: Serj said that there are only "creative differences" between them but that they would get along on the rest and that differences can exist in a band, in a MARRIAGE, etc... really? I hope for him that things go a little better with his wife than they did between him and Daron. I'm pretty sure that the relationship between Serj and the guitarist is now practically non-existent except when they do those two concerts a year together. Even on Armenia (the other topic that united them besides music), it seems to me that everyone goes their own way. Then, I appreciate that Serj wants to show the matter in an overall positive light, minimizing the problems, but he does so because he is a born gentleman, as there are few, not because he is actually like that.

[@queerasinfu]

Daron is an immensely talented musician, but every fan I’ve ever asked share my opinion that when Daron started “taking over”, the quality suffered. SoaD is first and foremost Serj in my mind, because he’s the stage presence, he’s the face, he’s the voice.

[@afterderua]

"Daron was very serious about his music" also Daron "This cocaine makes me feel like I'm on this song"

[@johnsmith-cw3wo]

the 2 don't exclude each other.

[@pottergeist]

Coke song is mainly Serj tho

[@AWX25]

Cigaro 👀🐓

[@cylan787]

there's something wrong with you bro what do you mean that song is very serious

[@nirvella]

@@cylan787theyre saying the song isn’t serious

[@Ooooooooollllagznsh]

I understand but I’ve also lost all hope for a new album. Just grateful they’re still around.

[@nuggettynuggets9428]

There are so many rumors that Daron’s cooking something up in the studio for scars but it’s never really been hinted at too much by Daron lately.

[@truuuupR]

You're right to lose hope for a new album as it almost definitely won't ever happen. If you read Serj's book he says how the creative conflict has gotten so much worse. For the 2020 double single 'Protect the Land' and 'Genocidal Humanoidz', Daron basically steamrolled the entire creative process, almost dictating what and how every person plays their instrument. In 2018 Serj said he was ready to write a new SOAD album but wanted to set out clear boundaries so every member of the band gets equal creative input. Everything quickly broke down as Daron's ego seemed hurt that he wasn't allowed to have complete control. Serj said how he couldn't make an album under those conditions - it's what drove him away in the first place. I think the conflict between Daron and Serj will never subside. Daron comes across as emotionally immature whilst Serj occasionally seems to come off as pretentious and slightly eccentric. A perfect storm for 2 people to constantly butt heads over every detail. Serj is now nearing 60, I can't ever see another album ever happening.

[@marionperry3924]

Sometimes we have to understand there are BIGGER things than ourselves and that we should get over ourselves for the bigger picture

[@EGGJAZZ]

the last couple singles they put out on KZbin were awful so I don't know why you would want another album

[@drowssapma]

@@truuuupR A WHOLE lot of assumptions there, buddy. You speak as if you were in the studio space as well as in the heads of the 4 guys...quite the accomplishment. All I know is 3 guys were ready to go and Serj wasn't.

[@BrokamaGay]

I loved Serj's solo stuff but loved the energy of System as well. Im glad they ended things amicably and glad they reunited to give longtime fans a last hurrah of sorts. I wish them all well with their respective futures

[@WarbrainJack]

Now he mentions it, it's like these 2 were born to sing together. Incredible moment in time when it first happened!

[@KosmicWolf]

I hope they can get over their creative differences eventually, I love Serj solo music and I love Scars on Broadway, but I would love even more new SOAD music

[@walmartian422]

They are pretty old now I don’t see it happening.

[@pav_rom]

@@walmartian422 Дарону 44, в смысле "old now"? Are you f*ckin' kiddin' me?!

[@stephss]

When strangers, become family, there's going to be disappointments. It takes grace and maturity to realize, we can't be everything, to everyone.

[@funnyonlineuploads]

It also takes, time, to learn, how and when, to use, commas

[@cringeneer5490]

Wow, this was so beautifully written i had to screenshot it

[@Apemopo]

That's a good wisdom!

[@stephss]

@@funnyonlineuploads To spend so much energy on being petty...how sad.

[@funnyonlineuploads]

@@stephss it takes very little energy to type a sentence if that makes you feel better

[@King_Mephisto]

Man, it never ceases to amaze me at how chill of a guy Serj is. Daron and Serj's voice together is amazing, its true, and they used it so well in their music. Its very cool to find out that - that's exactly what started their music.

[@andreybofus1817]

Yeah, Serj we DO know.

[@Jk-zv6tz]

Doubt it

[@ThisIsYourGodNow]

bet you have a lot of friends

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

Didn't even notice it until you mentioned it. -_-

[@hokusman100]

Reminds me of the Weird Al Eminem interview

[@rye8]

​@@Jk-zv6tzyou didn't get it, did you

[@madmartigan1634]

Very, very common situation. It also happens in reverse: the charismatic frontman dominates, pushing out the vital musicians he doesn't realize are carrying him.

[@bisusdadinle1726]

Axl Rose

[@stevemuzak8526]

Opeth band.

[@TheSteinbitt]

@@stevemuzak8526Opeth? His band mates quit, Peter and Martin wanted different things.

[@bradleyyurk5744]

Billy Corgan

[@Skoora]

Alice Cooper

[@MAYUTHEUNDEAD]

3:34 this part is straight facts

[@BLD426]

Have never heard two voices compliment each other so well.

[@paulmallon9292]

For good or bad, whatever way you look at it, Daron took over system of a down for Mesmerize and Hypnotize. He was always the main focus but even more so on those 2 records. In terms of even writing lyrics and vocals especially. Even in the mix of those two albums, Daron's voice is so much higher in the mix than Serj's when solo singing and in harmony. It's noticeable on those 2 records.

[@abcdefg3214]

I highly even doubt they even wanted to release those albums

[@Emcfree2084]

This

[@Dartht33bagger]

Which is also why those two albums are my least favorite. Serj's voice was always the highlight for me, and Daron started popping up more and more as the albums progressed. Their self titled album is my favorite precisely because Daron shows up the least on it vocally.

[@Emcfree2084]

@@Dartht33baggeryes exactly what I thought

[@OrnsteinFGC]

It was for bad. Daron isn't it.

[@UdderrButter]

I wish that they would get together for one more Outkast style Speakerboxxx/The Love Below album if nothing else. A true, full length, 2-disc (as if discs still exists) album where Serj has primary creative control on one side of it, Daron has his primary side, and they just absolutely fucking ball out together one more time as a massive send off just to say "we hear you, we've always heard you, but this is the last one. We got it all out in here and we're going out happy with each other." Let both of them show what System of a Down could have turned into if they had their visions play out. Obviously depending on how Shavo and John feel creatively, they should also be offered something during this, but I don't know their backgrounds as well in terms of actual song writing to make a full album. Kind of like if Steal this Album! was four different actual sets on them instead of just different cover art.

[@KM-zw9qb]

Daron ruined the band

[@INeverWanted2010]

​@@KM-zw9qb Did you even watch the video? Daron is the reason Mezmerize/Hypnotize even came out, for starters.

[@user-yf1ml8jt3i]

Serj is like the best friend and colleague we have never had. An honest and just person who cares about the product, and cares that people are treated well in the process. Thanks Serj. And also thanks Daron, btw.

[@alexfordyce27]

I really want to read a book from Daron now

[@giantecca]

I thought the same 😄

[@tonyperez8594]

Right, me too. Would be very interesting

[@tonyperez8594]

Totally agree.

[@intrnlprym84evr]

Goddammit. I always was a little cringe on Daron bringing elementary lyricism into SOAD after Serj was so masterful, but listening to Serj talk about allowing people to bloom, i'm like FUCK, he's so right. And he's also right to feel disappointed Daron didn't flex it back to him. All them lyrics criticizing fake hollywood and he can't help himself from being selfish with such a monumental band.

[@uzziake]

What elementary lyricism are you referring to ?

[@Ameuer]

I know

[@intrnlprym84evr]

@@uzziake I'll wait here, you're crazy Those vicious streets are filled with strays You should've never gone to Hollywood They find you, two-time you Say you're the best they've ever seen You should've never trusted Hollywood I wrote you and told you You were the biggest fish out here You should've never gone to Hollywood They take you and make you They look at you in disgusting ways You should've never trusted Hollywood Lots of Daron shit was beginner shit. I applaud him for making the effort, but going from Toxicity to emo whiney stuff really got under a lot fo fans' skin.

[@DiamondDawgsRuleOK]

@@intrnlprym84evrlmao simple song writing isn’t “elementary” shit. It sounds like you just don’t like his style of songwriting, especially since you could’ve used songs like Lonely Day and it would’ve been a better example. Lost in Hollywood’s lyrics aren’t bad at all.

[@intrnlprym84evr]

@@DiamondDawgsRuleOK We arent talking about song writing. We are talking about lyricism. Daron is an excellent performer, excellent guitarist and excellent singer, real unique. His lyrics in SOAD were not good. A few moments, but nothing that sends people into wonder like Serj.

[@Muzzle801]

The infinite wisdom about changing, accepting and being mature enough to know when to let go (if you must) in all relationships from Grand Master Serj

[@LifeSoUnnecessary]

Es cierto que todo el mundo tiene diferencias con el tiempo, el problema fue que nunca supieron como resolverlas de un modo adulto. Uds. sabrán que tan profundas eran esas diferencias o, a lo mejor, insalvables, pero de este lado quedamos millones de personas amándolos hasta el día de hoy, esperando que, en un principio hagan nueva música y después al menos que se junten a tocar o se amiguen. Porque como es cierto que siempre vas a tener diferencias con las otras personas, también es cierto que esas diferencias casi nunca duran una vida, o en este caso más de 20 años. No sé, a veces pega el bajón de extrañarlos y querer que estén juntos y toquen, pero bueno, la vida. Lo bueno es que la música es atemporal y lo que han creado es único y extraordinario, y quedará para siempre pase lo que pase. Los amo.

[@oceanofoil]

The differences between Scars on Broadway and Serjs solo work speak for themselves. I'm just happy they put aside their differences for their homeland in Protect the Land. Just to hear them harmonize again was amazing.

[@Dieterbe]

They couldn't agree on how to move new material forward, with Daron and Serj pulling in different directions. So I always wondered why they didn't turn the apparant "blockage" and turn it into something positive: a double album, with one side Daron's vision (but supported by Serj) and the other Serj's (but supported by Daron), i always thought that would be really cool, to hear 2 versions of how to develop "seeds of songs", both of them would have room to make a song their own, and they could still collaborate.

[@DissocialPersonality]

thats a good idea ngl

[@logc1921]

The extra overhead and the already existing tension may have foiled that

[@BogartedJoint696]

Both voices are unbelievable and one reason I became a fan instantly 20+ years ago. 🤘🏻🥁❤️✌🏻

[@DefThrone]

I highly recommend reading Serj's book to get a good insight into things.

[@MrSlowestD16]

Usually "creative differences" in a band means they're all disfunctional and major assholes when they're high/drunk on whatever shit they're addicted to. This is actual creative differences, and it's good to know they still have respect.

[@higgledypiggledycubledy8899]

I've know since the release of Mezmerize, Hypnotize that Daron's overinflated ego was going to destroy the band. Was very sad about it too, their first two albums were legendary.

[@sillyskeleton]

Yeah, it really felt like he was pushing Serj to the side with all the vocal leads he was taking.

[@damon665]

Daron's the real musical genius of SOAD. Serj was just along for the ride.

[@higgledypiggledycubledy8899]

@@damon665 being the genius in the band doesn't mean you don't need the rest of the band. Many greats have made that mistake.

[@5orgen51]

Their first 3 albums were great. Then they suddenly died imo.

[@irgendwer3610]

Man, compare Scars on Broadway with Serj's solo career. Daron defined what we think of SOAD, it's not for no reason that he is protective of his music since that's his style mostly.

[@johnb2422]

I think you guys should go about it Beatles style. Combine both of your songs with each others, put your song as a bridge in his song and vice versa.

[@stefanmolnapor910]

That would be killer! Bravo idea!

[@Banana_Split_Cream_Buns]

There are plenty of bands in hard rock/metal with harmonizing guitars but very few with harmonizing vocals like System of a Down and Alice in Chains. I wish there were more.

[@fourkings_]

I prefer 2 people saying we can't work together anymore, than a band like Slipknot who are prostitutes at this point for the buck.

[@derekgoins6547]

Me too

[@megasalexandrosthegreat]

Could you explain please what you said about Slipknot? I wasn t aware of something like that

[@cxmxc]

@@megasalexandrosthegreatlmao -

[@cxmxc]

I agree is a fucking circus at this point.

[@lyndseybernardi7088]

I am going to get all the stories from the book before I ever receive this book!

[@TC-lk2ev]

It's such a good book! I'm not a diehard system fan (although i really like them) but goddam, its the best autobiography ive read.

[@saraautio5693]

SOAD has many incredible and unique aspects that captured my attention and made me a fan but I've always believed the greatest part about them was Serj and Daron's vocals and how beautifully they move and blend with each other

[@pavelivanouski4171]

"you know" count is approximately 100

[@IGROFAG]

He should be hired in Slipknot as a guitar player and music writer.

[@hhaste]

23 :) Show Transcript > F3 type it in

[@novai6554]

Fuck you made me aware now I can't listen to what he's actually saying😹😹

[@dyandriosouza]

i know

[@noelsoong777]

You know nato beans youknowyouknow?

[@robzilla69]

Very gracious. My opinion of you has grown from this.

[@MarkArandjus]

Tom Waits was a SOAD influence? Fuck yes, love that man.

[@BobFos-kc3ee]

Daron and serj are needed for that band. Daron is such a unique player..serji is a unique singer. If he doesn't want metal then daron will always do straight metal. Probably the issue.

[@onelonelyvisitor]

I think it would be cool if they could put one song out there with Serj's new music for the band. To test the waters and see if it is something that would work out as an actual SOAD song and be accepted by the fanbase as one. For the band members to put aside their disinterest in whatever Serj has written. It would be good for, as Serj says, their growth as a band. They don't have to continue with the sound but it's always good to experiment a little.

[@UncVEVO]

Would be nice to see a new variety in SOAD. The merges of their music all together would be great in my opinion

[@purplemonkeyelephant]

It would be interesting to hear Darons take

[@907n]

it'll be a defensive one. From everything I've heard from all the band members, Serj was the most level headed one and they were unfair to him

[@stevemuzak8526]

Everyone should listen to Tom Waits. He's amazing.

[@chaddubois8164]

I agree. I love his early piano singer stuff as well as the later experimental stuff.

[@funTimesInTheSun]

And he sounds like a different person on every album. He literally sings every genre.

[@susiejo143]

No matter what, SOAD will always be my 2nd favorite band❤

[@littlejerryseinfeld4168]

What’s number one?

[@susiejo143]

@@littlejerryseinfeld4168 Tool

[@alecalfaras5936]

Radiohead

[@susiejo143]

@@littlejerryseinfeld4168 Tool

[@danyukhin]

​@@littlejerryseinfeld4168Igorrr

[@spencertherren6806]

That sound saved me many times in my youth. So grateful to have seen them in person many times.🤘

[@timsusss]

I doubt that he fully understands how amazing SOAD is and how much it means to us. That sound. Those songs.

[@crashingthroughnothing]

Won't somebody think of the fans 😱

[@timsusss]

@@crashingthroughnothing I’m not harping on the woe of the fan base if that’s what you’re getting at. I’m thinking about how rewarding it would feel if he could fully grasp the greatness of his band.

[@yosshy4774]

He knows that, they were at their peak when they went on a hiatus. It's not about the music or the money, it's about how you feel working with someone you no longer respect or feel appreciation. The best example I can give you is a marriage... when "things go south", the way to go is always the healthiest (part ways).

[@NPC-ej4ql]

Artist first, fans second. Music is not a service but an art form. You'd be the first in line to complain if a new album turned out lackluster, thus didn't live up to your silly expectations, so zip it for good. Thanks in advance.

[@timsusss]

@@NPC-ej4ql how many assumptions are you making? Your reply has nothing to do with what I said

[@nephandis]

Is there a version of this video without all of the interview questions cut out? Tough watch without them.

[@legshot9487]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYK2pJ2Cj7Wci5Y

[@Noooiiiissseee]

The full interview is on the 'Q With Tom Powers' channel.

[@hypah22]

what the heck is that tiny ledge that's only accessible by a ladder built into the wall?

[@Hotsauce-cj7kj]

Serj, one of my top 5 favorite frontmen.

[@SLIMZ34]

Who is number 3?

[@Hotsauce-cj7kj]

@@SLIMZ34 5 are tied for first place

[@SLIMZ34]

@@Hotsauce-cj7kj who is number 2?

[@jasonberezny9705]

I wish Serj and Eugene Hutz would collaborate! System Bordello

[@janwillems666]

Go Go down… I sincerely hope that never happens. A matter of taste, I I don’t mean this disrespectfully. But in my opinion Serj would downgrade himself into a circus act if he would do a collab like that

[@methanedirigible]

I wish Serj would collaborate with Lionel Hutz.

[@Cedric_Harris]

Hypnotize and Mesmerize are good albums, but there's a little too much Daron. I haven't really kept up on all the drama, but it seems like Daron wants total creative control of the band. They sounded better before he tried to take over.

[@Caramelo23606]

Such a shame Daron does not dig Serj music, cause I do, and I love bands with multiple writers.

[@Guthix198]

No

[@methanedirigible]

@@Guthix198 Yes.

[@funTimesInTheSun]

Yes. Lyrics are not Daron’s strong suit either.

[@tpargade]

I think sometimes people need to give into each other's creative differences, for the sake of the art. Banging heads is good and all, but if someone is really adamant about something, get 3rd parties in, get the bassist, get the drummer, get the producer, get FRIENDS most of all to listen to it, and tell you what's best. If they keep on insisting upon that version, the person being adamant is usually onto something. Relinquishing control over to someone's vision makes way for them to do the same over time. That relinquishing of control sometimes ends up with amazing concepts. Roger Waters for instance is an awesome lyricist and songwriter, whether I like him or not. It was because of HIM that the legendary album "The Wall" is what it is. Now, that was awesome, but "The Final Cut" wasn't. You can be too overbearing, you can be wrong about your vision. There's nothing wrong with it, but learn to back off if everyone is hammering on your vision. Yours is not the only one contributing to that art.

[@nilfeliu1819]

To be honest the creative differences is what made System of a Down great

[@nordimejia5790]

Do we really Know?

[@TC-lk2ev]

Easily the best song of either hypnotize or mesmerize

[@rittis013]

You never think you know why Know, you never think you know why

[@charleschi843]

1:45. In shock, awe, dumbfounded, speechless. These 2 seconds changed my life as well.

[@woomydayz]

Ughhhh I love them sm 😭

[@gidoe4441]

And it's his birthday today, happy birthday Daron

[@digital_cucumber]

You know. Kind of.

[@HappydudeGenX]

Serj is a master at lyrics. nobody comes close

[@AllofJudea]

The Beatles had 3 guys who harmonies gelled. Very rare. SOAD were on par, harmony wise.

[@Tio-Nino]

And then Yoko happened.

[@urjnlegend]

I'm glad Serj is who he is, he gets alot of flak from fans of music, but he isn't the reason soad broke up. System fans know it isn't all him or Daron, THEY and Shavo and John made the band. They either grow together or grow apart, or remove themselves because they want to continue to be true to themselves, and all are ok

[@AustinB.3322]

a Unique Combination of Sounds

[@c95w13]

The fact that they used to listen to Tom waits together makes so much sense lol

[@funTimesInTheSun]

Tom Waits is a musicians musician. The only people I can talk to about him are musicians.

[@ElmundotheGreat]

Innocent when you dream, Tom Waits my favourite

[@FardtilUshid]

They should just do separate bands and feature each other when the songs call for it, their voices are magical combined

[@sanbeto76]

It is funny how John Dolmayan (SOAD drummer) was so critically vocal on Serj lack of interest for years. Then, the singer gave us his point on view and Dolmayan went silent.

[@robertmclaren5711]

Darrens Lyrics are a joke: Such a lonely day, and it's mine The most loneliest day of my life Such a lonely day should be banned It's a day that I can't stand The most loneliest day of my life Meanwhile Serj is Spittin this: The piercing, radiant moon The storming of poor June All the life running through her hair Approaching guiding light Our shallow years in fright Dreams are made, winding through my head Meanwhile Serj's riffs are kind of mid.

[@ObeseChess]

Yeah, Daron is a bad lyricist and singer but a great songwriter (musically), Serj is the exact opposite imo

[@RobR724]

I'm not sure that's a fair example. Daron wasn't even into releasing Lonely Day, my understanding is that was more of a push from the rest of the band. On top of that, while it's not my favorite song either, you can't deny its popularity in the mainstream. If I was going to look at examples of Daron's ability as a lyricists, I would look at Lost in Hollywood and Soldier Side.

[@karimelane6495]

So im not the only one that thought these lyrics were like a beginner trying to write some lyrics lol, bht it got to the mainstream maybe because of its acoustic guitar theme and its video

[@JBayeh]

⁠​⁠@@ObeseChess Serj composes movies soundtrack and has a solid solo career. Your opinion about his musical abilities is absurd

[@ShooterEx]

Vicinity of Obscenity has better riff than any other Hypnotize song

[@LimeBoy-oo6ph]

And what are John and Shavo doing and thinking throughout all this I wonder

[@methanedirigible]

John’s probably exasperated, and in his mind he wants his mates to reconcile and just enjoy what time they have. Shavo has a cymbal-banging monkey toy in his head.

[@knekt6874]

​@@methanedirigiblejohn said in an interview not long ago that they should have replaced serj years ago, so theres that...

[@daytona-x7b]

@@knekt6874 they should have and Serj said the same. Daron didn't want to.

[@funTimesInTheSun]

Shavo has actually been extremely active in producing, directing and creating art.

[@funTimesInTheSun]

Who do you replace Surj with?

[@asmosisyup2557]

I'm just happy none of them fell to addictions of the lifestyle and came out the other end intact. So often the system consumes people entirely.

[@lucian-ionelmarcu3680]

We love u guis!:P Respect!

[@slimhanson5792]

Serj and his solo stuff is every bit as good as SOAD is/was.. Same can be said about Daron Malakian and his solo projects...Every band ends in a divorce or simply fades away...With System they owe us fans nothing,,We owe them for the music.

[@brandoncorry7113]

[@jennyleyva8983]

He sounds like he’s from Wisconsin for how many times he says I know 😂 I can relate ❤

[@ssjstoner]

I saw SOAD at Reading festival in early 2000s and all I remeber is Daron talking over serj all the damn time, and talking LOTS

[@stevenwindmeijer6556]

I agree with Serj their voices together just sound awesome. Serj mainly low and Daron High

[@adoyer04]

you know, you know, you know... guess or count it, how often did he say "you know", because when we know, you know

[@SuperMark50]

“Did you know?” Featuring Serj Tankian

[@drearmouse9510]

Best harmony since the Beatles.

[@ZombifiedPreacher1]

S.O.A.D make me think of a closed Mcdonals restaurant that still has it's sign up

[@shimo666]

You know?

[@Shreddave8]

You never think you know why

[@thomasbland5450]

Serj Tankian - 'Ya know'

[@rittis013]

You never think you know why Know, you never think you know why

[@we5xz-1902]

Just a normal, super cool dude.

[@JazzInATinCan]

It's always "oh have you heard Tom Waits?"

[@TomJakobW]

It’s so weird hearing him talk. 😅 Serj’s voice is soooooo ridiculously gentle and soft; quite the juxtaposition to SOAD, despite them obviously having the very “operatic” parts in their songs.

[@djdoofus]

Daron was the genius, Serj was the talent.

[@OrnsteinFGC]

Genius? Yeah, no. If that were true, he would have known what was good for the music and not his ego.

[@cxmxc]

@@OrnsteinFGCon point!!

[@nick_the_padbreaker]

If you compare the music Serj has composed and recorded in his solo work with what Daron has produced with Scars on Broadway, it becomes quite clear why a sixth SOAD album is unlikely. However, I don't believe that's of any significance now. They have a flawless catalogue, and how many bands can truly claim the same?

[@Jacktrack7]

2:18 He's too serious, he's gonna make me delirious, because he's too serious for me...

[@doyleeee]

just make another album pls.

[@mjhickson4339]

I freaking loved the og, toxicity and steal this album , but never got into the rest. A couple songs but thats it. Same thing happened with incubus its just the way it goes.

[@CertifiedToxic]

You would never know that this is one of the top 10 hard rock vocalists of all time.

[@williammoore1980]

As eclectic as SOAD was, it’s amazing what they accomplished. It’s a blessing and a curse, makes for cool and unique music, but it also can cause a ton of drama and arguments.

[@peterkorn7846]

Du wirst für mich immer der Beste bleiben, die Alben von SOAD werden nie vergehen in meinem Leben ❤ Auch wenn es jetzt um euch ruhiger wird, ich genieße alle CDs 😊

[@Alastorthe_radi0_Dem0n]

I know of his first band, and it was called soil

[@nameisnotrelevant]

it's spelled soad*

[@Alastorthe_radi0_Dem0n]

@@nameisnotrelevant before he made System Of A Down

[@nameisnotrelevant]

@@Alastorthe_radi0_Dem0n Yeah...what do you mean? soad

[@emiliamagosevich5974]

the first band he was ever in was Forever Young

[@Alastorthe_radi0_Dem0n]

@@nameisnotrelevant his first ever band was forever young

[@Dulceria_La_Princesita]

KNOW, YOU NEVER THINK you know?

[@jacooxley5785]

…why?

[@andregordon2599]

As people, their brothers, they love and respect each other, and obviously love playing together. I do respect that in the studio they straight up are in an impassable canyon. I just feel bad for Shavo and John cause they obv just are following their leads lol

[@NyolateAMV]

*Serj* should talk about how he was once a manager of a *band* called *Fair to Midland. And his poor management led them into bankruptcy* and they were forced to disband. Really great band. Such a shame. They could have been real huge.

[@wendellovesbiscuits]

Wow, no way. I knew about the reason they disbanded but not that Serj managed them. That's a shame, they were really good

[@luisa-v2v]

3:52 It's not "normal" to remain stuck for decades on permanent hiatus, whether in a band OR in a marriage. Either compromise or break up for good. Unless you're staying separated-but-together for money, convenience or cover.