Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian Shock Fans by Leaving System of a Down to Form New Band

• Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian Shock Fans by Leaving System of a Down to Form New Band

In a move that has rocked the rock and metal world, Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian have officially announced their departure from System of a Down, the iconic Armenian-American band they helped propel to international fame. The duo revealed they are forming a brand-new musical project, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a bold new chapter.

The announcement came via a joint statement posted to their social media accounts on Friday morning. “After years of creative differences and personal evolution, we’ve decided it’s time to move forward in a new direction,” the statement read. “System of a Down has been an unforgettable journey, but it’s time to explore the music we’ve been dreaming of creating for years.”

Tankian and Malakian have often spoken about the internal tensions that plagued System of a Down, particularly surrounding songwriting and the direction of the band. Despite brief reunions and sporadic single releases like “Protect the Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz” in 2020, fans sensed that long-term collaboration was becoming increasingly strained.

The new band, whose name has not yet been revealed, is said to blend progressive rock, heavy metal, and experimental elements, drawing on both Tankian’s eclectic solo style and Malakian’s gritty guitar-driven sound. They’ve hinted that new music will arrive later this year.

Fans are divided—some mourn the end of System of a Down as they know it, while others are eager to hear what the powerful duo can create without compromise. Shavo Odadjian and John Dolmayan have yet to release statements regarding the departure.

One thing is certain: the legacy of System of a Down will remain, but a new sonic revolution may just be on the horizon.