While System of a Down’s millions of fans are undoubtedly disappointed that the seminal band has been unable to overcome their differences to release a new album for more than a decade, the fact is that the band’s individual members remain incredibly creative. Serj Tankian has received critical acclaim for a series of solo records he has released since System of a Down first went on hiatus, and has released collaborations with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra and Mindless Self Indulgence’s Jimmy Urine.
Daron Malakian, meanwhile, formed the band Scars on Broadway, which has released records with various musicians members including System’s drummer John Dolmayan, who formed his own band Indicator and also found time to open a comic book store. Bassist Shavo Odadjian, who has been critical of System of a Down’s inability to record new material, formed the group AcHoZeN with Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA and collaborated with various other musicians before turning toward solo work in 2022. He has also founded a lifestyle brand named 22RED, which launched in 2019 alongside a new band, North Kingsley.
