System of a Down release their first new songs in 15 years

System of a Down is back with their first new music in 15 years. Motivated by the recent outbreak of violence between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, the band has released two new tracks, “Protect The Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz.” Both tracks were written and recorded by guitarist Daron Malakian.

“The aggression and injustice being perpetrated against the Armenian people in Artsakh and Armenia by Azerbaijan and Turkey is a human rights violation and a war crime,” said Serj Tankian. “All of us in System realize this is an existential battle for our people, so this is very personal for us. What we need right now is for the world to put politics aside and support Armenia by sanctioning Turkey and Azerbaijan and recognizing Artsakh.”

“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,” says John Dolmayan.

On the recording of “Protect The Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz,” Shavo Odadjian added, “It was such a pleasure for us to be together in the studio again, very comforting and natural, like no time had passed at all.”

Both tracks are available on streaming services now and can be purchased via Bandcamp.

Check out the video for “Protect The Land” below. Read more about the ongoing conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan here.