Editing System of a Down (section)

== History ==
=== Soil (1992–1994) ===
Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian attended [[Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School]] as children. Due to their eight-year age difference, they did not meet until 1992 while working on separate projects at the same recording studio.<ref>Meyers, Ben. ''System Of A Down: Right Here In Hollywood'' (2007), p.&nbsp;14.</ref> They formed a band named Soil with Tankian on vocals and keyboards, Malakian on vocals and guitar, Dave Hakopyan (who later played in the band [[The Apex Theory]]/[[Mt. Helium]]) on bass and Domingo "Dingo" Laranio on drums. The band hired Shavo Odadjian (another Rose and Alex Pilibos alumnus) as manager, although he eventually joined Soil on second guitar. In 1994, after only one live show at the Roxy and one jam session recording, Hakopyan and Laranio left the band.

=== Demo tapes and signing (1994–1997) ===
After Soil split up, Tankian, Odadjian, and Malakian formed a new band, System of a Down. The group took its name from a poem that Malakian had written titled "Victims of a Down".<ref name="blogs.myspace.com">{{cite web |title=OnTroniK: System of a Down Information |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=512654515&blogId=526325472 |access-date=July 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220180824/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=512654515&blogId=526325472 |archive-date=February 20, 2010}}</ref> The word "victims" was changed to "system" because Odadjian believed that it would appeal to a much wider audience and also because the group wanted their records to be alphabetically shelved closer to their musical heroes, [[Slayer]].<ref name="revolver7things">{{Cite web|date=June 30, 2018|title=7 Things You Didn't Know About System of a Down's Self-Titled Album|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-system-downs-self-titled-album|access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Revolver|language=en|archive-date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930064541/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-system-downs-self-titled-album|url-status=live}}</ref> Odadjian switched from guitar to bass and passed on his managerial duties to Velvet Hammer Music and Management Group and its founder David "Beno" Benveniste.<ref>{{cite web |title=Interview With David 'Beno' Benveniste |work=lamusicblog.com |date=March 13, 2011 |url=http://lamusicblog.com/2011/03/industry-profile/interview-with-beno-of-velvet-hammer |access-date=August 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731110059/http://lamusicblog.com/2011/03/industry-profile/interview-with-beno-of-velvet-hammer/ |archive-date=July 31, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The band recruited drummer [[Ontronik "Andy" Khachaturian]], an old school friend of Malakian and Odadjian who had played with Malakian in a band called Snowblind during their teens.<ref name="blogs.myspace.com" />

In early 1995, System of a Down performed under the name Soil at the Cafe Club Fais Do-Do, a nightclub in [[Los Angeles]]. Shortly after the event, System of a Down made what is known as ''Untitled 1995 Demo Tape'', which was not commercially released, but eventually appeared on file-sharing networks around the time of the band's success with ''[[Toxicity (album)|Toxicity]]'' about six years later. ''Demo Tape 2'' was released in 1996. At the beginning of 1997, System of a Down recorded their final publicly released demo tape, ''Demo Tape 3''. In mid-1997, drummer Khachaturian left the band because of a hand injury (he subsequently co-founded The Apex Theory, which included former Soil bassist Dave Hakopyan).<ref name="blogs.myspace.com" /> Khachaturian was replaced by [[John Dolmayan]].

The band's first official and professionally recorded song was on a collection called ''Hay Enk'' ("We're Armenian" in English), an [[Armenian genocide]] recognition compilation in 1997. After playing at notable Hollywood clubs such as the [[Whisky a Go Go]] and [[Viper Room]], the band caught attention of producer [[Rick Rubin]], who asked them to keep in touch. Showing great interest, the group recorded ''Demo Tape 4'' near the end of 1997, specifically to be sent to [[record companies]]. Rubin signed the group to his [[American Recordings (record label)|American]]/[[Columbia Records]], with the band celebrating the signing with a performance at [[The Roxy Theatre]] with [[Human Waste Project]] on September 12, 1997.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-10-28 |title=human waste project news |url=http://www.geocities.com/~humanwaste/news2.htm |access-date=2022-06-23 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028094447/http://www.geocities.com/~humanwaste/news2.htm |archive-date=28 October 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Afterward, System began laying down tracks that would eventually be released on their debut album with engineer [[Sylvia Massy]]. "I loved them," Rubin recalled. "They were my favorite band, but I didn't think anyone was going to like them apart from a small, likeminded group of people like me who were crazy. No one was waiting for an Armenian heavy metal band. It had to be so good that it transcended all of that."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Paul|last=Rees|title=The Q Interview: Rick Rubin|magazine=[[Q (magazine)|Q]]|date=October 2009|page=98}}</ref>

In 1997, the group won the Best Signed Band Award from the Rock City Awards.<ref name="rc_awards_97">{{cite web |title=Rock City Awards 1997 |work=rockcitynews.com |url=http://www.rockcitynews.com/awards/ballot97.html |access-date=July 25, 2007 |archive-date=December 5, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001205000000/http://www.rockcitynews.com/awards/ballot97.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Self-titled album (1998–2000) ===
In June 1998, System of a Down released their debut album, ''[[System of a Down (album)|System of a Down]]''. They enjoyed moderate success as their first singles "[[Sugar (System of a Down song)|Sugar]]" and "[[Spiders (System of a Down song)|Spiders]]" became radio favorites and the music videos for both songs were frequently aired on [[MTV]]. After the release of the album, the band toured extensively, opening for [[Slayer]] on the [[Diabolus in Musica]] tour, behind [[Clutch (band)|Clutch]], before making their way to the second stage of [[Ozzfest]]. Following Ozzfest, they toured with [[Fear Factory]] and [[Incubus (band)|Incubus]] before headlining the [[Sno-Core Tour]] with [[Puya (band)|Puya]], [[Mr. Bungle]], The Cat and [[Incubus (band)|Incubus]] providing support.

In November 1998, System of a Down appeared on ''[[South Park]]'''s ''[[Chef Aid: The South Park Album|Chef Aid]]'' album, providing the music for the song "Will They Die 4 You?" Near the end of the song, Tankian can be heard saying, "Why must we kill our own kind?" a line that would later be used in the song "Boom!" Although System of a Down is credited on the album, ''South Park'' character [[Chef (South Park)|Chef]] does not introduce them as he does most of the other artists featured on the record.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chef Aid: The South Park Album |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/chef-aid-the-south-park-album-mw0000601245 |website=Allmusic |access-date=July 9, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308120244/https://www.allmusic.com/album/chef-aid-the-south-park-album-mw0000601245 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''Toxicity'' and ''Steal This Album!'' (2001–2003) ===
[[File:Daron Malakian 1.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Guitarist [[Daron Malakian]] met [[Serj Tankian]] for the first time in 1992 before forming the band a couple of years later.]]
On September 3, 2001, System of a Down planned to launch their second album at a free concert in Hollywood as a "thank you" to fans. To a parking lot built for 3,500 people, about 10,000 more came, prompting the [[fire marshal]] to cancel without notice at the last minute. Fans waited for more than an hour for the group to appear, but when a banner hanging at the back of the stage that read "System of a Down" was removed by security, the audience rushed the stage, destroying all the band's touring gear (approximately $30,000 worth of equipment) and began to riot, throwing rocks at police, breaking windows, and knocking over portable toilets. The riot lasted six hours, during which six arrests were made. The band's manager, David "Beno" Benveniste, later said that the riot could have been avoided if the group had been permitted to perform or had they been allowed to make a statement at the concert regarding the cancellation. System of a Down's scheduled in-store performance the next day was cancelled to prevent a similar riot.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/the-wraiths-dark-punk-isnt-all-doom-and-gloom-9209187|title=The Wraith's Dark Punk Isn't All Doom and Gloom|last=Rogers|first=Paul|date=March 2, 2018|work=L.A. Weekly|access-date=March 5, 2018|archive-date=May 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521071058/https://www.laweekly.com/music/the-wraiths-dark-punk-isnt-all-doom-and-gloom-9209187|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-sep-05-me-42235-story.html|title=Police Blame Promoter for Riot at Concert|last1=RAMOS|first1=GEORGE|date=September 5, 2001|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=March 5, 2018|last2=BOUCHER|first2=GEOFF|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|url-access=subscription|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201112958/http://articles.latimes.com/2001/sep/05/local/me-42235|url-status=live}}</ref>

The group's big break arrived when their second album, ''[[Toxicity (album)|Toxicity]]'', debuted at No. 1 on the American and Canadian charts. The album has eventually achieved 3x [[multi-platinum]] certification in the United States.<ref name=RIAAcert>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=toxicity#search_section|title=RIAA album certifications: System of a Down – Toxicity|website=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]|access-date=January 24, 2018|archive-date=September 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917200340/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=toxicity#search_section|url-status=live}}</ref> It was still on top in America during the week of the [[9/11 attacks]] and the political environment caused by the attacks added to the controversy surrounding the album's hit single "[[Chop Suey!]]"; the song was taken off the radio as it contained politically sensitive lyrics according to the [[2001 Clear Channel memorandum]] at the time such as "I don't think you trust in my self-righteous suicide". Regardless, the video gained constant play on MTV as did the album's second single, "[[Toxicity (song)|Toxicity]]". Even with the controversy surrounding "Chop Suey!" (which earned a Grammy nomination), System of a Down still received constant airplay in the United States throughout late 2001 and 2002 with "Toxicity" and "[[Aerials (song)|Aerials]]". In May 2006, [[VH1]] listed "Toxicity" in the number 14 slot in the ''40 Greatest Metal Songs''.

In 2001, the band went on tour with [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]] throughout the United States. Following a performance in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Odadjian was allegedly harassed, ethnically intimidated, and was physically assaulted by security guards backstage, who then dragged him out of the venue. Odadjian received medical attention from police and later filed a suit against the security company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1470460/20030310/system_of_a_down.jhtml|title=System Of A Down Bassist Sues Security Team For Humiliating Him In Front Of Fans|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|date=March 10, 2003|publisher=MTV|access-date=July 18, 2010|archive-date=September 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924015700/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1470460/20030310/system_of_a_down.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite the incident, the tour was a success and System of a Down and Slipknot went on the Pledge of Allegiance Tour together with [[Rammstein]] in 2001.

In late 2001, unreleased tracks from the ''Toxicity'' sessions made their way onto the Internet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glendalehigh.com/malakian.html|title=The Daron Malakian Interview|first=Mike|last=Lancaster|date=March 28, 2003|publisher=Glendale High School Newspaper-the Explosion|access-date=July 26, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716081821/http://www.glendalehigh.com/malakian.html|archive-date=July 16, 2011}}</ref> This collection of tracks was dubbed ''Toxicity II'' by fans. The group released a statement that the tracks were unfinished material and subsequently released the final versions of the songs as their third album, ''[[Steal This Album!]]'', which was released in November 2002. ''Steal This Album!'' resembled a burnable CD that was marked with a felt-tip marker. About 50,000 special copies of the album with different CD designs were also released, each designed by a different member of the band. The name of the album is a reference to [[Abbie Hoffman]]'s counter-culture book, ''[[Steal This Book]]'', as well as a message to those who leaked the songs onto the Internet. The song "[[Innervision]]" was released as a promo single and received constant airplay on alternative radio. A video for "Boom!" was filmed with director [[Michael Moore]] as a protest against the [[War in Iraq]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=System Of A Down Goes 'Boom' With Moore |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71955/system-of-a-down-goes-boom-with-moore |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710001240/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71955/system-of-a-down-goes-boom-with-moore |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''Mezmerize'', ''Hypnotize'', band hiatus and side projects (2004–2008) ===
[[File:Serj Tankian.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Serj Tankian]] has gained a reputation for his large vocal range along with his unusual delivery.|left]]
In 2004, the group recorded the follow-up to ''Steal This Album!'' a double album, which they released in separate installments six months apart. The releases notably included album cover artwork by Malakian's father, Vartan Malakian, and were designed to connect the two separate album covers. The first album, ''[[Mezmerize]],'' was released on May 17, 2005, to favorable reviews by critics. It debuted at No. 1 in the United States, Canada, Australia and all around the world, making it System of a Down's second No. 1 album.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mezmerize – System of a Down |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/mezmerize-mw0000209577#:~:text=AllMusic%20Review%20by%20Johnny%20Loftus,what's%20essentially%20a%20double%20album. |website=Allmusic |access-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710132717/https://www.allmusic.com/album/mezmerize-mw0000209577#:~:text=AllMusic%20Review%20by%20Johnny%20Loftus,what's%20essentially%20a%20double%20album. |url-status=live}}</ref> First-week sales exceeded 800,000 copies worldwide. The lead single "[[B.Y.O.B. (song)|B.Y.O.B.]]", which questions the integrity of military recruiting in America, worked its way up the Billboard Modern Rock and Mainstream Rock charts, and would go on to win the [[48th Annual Grammy Awards#Rock|2006 Grammy Award]] for Best Hard Rock Performance.<ref>{{cite web |title=System Of A Down Honored With Grammy For 'Best Hard Performance' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-honored-with-grammy-for-best-hard-rock-performance/ |website=Blabbermouth |date=February 8, 2006 |access-date=10 July 2020 |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714112239/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-honored-with-grammy-for-best-hard-rock-performance/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "[[Question!]]" was released as the next single, with Shavo Odadjian co-directing the music video. Following the album's release, the band toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada with [[The Mars Volta]] and [[Bad Acid Trip]] supporting.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=System Of A Down, Mars Volta Plan Summer Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/63107/system-of-a-down-mars-volta-plan-summer-tour |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714112238/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/63107/system-of-a-down-mars-volta-plan-summer-tour |url-status=live }}</ref>

The second part of the double album, ''[[Hypnotize (album)|Hypnotize]],'' was released on November 22, 2005. Like ''Mezmerize'', it debuted at No. 1 in the US. With this release, System of a Down joined The Beatles and rappers 2Pac and DMX as the fourth artist ever to have two studio albums debut at No. 1 in the same year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1516656/system-of-a-down-make-it-a-double-with-chart-topping-hypnotize/|title=System Of A Down Make It A Double With Chart-Topping Hypnotize|work=MTV News|access-date=March 5, 2018|language=en|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115055912/http://www.mtv.com/news/1516656/system-of-a-down-make-it-a-double-with-chart-topping-hypnotize/|url-status=dead}}</ref> "[[Hypnotize (System of a Down song)|Hypnotize]]" was released as the lead single and was followed by "[[Lonely Day]]" and "[[Vicinity of Obscenity]]", all three of which were also released as [[EPs]], including several B-sides from 1999 to 2000, such as a collaboration with the [[Wu-Tang Clan]], titled "Shame". "[[Kill Rock 'N Roll]]" was released as the final promotional single.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hypnotize – System of a Down |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/hypnotize-mw0000348196 |website=Allmusic |access-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209002000/https://www.allmusic.com/album/hypnotize-mw0000348196 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Whereas on System of a Down's previous albums, most of the lyrics were written and sung by Tankian and the music was co-written by Tankian and Malakian (and sometimes Odadjian), much of the music and lyrics on ''Mezmerize''/''Hypnotize'' were written by Malakian, who also took on a much more dominant role as vocalist on both albums, often leaving Tankian providing keyboards and backing vocals.

System of a Down's song "[[Lonely Day]]" was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance in the [[49th Grammy Awards]] in 2007 but lost to "[[Woman (Wolfmother song)|Woman]]" by [[Wolfmother]].

A biography of the band entitled ''System of a Down: Right Here in Hollywood'', written by [[Ben Myers]], was published in May 2006, later being published in the U.S. in 2007 through [[The Disinformation Company]]. Additionally in 2006, concert footage and interviews with the band concerning the importance of helping create awareness and recognition of the [[Armenian genocide]] were featured in the film ''[[Screamers (2006 film)|Screamers]],'' directed by [[Carla Garapedian]]. An interview with Tankian's grandfather, a survivor of the genocide, was also included in the film as well as Tankian's and Dolmayan's meeting with then-Speaker of the House [[Dennis Hastert]] during which the two musicians campaigned for the United States government's official recognition of the genocide. Footage of Tankian and Dolmayan marching with protesters outside the Turkish embassy in Washington, D.C., was also used in ''Screamers''.

In May 2006, the band announced they were going on hiatus. Malakian confirmed the break would probably last a few years, which Odadjian specified as a minimum of three years in an interview with ''Guitar'' magazine. He told MTV, "We're not breaking up. If that was the case, we wouldn't be doing this Ozzfest. We're going to take a very long break after Ozzfest and do our own things. We've done System for over ten years, and I think it's healthy to take some rest."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Chris |date=May 3, 2006 |title=System of a Down Aren't Breaking Up—They're Going on Hiatus |work=MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1530066/20060503/system_of_a_down.jhtml |access-date=February 2, 2009 |archive-date=March 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302163514/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1530066/20060503/system_of_a_down.jhtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> System of a Down's final performance before their separation took place on August 13, 2006, in [[West Palm Beach]], Florida. "Tonight will be the last show we play for a long time together," Malakian told the crowd during Sunday's last performance. "We'll be back. We just don't know when."<ref name="soadfans_last_show">{{cite web |title= West Palm Beach, FL&nbsp;— August 13, 2006 Review |work=soadfans.com |date=July 13, 2006 |url=http://www.soadfans.com/Article427.htm |access-date=July 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515070110/http://www.soadfans.com/Article427.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=May 15, 2007}}</ref>

The band members continued with their own projects; Malakian formed a band called [[Scars on Broadway]], which was joined by Dolmayan. After one [[Scars on Broadway (album)|self-titled album]], the project became dormant and Dolmayan left the band. It released the long-awaited sophomore album in 2018, titled ''[[Dictator (Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway album)|Dictator]]'', under the name "Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway". Dolmayan, alongside working with Scars on Broadway, formed his own band, Indicator.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Indicator – Something Underneath live (John Domayan's new project) – YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ilDTZG-yt0&list=PLxkWmILmSITzbR8HY3RLSaqzTOs60zaxA&ab_channel=Nakao |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/5ilDTZG-yt0| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|access-date=December 17, 2020|website=www.youtube.com| date=December 8, 2009 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> Dolmayan has also opened Torpedo Comics, an online comic bookstore. Odadjian pursued his project with [[RZA]] of [[Wu-Tang Clan]], a hip-hop group named [[AcHoZeN]], worked on his urSESSION website/record label and performed as a member of funk legend [[George Clinton (funk musician)|George Clinton]]'s backing band. Meanwhile, Tankian opted for a solo career and released his debut solo album ''[[Elect the Dead]]'' in the autumn of 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Serj Tankian – Elect The Dead (2xLP – Limited Silver Marbled Vinyl)|url=https://www.fatbeats.com/products/serj-tankian-elect-the-dead-2xlp-limited-us-exclusive-silver-black-marbled-vinyl|access-date=December 19, 2020|website=Fat Beats|language=en|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107235010/https://www.fatbeats.com/products/serj-tankian-elect-the-dead-2xlp-limited-us-exclusive-silver-black-marbled-vinyl|url-status=dead}}</ref> He has continued releasing solo albums, recording them almost entirely by himself even after System of a Down had begun to reunite for tours.

=== Reunion and touring (2010–2020) ===
On November 29, 2010, following several weeks of Internet rumors, System of a Down officially announced that they would be reuniting for a string of large European festival dates in June 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Karan |first=Tim |title=System Of A Down to reunite, headline Download Festival |work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]] |date=November 29, 2010 |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/system_of_a_down_to_reunite_co-headline_download_festival_with_avenged_seve/ |access-date=November 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001082758/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/system_of_a_down_to_reunite_co-headline_download_festival_with_avenged_seve/ |archive-date=October 1, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Among the announced tour dates included UK's [[Download Festival]], Switzerland's [[Greenfield Festival]], Germany's [[Rock am Ring and Rock im Park|Rock am Ring/Rock im Park]], Sweden's [[Metaltown]], Austria's [[Nova Rock Festival]] and Finland's [[Provinssirock]]. [[System of a Down Reunion Tour|The reunion tour]] commenced on May 10, 2011, in [[Edmonton]], Alberta.<ref>{{cite web |author=ChartAttack Staff |title=System Of A Down Announce North American Dates With Gogol Bordello |work=[[ChartAttack]] |date=March 1, 2011 |url=http://www.chartattack.com/news/2011/mar/01/system-of-a-down-announce-north-american-dates-with-gogol-bordello |access-date=March 3, 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304160450/http://www.chartattack.com/news/2011/mar/01/system-of-a-down-announce-north-american-dates-with-gogol-bordello |archive-date=March 4, 2011  }}</ref> System's first tour through Mexico and South America began on September 28, 2011, in [[Mexico City]], ending in [[Santiago]], Chile on October 7, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.systemofadown.com/#tour|title=System Of A Down|website=Systemofadown.com|access-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101060216/http://systemofadown.com/#tour|archive-date=January 1, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> From late February to early March 2012, they headlined five dates at [[Soundwave (Australian music festival)|Soundwave]] festival.<ref>{{cite web |title=Soundwave Festival 2012 |publisher=Soundwavefestival.com |url=http://www.soundwavefestival.com/ |access-date=October 11, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812091522/http://www.soundwavefestival.com/ |archive-date=August 12, 2010  }}</ref> The band have continued playing around the world. On August 11 and 12, 2012, they played the [[Heavy MTL]] and [[Heavy T.O.]] music festivals in Montreal and Toronto respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://exclaim.ca/News/heavy_to_heavy_mtl_return_with_system_of_down_slipknot_marilyn_manson_cancer_bats_high_on_fire|title=Heavy TO and Heavy MTL Return with System of a Down, Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, Cancer Bats, High on Fire|website=exclaim.ca|access-date=January 24, 2018|archive-date=July 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728212910/http://exclaim.ca/News/heavy_to_heavy_mtl_return_with_system_of_down_slipknot_marilyn_manson_cancer_bats_high_on_fire|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2013, System of a Down played at the UK's [[Reading and Leeds Festivals]], among other festivals and venues that year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.readingfestival.com/news/system-down-fall-out-boy-foals-and-more-confirmed-2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609192744/http://www.readingfestival.com/news/system-down-fall-out-boy-foals-and-more-confirmed-2013|url-status=dead|title=System Of A Down, Fall Out Boy, Foals and more confirmed for 2013!|archive-date=June 9, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref>

System of a Down played their only 2013 U.S. performance at the Hollywood Bowl on July 29; tickets sold out hours after going on sale on March 22. On November 23, 2014, System of a Down announced the [[Wake Up The Souls Tour]] to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the [[Armenian genocide]]. The tour included a free concert in Republic Square in [[Yerevan]], Armenia, on April 23, 2015, their first show in the country.<ref>{{cite web |last=Young |first=Alex |url=http://consequence.net/2014/11/system-of-a-down-reunite-for-wake-up-the-souls-tour/ |title=System of a Down reunite for "Wake Up the Souls" tour |publisher=Consequence.net |date=November 25, 2014 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927050020/https://consequence.net/2014/11/system-of-a-down-reunite-for-wake-up-the-souls-tour/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:ShavoBass.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Bassist [[Shavo Odadjian]]]]
In a November 2016 interview with ''[[Kerrang!]]'', drummer John Dolmayan revealed that System of a Down was working on more than a dozen songs for their follow-up to the ''[[Mezmerize]]'' and ''[[Hypnotize (album)|Hypnotize]]'' albums. Although he stated that the band does not know when the album will be released, he added that, "I want everyone on board and feeling good about it. That's what we're trying to accomplish right now. There's a tremendous amount of pressure on us, though, because it's been 11 years—at least 12 by the time it comes out."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.laweekly.com/music/serj-tankian-goes-symphonic-then-its-back-to-system-of-a-down-7567799|author=Kissel, Chris|title=Serj Tankian Goes Symphonic — Then It's Back to System of a Down|newspaper=[[LA Weekly]]|access-date=November 8, 2016|archive-date=April 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405115251/https://www.laweekly.com/music/serj-tankian-goes-symphonic-then-its-back-to-system-of-a-down-7567799|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a video Q&A session with fans on July 2, 2017, Shavo Odadjian was asked about the status of the next album and he responded, "I'm waiting for a new album too. It's not happening. I don't know. I don't know when it's gonna be. Not right now."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2017/07/system-of-a-down-bassist-shavo-odadjian-says-a-new-album-is-not-happening/|author=Geslani, Michelle|title=System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian says a new album is "not happening"|date=July 5, 2017|publisher=[[Consequence of Sound]]|access-date=July 5, 2017|archive-date=May 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501145127/https://consequence.net/2017/07/system-of-a-down-bassist-shavo-odadjian-says-a-new-album-is-not-happening/|url-status=live}}</ref> In a December 2017 interview with ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', Serj Tankian said that System of a Down wrote some new material but was uncertain of what to do with it. He then said that he doesn't want to commit to a new album due to the lack of committing to longform touring.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/serj-tankian-on-system-of-a-down-chris-cornell-film-scores-w514439|title=Serj Tankian Talks New Film Scores, Chris Cornell, What's Next For System of a Down|author=Grow, Kory|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=December 20, 2017|archive-date=July 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701194055/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/serj-tankian-on-system-of-a-down-chris-cornell-film-scores-w514439|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Malakian singled Tankian out as the reason no new album had yet been released.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-daron-malakian-frustrating-creative-impasse-with-serj-tankian|author=Wiederhorn, Jon|title=System of a Down's Daron Malakian: Band Remains at Frustrating Creative Impasse With Serj Tankian|magazine=[[Loudwire]]|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=June 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613184601/https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-daron-malakian-frustrating-creative-impasse-with-serj-tankian/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tankian detailed his view of the band's past and present conflicts and their overall situation, saying, "As we couldn't see eye to eye on all these points we decided to put aside the idea of a record altogether for the time being."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-opens-up-about-business-and-creative-differences-that-are-standing-in-way-of-new-system-of-a-down-music/|title=SERJ TANKIAN Opens Up About Business And Creative Differences That Are Standing In Way Of New SYSTEM OF A DOWN Music|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713062604/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-opens-up-about-business-and-creative-differences-that-are-standing-in-way-of-new-system-of-a-down-music/|url-status=live}}</ref> Dolmayan blamed all of the members due to the personal and creative differences that have been preventing them from recording a new studio album.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-drummer-says-all-members-of-band-are-to-blame-for-lack-of-new-music/|title=SYSTEM OF A DOWN Drummer Says All Members Of Band Are To Blame For Lack Of New Music|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=July 13, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418062816/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-drummer-says-all-members-of-band-are-to-blame-for-lack-of-new-music/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tankian also expressed uncertainty on whether the new album would be made or not but did not rule out the possibility. He went on to describe how he imagined the album sounding: "It's gotta be organic, it's gotta feel right in every way."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2018/08/01/incubus-brandon-boyd-and-system-of-a-downs-serj-tankian-open-up-on-fame-music-touring-and-more/#68be145b494f|title=Incubus' Brandon Boyd And System Of A Down's Serj Tankian Open Up On Fame, Music, Touring And More|author=Baltin, Steve|magazine=[[Forbes]]|access-date=August 1, 2018|archive-date=August 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802042122/https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2018/08/01/incubus-brandon-boyd-and-system-of-a-downs-serj-tankian-open-up-on-fame-music-touring-and-more/#68be145b494f|url-status=live}}</ref>

Odadjian said that the band has material written from "like the last 10, 12 years", but expressed uncertainty on if it would form into a System of a Down album or not. He also said that Malakian and Tankian have visual differences on what the album should sound like, and that the band's inner tension had been building far longer than fans would be aware, despite having love and respect for one another nonetheless.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kroq.radio.com/media/audio-channel/tuesday-october-9th-guest-system-downs-shavo-odadjian|title=Tuesday, October 9th with guest: System of A Down's Shavo Odadjian|publisher=[[KROQ-FM]]|access-date=October 9, 2018|archive-date=March 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329125437/https://kroq.radio.com/media/audio-channel/tuesday-october-9th-guest-system-downs-shavo-odadjian|url-status=live}}</ref> He would later say that there was no extant conflict between the members, expressing confidence that System of a Down would eventually record a new album and claimed that they have material written that would be their best to date.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://consequence.net/2018/12/shavo-odadjian-system-of-a-down-interview-part-1/|author=Kaufman, Spencer|title=System of a Down's Shavo Odadjian: "We Have Material That Tops Everything We've Done"|magazine=[[Consequence of Sound]]|access-date=December 19, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418075924/https://consequence.net/2018/12/shavo-odadjian-system-of-a-down-interview-part-1/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tankian denied any talk of the band recording a new album.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/serj-tankian-talks-system-of-a-down-soundtracks-anthony-bourdain-770713/|author=Grow, Kory|title=Serj Tankian on Writing 'Requiem Music,' System of a Down's Creative Stalemate|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=December 20, 2018|archive-date=June 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614012220/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/serj-tankian-talks-system-of-a-down-soundtracks-anthony-bourdain-770713/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Malakian explained that there was a mixture between the matter of different creative perspectives for the band's hesitation to record a new studio album and the lack of desire to tour. He did not dismiss a possible new album in the more distant future.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kroq.radio.com/blogs/stryker-and-klein/daron-malakian-system-down-stryker-and-klein|title=Daron Malakian Talks System Of A Down with Stryker and Klein|author=Stryker and Klein|publisher=[[KROQ-FM]]|access-date=February 20, 2019|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020215012/https://kroq.radio.com/blogs/stryker-and-klein/daron-malakian-system-down-stryker-and-klein|url-status=live}}</ref> He felt that the fans don't care that the band wasn't making an album, "but I think a lot of the fans just want an album." He expressed hopes that the members would get together and record new music but was content with the direction of his band [[Scars on Broadway]], noting the members' good friendship, "But at the same time, I don't see that happening anytime soon that we're all going to get together and make a new System of a Down album."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://consequence.net/2019/04/daron-malakian-scars-on-broadway-system-of-a-down-interview-2019/|author=Kaufman, Spencer|title=Daron Malakian on Scars on Broadway, the State of System of a Down, and More|magazine=[[Consequence of Sound]]|access-date=April 30, 2019|archive-date=May 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501224229/https://consequence.net/2019/04/daron-malakian-scars-on-broadway-system-of-a-down-interview-2019/|url-status=live}}</ref> Malakian said that Tankian and the rest of the band members have been unable to come to an agreement over how to go about making new music, but insisted that there was no negativity between them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://omny.fm/shows/talk-is-jericho/system-of-a-daron-from-chop-suey-to-scars-on-broad|title=System Of A Daron – From Chop Suey to Scars On Broadway – Talk Is Jericho|website=omny.fm|access-date=May 9, 2019|archive-date=May 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515044157/https://omny.fm/shows/talk-is-jericho/system-of-a-daron-from-chop-suey-to-scars-on-broad|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:JohnDolmayanSitting.jpg|thumb|Drummer [[John Dolmayan]]|left]]
Despite System of a Down's ability to perform live, Odadjian expressed disappointment at their inability to record new music, explaining that there has been new material written by the other members in the form of a possible new album. Without Tankian's presence, no recordings had been made. He questioned why the band still has not made an album, citing creative differences as the problem.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/shavo-odadjian-on-possiblity-of-new-music-from-system-of-a-down-why-it-isnt-happening-is-a-big-question/|title=SHAVO ODADJIAN On The {{sic|Possi|blity|nolink=y}} Of New Music From SYSTEM OF A DOWN: 'Why It Isn't Happening Is A Big Question'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=August 13, 2019|access-date=August 13, 2019|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915183526/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/shavo-odadjian-on-possiblity-of-new-music-from-system-of-a-down-why-it-isnt-happening-is-a-big-question/|url-status=live}}</ref> With the lack of commitment to record new music, Tankian was open to releasing a collection of previously unreleased System of a Down songs from past recording sessions if his bandmates agreed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-says-he-is-all-for-system-of-a-down-putting-out-previously-unreleased-material/|title=SERJ TANKIAN Says He Is 'All For' SYSTEM OF A DOWN Putting Out Previously Unreleased Material|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 10, 2019|access-date=December 10, 2019|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915183525/https://blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-says-he-is-all-for-system-of-a-down-putting-out-previously-unreleased-material/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Dolmayan had started in 2014 a Kickstarter to fund a cover project, titled "These Grey Men", alongside friend James Hazley.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bruno |first=Danielle |date=2014-06-17 |title=System Of A Down drummer crowdfunding side project, These Grey Men {{!}} Metal Insider |url=https://metalinsider.net/crowdfunding/system-of-a-down-drummer-crowdfunding-side-project-these-grey-men |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Metal Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420045158/https://metalinsider.net/crowdfunding/system-of-a-down-drummer-crowdfunding-side-project-these-grey-men |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Annunziata |first=Chris |date=2020-01-21 |title=System of a Down's John Dolmayan and Avenged Sevenfold's M. Shadows team up in new project These Grey Men {{!}} Metal Insider |url=https://metalinsider.net/video/system-of-a-downs-john-dolmayan-and-avenged-sevenfolds-m-shadows-team-up-in-new-project-these-grey-men |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Metal Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420045215/https://metalinsider.net/video/system-of-a-downs-john-dolmayan-and-avenged-sevenfolds-m-shadows-team-up-in-new-project-these-grey-men |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, he released the first single, a cover of [[Radiohead]]'s "Street Spirit", on January 23.<ref>{{Cite web |title=These Grey Men website |url=https://www.thesegreymen.com/ |access-date=January 25, 2020 |website=THESE GREY MEN |language=en-US |archive-date=January 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125114230/https://www.thesegreymen.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Avenged Sevenfold]] singer [[M. Shadows]] contributes vocals to the track; [[Tom Morello]] contributes the guitar solo at the song's close.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Childers |first=Chad |date=2020-01-23 |title=System of a Down Drummer Covers Radiohead With Tom Morello + M. Shadows |url=https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-drummer-these-grey-men-radiohead-cover-tom-morello-m-shadows/ |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Loudwire |language=en |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420045200/https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-drummer-these-grey-men-radiohead-cover-tom-morello-m-shadows/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The second single features Tankian in a cover of [[David Bowie]]'s "[[Starman (song)|Starman]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cornell |first=Jeff |date=2019-01-09 |title=Serj Tankian, M Shadows Join SOAD Drummer's These Grey Men Album |url=https://loudwire.com/tom-morello-serj-tankian-m-shadows-featured-john-dolmayan-these-grey-men-album/ |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Loudwire |language=en |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420045203/https://loudwire.com/tom-morello-serj-tankian-m-shadows-featured-john-dolmayan-these-grey-men-album/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album, titled ''These Grey Men'', was released on February 28, 2020.<ref>{{Citation |title=These Grey Men by John Dolmayan, on Apple Music |date=2020-02-28 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/these-grey-men/1494588282 |language=en-US |access-date=2022-04-20 |archive-date=November 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104193633/https://music.apple.com/us/album/these-grey-men/1494588282 |url-status=live }}</ref> It consists of covers/reimaginations of other songs by artists such as Radiohead, AFI, Madonna, and Talking Heads, among others.

With the differences concerning the band members, Dolmayan became uncertain in wanting to make new music anymore. Although he did not want to put Tankian and Malakian at fault for the band's inability to record a new album, he said, "It takes four people to make this band, and it takes four people to unmake it. I think that we're all to blame. I could just blame Daron and Serj, because, quite frankly, they're the primary songwriters, so it's easy to blame them. But it's not just their fault. A lot of it is their fault, but it's not just their fault."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/john-dolmayan-is-not-even-sure-he-wants-to-make-a-new-system-of-a-down-album-anymore-its-just-so-much-drama-and-bullst/|title=JOHN DOLMAYAN Is 'Not Even Sure' He Wants To Make A New SYSTEM OF A DOWN Album Anymore: 'It's Just So Much Drama And Bulls**t'|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 20, 2020|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915183526/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/john-dolmayan-is-not-even-sure-he-wants-to-make-a-new-system-of-a-down-album-anymore-its-just-so-much-drama-and-bullst/|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview, Dolmayan exclaimed that putting the band on hiatus was a grave mistake: "I never wanted System to take a hiatus. I think it was a disastrous move for us because we never reached our peak." Dolmayan believed that the band could have risen through the charts if they had just kept going.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Drummer Says Hiatus Was a Huge Mistake for SOAD: We Could've Been the Biggest Band in the World|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/drummer_says_hiatus_was_a_huge_mistake_for_soad_we_couldve_been_the_biggest_band_in_the_world.html|access-date=December 19, 2020|website=www.ultimate-guitar.com|language=en|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915183526/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/drummer_says_hiatus_was_a_huge_mistake_for_soad_we_couldve_been_the_biggest_band_in_the_world.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 17, 2020, Serj Tankian announced in a ''Rolling Stone'' interview that he would release an EP by the name of ''Elasticity'' under his own name. Tankian had planned to release the EP in October. Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], he released it in February 2021 instead. In the interview, he explained that the EP contains songs he had written for System of a Down that the band ultimately opted not to record.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|date=December 17, 2020|title='RS Interview: Special Edition' With Serj Tankian|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/serj-tankian-rs-interview-special-edition-1104974/|access-date=December 19, 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=June 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614173520/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/serj-tankian-rs-interview-special-edition-1104974/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Artsakh benefit singles and possible sixth studio album (2020–present) ===
On November 5, 2020, in response to the [[Second Nagorno-Karabakh War]], System of a Down released their first songs in 15 years, "[[Protect the Land]]" and "[[Genocidal Humanoidz]]", both of which "speak of a dire and serious war being perpetrated upon our cultural homelands of [[Republic of Artsakh|Artsakh]] and [[Armenia]]."<ref name="rollingstone2020" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=brownypaul|date=November 6, 2020|title=WOAHH Two New System Of A Down Songs Outta Nowhere|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/11/06/woahh-two-new-system-of-a-down-songs-outta-nowhere/|access-date=November 6, 2020|website=Wall Of Sound|language=en-US|archive-date=November 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106051444/https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/11/06/woahh-two-new-system-of-a-down-songs-outta-nowhere/|url-status=live}}</ref> Music videos were made for both singles, and "Protect the Land" marks the band's first music video in 14 years, since "[[Lonely Day]]". Proceeds from the songs were to help [[Armenia Fund]] and for humanitarian needs of displaced families from the war.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Chloe|last=Melas|title=System of a Down releases first new music in 15 years|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/entertainment/system-of-a-down-new-music-trnd/index.html|access-date=November 9, 2020|website=CNN|date=November 6, 2020|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711071801/https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/entertainment/system-of-a-down-new-music-trnd/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=System of a Down Detail Why They Decided to Release New Music|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/system-down-detail-why-decided-222111627.html|access-date=November 9, 2020|website=Yahoo.com|date=November 8, 2020 |language=en-US|archive-date=April 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418062939/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/system-down-detail-why-decided-222111627.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

As for a possible new album, Dolmayan told ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', "If it was up to me, we'd have a new album every three years. But things aren't up to me. I'm at the mercy of my team, and although I fought for it for many years with band members, I've accepted that it is what it is. We do have five albums and [now] two songs. We've accomplished a lot in our careers. If it ends at that, so be it."<ref name="rollingstone2020" /> In the same interview, Malakian claimed that "Protect the Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz" were originally going to be released under his own band [[Scars on Broadway]]. As the conflict came to fruition, System of a Down came back to release them instead.<ref name="rollingstone2020" /> Malakian also said he does not see the band making new music anytime soon, saying that the singles were a "one-off kind of thing".<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 16, 2020|title=Daron Malakian Doesn't See SOAD Making More New Music Soon|url=https://loudwire.com/daron-malakian-doesnt-see-system-of-a-down-making-more-music-soon/|access-date=November 17, 2020|website=Loudwire|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126191032/https://loudwire.com/daron-malakian-doesnt-see-system-of-a-down-making-more-music-soon/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Shavo Odadjian]] spoke with ''Wall of Sound'' in a follow-up interview discussing the conception of the songs, stating, "It was amazing... Even though we have had our differences, when we're in there it's just like brothers making music together, like it all started."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aarons|first=Ricky|date=December 17, 2020|title=Shavo Odadjian – 'Introducing North Kingsley and Protecting Armenia with System Of A Down'|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/12/17/shavo-odadjian-introducing-north-kingsley-and-protecting-armenia-with-system-of-a-down/|access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Wall Of Sound|language=en-US|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915184651/https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/12/17/shavo-odadjian-introducing-north-kingsley-and-protecting-armenia-with-system-of-a-down/|url-status=live}}</ref> When asked if the two songs had inspired a new era of creativity for System of a Down, Tankian said to [[Triple J]] in December 2020, "I don't know, because right now we're focused on what's going on in Armenia. There's a huge humanitarian catastrophe. We're still focused on raising funds, raising awareness about this. Time will tell whether this leads to something else or not."<ref>{{Cite web|title=SERJ TANKIAN: 'Time Will Tell' Whether Recording Two New SYSTEM OF A DOWN Songs Will Lead To Something More|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-time-will-tell-whether-recording-two-new-system-of-a-down-songs-will-lead-to-something-more/|access-date=December 19, 2020|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 19, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225023307/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-time-will-tell-whether-recording-two-new-system-of-a-down-songs-will-lead-to-something-more/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2023, Dolmayan claimed that Tankian "hasn't really wanted to be in a band for a long time [...] and quite frankly, we probably should have parted ways around 2006. We tried to get together multiple times to make an album, but there were certain rules set in place that made it difficult to do so and maintain the integrity of what System of a Down stood for." Despite the major setback, he said the chemistry to play live together as a band is still great.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Revolver |title=John Dolmayan: Serj Tankian Hasn't Wanted To Be in System of a Down for a Long Time |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/john-dolmayan-serj-tankian-hasnt-wanted-be-system-down-long-time |website=Revolver |date=January 3, 2023 |access-date=4 January 2023 |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104095946/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/john-dolmayan-serj-tankian-hasnt-wanted-be-system-down-long-time |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 14 of the same year, System of a Down hosted their only live performance of 2023 as co-headliners of the Sick New World festival in [[Las Vegas]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kress |first=Brian |date=May 14, 2023 |title=System of a Down Close Sick New World 2023: Video + Setlist |url=https://consequence.net/2023/05/system-of-a-down-sick-new-world-2023-watch/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2024, the band performed two gigs: in the former case, they made their second headline appearance in a row at Sick New World on April 27;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Childers |first=Chad |date=April 28, 2024 |title=Setlist + Video – System of a Down Headline 2024 Sick New World Festival |url=https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-sick-new-world-2024-setlist-video/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Loudwire]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Emily |date=April 28, 2024 |title=Here's System Of A Down's epic Sick New World setlist |url=https://www.kerrang.com/heres-system-of-a-downs-epic-sick-new-world-setlist/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Kerrang!]] |language=en-US}}</ref> in the latter one, they co-headlined (together with [[Deftones]]) a standalone concert at the [[Golden Gate Park]] in [[San Francisco]], making it the first-ever ticketed concert to take place at the venue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Ariel |date=April 9, 2024 |title=Another Planet Entertainment Announces One-Night Event With System Of A Down & Deftones In Golden Gate Park, Potential For More |url=https://news.pollstar.com/2024/04/09/another-planet-announces-one-night-event-with-system-of-a-down-deftones-in-golden-gate-park-potential-for-more/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Pollstar]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schaffner |first=Lauryn |date=April 9, 2024 |title=System of a Down + Deftones Announce First of Its Kind Show at Historic Venue |url=https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-deftones-first-show-historic-venue-2024/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Loudwire]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

In May 2024, Tankian revealed in his [[memoir]], "Down with the System," that back when System of a Down was on hiatus in 2005, he offered to step down and suggested the band find a new vocalist due to his back injury and disinterest in touring. Although the band did audition an unnamed singer without Tankian's knowledge, they discarded the idea and continued onward with their original vocalist.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Childers |first1=Chad |title=System of a Down Auditioned Vocalist After Serj Tankian Offered to Step Down |url=https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-auditioned-vocalist-serj-tankian-offered-quit |website=LoudWire |access-date=25 March 2025}}</ref> In 2025, though, the band launched a tour called "Wake Up!", with  dates in Latin America for the first time in ten years and a few US and Canada shows. They said they remain open extending that tour to other places they haven't visited for a while.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/system-of-a-down-2025-south-american-wake-up-stadium-tour-dates-1235859106/|title=System of a Down Announce Dates for 2025 South American ‘Wake Up!’ Stadium Tour|website=Billboard|date=December 17, 2024|last=Kaufman|first=Gil}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://chaoszine.net/system-of-a-down-shake-things-up-with-their-setlist-with-rarities/|title=System Of A Down shake things up with their setlist with rarities|website=Chaoszine|date=April 29, 2025|last=Baldin|first=Benedetta}}</ref>

In February 2025, Malakian gave his thoughts about making a new System of a Down album.

{{quotation|"I'm proud of the records. I don't live with any regret of anything like that, but it would have been nice to see where the band would have evolved if we kept putting music out. If we put out an album now, it's just so far away from [''Hypnotize'' and ''Mezmerize''], it doesn't continue the story to me. There was a time that [making a new System Of A Down record] might have been something I wanted. I'm not sure how much I want that anymore — I'm sure people won't be too happy to hear that from me. I'm not at the same place I was maybe 10 years ago."|Daron Malakian (2025)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kennelty |first1=Greg |title=DARON MALAKIAN Isn't Sure He Wants To Write New SYSTEM OF A DOWN Anymore |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/daron-malakian-isnt-sure-he-wants-to-write-new-system-of-a-down-anymore |website=Metal Injection |date=February 6, 2025 |access-date=10 February 2025}}</ref>}}