“I want Serj to pass first”

John Dolmayan is considering a simple but symbolic method to relaunch System of A Down in the studio: it would be enough that Daron Malakian agrees to submit his songs last, to show that he values the ideas of other members of the group.

A concrete proposal to overcome internal blockages – "i want serj pass first"

In the podcast But That 1%John Dolmayan says that a new album by System. Furthermore, of A Down could see the light of day if the members of the group agreed to change their way of working. Similarly, He proposes that everyone brings their ideas in a reverse order: first Serj Tankian. In addition, then Shavo Odadjian, and finally Daron Malakian.

According to him. Similarly, this inversion would send a strong signal: “It shows that you want the ideas of others more than to yours”he said about Malakian. However, He assures that Daron will “i want serj pass first” remain the main composer. but that it is essential to make room for the contributions of Serj and Shavo from the start of the creative process. For Dolmayan. it is often the order of arrival of songs that creates frustrations: “If someone brings five songs when there are already thirty, it gives them the impression of being unjustly sidelined”.

He even imagines a roadmap: after the current tour. the members of the group could meet in 2027 for six months in one of their personal studios to record an album, without time limit or number of titles, and especially with a renewed collective spirit.

A solution that contrasts with past positions

These words decide with the previous statements of the drummer. who said that he is no longer sure of wanting to make an album, as mentioned in this interview. For his part. Serj Tankian has been asking for a more egalitarian approach “i want serj pass first” for years, but had recognized that his “manifesto” had not convinced the other members, as recalled here.

Daron Malakian, on the other hand, doubts that the group can reconnect with the artistic momentum interrupted after Hypnotize In 2005. He recently confided: “We could have made an album, and it would have been good. But our evolution was stopped net”a detailed position in this article.

A very active group on stage. but still blocked in the studio

Despite the absence of a concrete project, System of a Down remains very present on stage. In 2025. the group already gave a noticed concert to Bogota, where it came out several rarities, as mentioned in this previous article. The tour is currently continuing in America, alongside groups like Korn or Deftones.

Since their return to stage in 2011. Additionally, the musicians have recorded only two titles, Protect The Land et Genocidal Humanoidzreleased in 2020 to support Armenia. “i want serj pass first” If artistic cohesion in the studio remains fragile, complicity on stage seems intact. John Dolmayan’s wish therefore marks a rare attempt at conciliation, against the tide of ambient fatalism.