Grammy-winning, multi-platinum-selling SYSTEM OF A DOWN released their two news songs in 15 years: “Protect The Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz” less than two week. The tracks were motivated by the recently erupted conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, the latter aided by Turkey and accountable for the greatest violence the region has endured in 26 years. Produced by Malakian, who also wrote the music and lyrics, both songs are streaming now on all DSPs and are available for purchase on Bandcamp with band royalties earmarked for the Armenia Fund.
A three minutes video showing behind-the-scenes footage from the making of “Protect The Land” can be seen now below.
The music video for “Protect The Land” incorporates recent footage of the protests and on-the-ground fighting in Artsakh, but in a very personal and aesthetic way. As he did for all previous SYSTEM OF A DOWN releases, Odadjian executive-produced the music video and curated the cover and brand art for the project. “I wanted to show the unification of our people around the world for one common cause, illustrating the power in numbers,” he said, “so we brought together people from all ages and professions who believe in and are fighting for that same cause. It’s one thing to come up with an idea, but to see it come alive as happened with this video, has been just incredible.”
Top, from Left: Daron Malakian, John Dolmayan;
Boffom, from Left: Serj Tankian, Shavo Odadjian. Photo by Armen Keleshian
“Protect The Land” a was originally written by Malakian for the next album by his other group, SCARS ON BROADWAY, while “Genocidal Humanoidz” was penned three or four years ago when Malakian, Dolmayan and bassist Shavo Odadjian convened for a jam session that produced several songs, only to abandon them when Tankian wouldn’t commit to an album.
For the time being, there are no plans for SYSTEM OF A DOWN to record any more new material.
