System of a Down’s Guitarist Opens Up: Why the Band Refused to Replace Serj Tankian

Fans of System of a Down have often wondered if the iconic rock group ever came close to replacing their legendary frontman, Serj Tankian. While Tankian himself revealed in his memoir Down With The System that he once suggested the band audition new singers due to his reduced interest in touring, guitarist and co-vocalist Daron Malakian says the idea never truly sat right with him — and ultimately, it was his decision that kept the original lineup intact.

System of a Down hadn’t released an album in almost a decade. Their 2005 album Mezmerize and Hypnotize was their last. The band nonetheless performed a stunning presentation that charmed audiences worldwide. They conduct two massive concerts at MetLife Stadium on August 27 and 28 while touring.

Speaking recently on Ultimate Guitar’s On The Record podcast, Malakian admitted that, while the band did briefly explore the idea of bringing in someone new, it was never a serious pursuit. “For me, System of a Down is us four. If one of us isn’t there, I don’t really want to do it,” Malakian explained. “We tried someone out, and he sounded good — but I just couldn’t imagine looking to my left on stage and seeing anyone other than Serj.”

Tankian’s memoir suggested that the singer who tried out for the band didn’t work out because he couldn’t handle the band’s famous growls. Malakian, on the other hand, argues that’s not the underlying reason. He even says that the singer’s skills had nothing to do with the choice. “Serj and I never talked about why it didn’t happen. To be honest, I was the one who ended it. I didn’t want to do this without him.”

The news gives fans a rare look at the loyalty and chemistry that have kept System of a Down together for decades, even if they don’t always agree on music and take long breaks between releases. There is still a chance that new music will come out, but Malakian’s statements make it apparent that the band’s identity is bound to its founding members, and for him, it is not up for discussion.

With the group still selling out stadiums nearly 20 years after their last release, it seems that both the band and their fans are content to keep rocking with the lineup they’ve always known.