John Dolmayan On Failed New System Of A Down Album: “Nothing Is Finished Until All Four Members Are On It, And Serj Had Nothing To Do With It”

During a recent interview with Loudwire Nights, John Dolmayan addressed System Of A Down’s inability to release new music once again. Interestingly, the drummer also revealed that frontman Serj Tankian was not involved in past writing sessions for a potential album.

Dolmayan said the following when asked about bassist Shavo Odadjian previously claiming that the band “have material that tops everything [they’ve] done”:

“I don’t know if it’s the best thing we’ve ever written — we haven’t finished it,” John said. “Nobody can tell you that it’s the best thing we’ve ever written. First of all, what does that even mean? Until the record is finished and released — which I don’t think it ever will be at this point — but until it is, I don’t know how good it is or bad it is. We’re gonna do something that we’re proud of.

I guess what Shavo means by it is we’re extremely proud of the music, but, first of all, nothing is finished until all four members are on it, and Serj had nothing to do with it. He wasn’t at those rehearsals, he wasn’t in the process of bringing the songs in and working on ’em, writing them. These are just things we did in anticipation of the record happening, which never happened. But they are really good — I will tell you. A lot of potential in those songs.”

Despite his comments, it is worth noting that Tankian did write some new material for System Of A Down, but he was thinking about repurposing the tracks for a solo release.

Dolmayan also had the following to say after being asked if the band have considered group therapy:

“I think it was brought up back in 2006, but it never happened. It would probably help, just because you have somebody that has no motivation and no stake in the game and can look at things from an outside perspective. They’re also trained to figure things out and come to the bottom of feelings and all that. But I don’t see that happening either.

We’re a very stubborn and stupid band. And we don’t make decisions necessarily based on what’s best for everybody. There’s a lot of selfishness in this band. It’s the reality of being human beings, I guess, to a certain extent. So, no, I don’t see that happening. It’s unfortunate. I find it very unlikely that System Of A Down will ever record again. And as sad as that is to say, we never reached our potential, and I don’t think we ever will.”

Nevertheless, he still tried to be positive adding: “You never know what happens.”

[via Blabbermouth]