The Unbreakable Bond: Where Are The System Of A Down Members Now (2025 Update)?

System of a Down (SOAD) remains one of the most enigmatic and influential bands in modern metal history, a quartet whose creative friction is as legendary as their genre-bending music. Despite long hiatuses and public disagreements about their future, the band—comprised of Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian, and John Dolmayan—continues to surprise fans with sporadic, high-profile activity. As of December 2025, the focus is squarely on their massive upcoming stadium tours and the persistent, yet complicated, hope for a new full-length album, a topic that dominates every conversation about the Armenian-American metal titans.

The core lineup that solidified in 1997 remains intact, a testament to a foundational chemistry that even years of creative deadlock couldn't fully dissolve. While the band is currently focused on their live performances, each member is a powerhouse in their own right, constantly working on side projects that explore their diverse artistic interests outside of the SOAD framework.

The Complete System of a Down Member Biography and Profile

System of a Down has maintained the same four members since 1997, a period that spans their most successful albums, *Toxicity*, *Mezmerize*, and *Hypnotize*. Their collective Armenian heritage is a central theme in their activism and music, particularly regarding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

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• Serj Tankian (Lead Vocals, Keyboards, Songwriter)
  • Full Name: Serj Tankian
  • Born: August 21, 1967, in Beirut, Lebanon
  • Role in SOAD: Frontman, known for his dynamic vocal range, political lyricism, and experimental songwriting.
  • Side Projects: A prolific solo artist with albums like *Elect the Dead* and *Harakiri*. He has also released classical compositions, is a visual artist, and was part of the experimental project Serart with Arto Tunçboyacıyan. He announced a new solo album project in 2025.
• Daron Malakian (Guitar, Vocals, Main Songwriter)
  • Full Name: Daron Vartan Malakian
  • Born: July 18, 1975, in Hollywood, California, U.S.
  • Role in SOAD: Guitarist, co-vocalist, and the primary composer for the band's music, known for his frantic, unconventional riffs and unique guitar tone.
  • Side Projects: The sole member and creative force behind the alternative metal project Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway, which released the albums *Scars on Broadway* and *Dictator*.
• Shavo Odadjian (Bass, Backing Vocals)
  • Full Name: Shavarsh "Shavo" Odadjian
  • Born: April 22, 1974, in Yerevan, Armenia (then Armenian SSR)
  • Role in SOAD: Bassist, responsible for the band's signature low-end groove and often directing their music videos.
  • Side Projects: A DJ and artist. He co-founded the hip-hop/rock fusion project North Kingsley with producer S.C.I.E.N.C.E. and rapper Ray Hawthorne. He is also involved in another band called Seven Hours After Violet.
• John Dolmayan (Drums)
  • Full Name: John Dolmayan
  • Born: July 15, 1972, in Beirut, Lebanon
  • Role in SOAD: Drummer, celebrated for his complex, high-energy drumming style and dynamic time signature changes.
  • Side Projects: Was the former drummer for Daron Malakian's Scars on Broadway. He is also known for his comic book store, Torpedo Comics, and his outspoken political views, which often contrast with those of Serj Tankian.

The State of System of a Down in 2025: Tours, Tensions, and New Music

The biggest news for SOAD fans in 2025 is the announcement of major live performances. The band is set to embark on one of their largest North American stadium tours in late August and September 2025, with European stadium dates also lined up for the summer of 2026. These sporadic but massive live appearances have become the band's primary mode of operation since their indefinite hiatus began in 2006, followed by their official reunion for touring in 2010.

The last time the band released new music was in 2020 with the singles "Protect the Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz," which were recorded to raise awareness and funds for the conflict in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). These tracks proved that the band could still create powerful, collaborative music, reigniting the conversation about a new album.

The Creative Deadlock and the 'New' Songwriting Approach

The main obstacle to a new System of a Down album remains the creative and ideological differences between its members. Daron Malakian has historically been the principal songwriter, but vocalist Serj Tankian has expressed reluctance to commit to a full album cycle due to creative control issues and the grueling demands of touring.

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In a promising, yet complicated, 2025 update, drummer John Dolmayan described exactly what it would take for a new album to materialize. He suggested a shift in the creative process, proposing that Serj Tankian and bassist Shavo Odadjian should bring in their songs and riffs first, rather than relying on Daron Malakian to lead with finished pieces. This suggested "new approach" aims to give more creative input to the other members, potentially breaking the long-standing deadlock.

Despite the public friction—including differing political views that Daron Malakian noted should not be mistaken for the band's collective viewpoint—Serj Tankian recently offered a surprisingly positive assessment of the band's internal state. He stated that right now, they are "having the best time of our lives as a band," suggesting that the focus on touring has eased some of the pressure of creating new material.

Beyond SOAD: The Members' Thriving Side Projects and Solo Work

To fully understand the current state of System of a Down, one must look at the members' extensive work outside of the group. These side projects serve as essential creative outlets for the band members, allowing them to explore genres and themes that may not fit the SOAD sound.

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The Malakian and Dolmayan Connection: Scars on Broadway

Following SOAD's hiatus, Daron Malakian formed Scars on Broadway, initially featuring John Dolmayan on drums. This project allowed Malakian to take on lead vocal duties and explore a sound that, while sharing some of SOAD's frantic energy, is distinctly his own. After a period of inactivity, Malakian revived Scars on Broadway as essentially a solo project, releasing the second album, *Dictator*, in 2018.

Tankian's Artistic Diversification

Serj Tankian has arguably the most diverse post-SOAD career. His solo work is vast, spanning rock, jazz, classical, and electronic music. Beyond his five solo albums, he has composed film scores, including the soundtrack for the film *The Promise*, and uses his platform for relentless activism, particularly concerning human rights and environmental issues. His announcement of a new solo album project in 2025 is a clear indication that his creative engine is running at full throttle.

Odadjian's Venture into Hip-Hop: North Kingsley

Bassist Shavo Odadjian has leveraged his love for hip-hop and heavy music into the project North Kingsley. The band, named after a street in Hollywood where the original SOAD house was located, is a modern fusion of rock and hip-hop, featuring Shavo's bass work alongside the vocals of rapper Ray Hawthorne. This project, along with his work as a DJ, showcases Shavo's commitment to exploring contemporary urban sounds outside of the System of a Down structure.

Ultimately, the current status of System of a Down is a delicate balance of legacy and future uncertainty. While the internal creative differences and political viewpoints are well-documented, the collective decision to commit to a massive 2025/2026 stadium tour schedule confirms that the four members—Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian, and John Dolmayan—have found a way to honor their musical legacy and perform for their dedicated global fanbase. Whether this renewed touring energy will translate into the long-awaited new album remains the biggest, most compelling question in metal today.