SOAD Bassist Attacks Singer

In an unexpected outburst on his official Facebook page, System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian blamed frontman Serj Tankian for not wanting to work on the new SOAD album and holding the band down.

In a series of eventually removed posts, bassist decided to “come clean,” saying, “It’s not us (meaning Daron Malakian, John Dolmayan or Shavo), it’s Serj who doesn’t want to do a new album! So please stop harassing us about it! We are just waiting for Serj! Now he might hate me for exposing the truth, but i had too … Sorry folks! We’re trying to get a new album out, it’s just not passing Serj’s rules!”

Odadjian then even went on to suggest replacing Tankian, saying (via Blabbermouth) he is ready to release a new album with “someone who wants to be the singer of System.”

“Kinda funny, since we started the band and now he’s holding us back! I think we should should release another album again? As for me … I’m ready to release one with someone who wants to be the singer of System, not someone we have to beg to be a part of System! So with that in mind, what do you guys [think] we should do? Just remember, he’s been holding us back for seven years so far … Wanna wait another 4-5 years? Or shall we release a record without Serj? You tell us?”

Bassist continued by stressing out that he does not want to go on without Tankian, but would do so if needed. He also invited fans to give their opinion on the entire matter.

“I don’t want to make a record without him … but if he’s not down? Should the three of us just sit and wait? Not cool! I want the fans from all over the world, including Brazil, to tell us what they think. No System? Or System with with a new singer who’s just as good if not better? Plus new System songs and tours? Please give me your opinion people! Is System better with no singer or someone who is excited to be our new singer? You decide …’Cause I’m confused!”

Finally, Odadjian concluded his ranting spree by calming down a bit, but still expressing his dissatisfaction with the way Tankian has been acting.

“No dis to Serj … If he wants to be in the band then he’s welcome but if he’s not? What do you expect us three to do? We really want another System Record! Wish Serj was down but if he’s not, then I’m going ahead and making a System record without him! I’m furious that he let us down like this, but we gotta do something to keep this great band alive! Agreed?”

The group was quick to react by distancing themselves from the bassist, pointing out that his opinions “do not reflect the sentiments of System Of A Down as a collective band” and calling Odadjian’s outburst a “temporary state of bad judgment.” You can see the screenshots of the bassist’s original posts below.

“Earlier today, Shavo posted a few statements on his personal Facebook page that do not reflect the sentiments of System Of A Down as a collective band,” reads the official Facebook announcement. “These were misleading statements that were made during a temporary state of bad judgment on his part alone. To be clear, the full band lineup of Serj, Daron, Shavo and John will be performing all scheduled tour dates. With respect to new SOAD music, although we have not agreed on a timetable for a new album, we all believe that having the four of us do it together is the way to be true to the band and our fans.”

Tankian is indeed very busy with numerous side projects, as he is set to release two independent records this summer. As far as the new SOAD record goes, it was only confirmed that it will be recorded and released “at a certain point.”

The group’s latest album, “Hypnotize,” came out in November 2005 via American Recordings, launching itself straight to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with over 320,000 copies sold in the US within the first week.