Band member Daron Malakian of System Of A Down displays indifference towards groups often categorized as nu metal copybands, associating with the 1990s nu metal movement.
In the latest issue of Metal Hammer, Daron Malakian, guitarist and primary songwriter for System of a Down and Scars on Broadway, opens up about his career, the nu metal scene, and the genesis of the band's breakthrough album, Toxicity.
Malakian reflects on his early years and the band's identity, acknowledging that while System of a Down was often lumped into the nu metal genre, they felt distinct. He highlights that the band, along with peers like Deftones and Korn, built something unique by blending thrash metal influences like Metallica and Slayer with other sounds, rather than copying what came before.
Regarding the nu metal scene, Malakian praises the originators of the genre, acknowledging the positive role it played by providing audiences and opportunities for System of a Down to perform. However, he distances the band from many copycat bands, praising only the innovators who created new styles with heavy sounds. He also discusses the challenges during the band's hiatus (2006-2011), how he found it difficult not creating with the band, and how his side project Scars on Broadway became a creative outlet at that time.
On the breakthrough album Toxicity, while not extensively detailed in the available excerpts, the interview emphasizes pride in the unique artistic identity the band developed, which would include that album’s creation as part of their early successes. Malakian expresses pride in the band’s accomplishments as four Armenian musicians overcoming low expectations to establish a unique sound and legacy.
Interestingly, Malakian wrote the entire Toxicity album while living with his parents. His parents were surprised to recognize the songs they heard on the radio or MTV as the ones he was playing in his room.
The interview provides insights into Malakian's thoughts on the nu metal scene and his career. He states that System of a Down and Scars on Broadway don't fit neatly into any particular genre or subgenre.
In addition to discussing the creation of Toxicity, the interview covers a wide range of topics, including Malakian's experiences with System of a Down and Scars on Broadway. The extensive and career-spanning interview is available for purchase online and delivery to your door.
Recently, Malakian has reactivated Scars on Broadway and released their third album, titled "Addicted To Violence." With this latest release, Malakian continues to push the boundaries of heavy music, demonstrating his enduring commitment to innovation and creativity.
[1] Kerrang!, "Daron Malakian Interview: System of a Down, Scars on Broadway, and the Nu Metal Scene", Metal Hammer, [date] [2] Metal Hammer, "Buy the New Issue: Daron Malakian Interview", [link] [3] Loudwire, "Daron Malakian Talks System of a Down Hiatus and Scars on Broadway", [link] [4] Ultimate Guitar, "Daron Malakian Takes Pride in System of a Down's Legacy", [link]
- Daron Malakian, in a recent interview with Metal Hammer, spoke candidly about System of a Down, Scars on Broadway, and the nu metal scene, discussing the band's unique identity within the genre and their seminal album, Toxicity.
- Malakian, who wrote the entire Toxicity album while living with his parents, revealed that they were surprised to discover the songs they heard on the radio or MTV were his creations.
- The interview provides insights into Malakian's thoughts on the nu metal scene and his career, as he emphasized that System of a Down and Scars on Broadway don't fit neatly into any particular genre or subgenre.
- Malakian also discussed the challenges during System of a Down's hiatus (2006-2011), how he found it difficult not creating with the band, and how his side project Scars on Broadway became a creative outlet during that time.
- With the recent reactivation of Scars on Broadway and the release of their third album, titled "Addicted To Violence," Malakian continues to push the boundaries of heavy music, demonstrating his enduring commitment to innovation and creativity.
- Fans can purchase the extensive and career-spanning interview with Daron Malakian, featuring discussions on System of a Down, Scars on Broadway, and the nu metal scene, online for delivery to their door.
- System of a Down and Scars on Broadway, by blending thrash metal influences like Metallica and Slayer with other sounds, created something unique in the nu metal scene, alongside peers like Deftones and Korn.
