System of a Down are back with their first new music in 15 years. The new songs, ‘Protect the Land’ and ‘Genocidal Humanoidz’, are being released in order to draw attention to the “serious war being perpetrated upon our cultural homelands of Artsakh and Armenia” by Azerbaijan and Turkey, according to a statement from the band. Take a listen below.
“We’re proud to share these songs with you and hope you enjoy listening to them,” SOAD wrote. “Further, we encourage you to read on to learn more about their origins and once you do, hope you are inspired to speak out about the horrific injustices and human rights violations occurring there now. Most importantly and urgently, we humbly implore you to donate, in sums small or large to help those adversely affected with what are ever growing accounts of crimes against humanity.”
Singer Serj Tankian added: “The aggression and injustice being perpetrated against the Armenian people in Artsakh and Armenia by Azerbaijan and Turkey is a human rights violation and a war crime. All of us in System realize this is an existential battle for our people, so this is very personal for us. What we need right now is for the world to put politics aside and support Armenia by sanctioning Turkey and Azerbaijan and recognizing Artsakh.”
Both songs were written by guitarist-singer Daron Malakian, who commented: “We’re probably the only rock band that has governments as enemies, the only rock band that’s at war, so I wrote these songs to boost the morale of our troops and Armenians around the world.”
Proceeds from sales of both tracks – which are available to purchase via the band’s merch store, Bandcamp, and Amazon – will “provide crucial and desperately needed aid and basic supplies for those affected by these hideous acts.” Read the band’s full statement below.
System of a Down released their last pair of albums, Mezmerize and Hypnotize, back in 2005.
The music and lyrics speak for themselves. We need you to speak for Artsakh. https://t.co/3zHg44xj2j to download, pre-order, and donate now. pic.twitter.com/qAhwmR0ewp
— System Of A Down (@systemofadown) November 6, 2020
