System of a Down have released their first new music in more than a decade.
Serj Tankian and co. dropped the surprise double single Protect the Land / Genocidal Humanoidz overnight, marking the first new music from the band in fifteen years. Proceeds from the release and its accompanying merchandise will all benefit the ArmeniaFund.
Speaking of the meaning behind this release, the band write: “The current corrupt regimes of Aliyev in Azerbaijan and Erdogan in Turkey not only want to claim Artsakh and Armenia as their own, but are committing genocidal acts with impunity on humanity and wildlife to achieve their mission. They are banking on the world being too distracted with COVID, elections and civil unrest to call out their atrocities.”
The band continue, “they have the bankroll, the resources and have recruited massive public relations firms to spin the truth and conceal their barbaric objective of genocide. Between these two dictatorships, there’s a lot of disinformation and silencing of voices within their own countries. Freedom of speech is not something that is enjoyed by everyone, but it is enjoyed here, so part of that responsibility is getting the truth out there whenever possible. We’re here to protect our land, to protect our culture, and to protect our nation. This is not the time to turn a blind eye.”
As the band state, “the funds from Bandcamp + pre-orders of our new merch collection will be used to provide crucial, desperately needed aid and basic supplies for those affected by these hideous acts”. Listen to both tracks below, and click here to buy them and donate to the ArmeniaFund.
https://open.spotify.com/track/11ajcVj3qSyyMPUpTJUP3y?si=YyK-iUMqQvmfIoEyP2rYUQ
https://open.spotify.com/track/3Sg3bOiD0kE4D5DcXk48Ds?si=ZsloceYqTyOzWgw4Wr13fw