Scars on Broadway: A Daron Malakian Return to Raw Intensity

Here’s a revised article for archyde.com, focusing on Serj Tankian’s nuanced perspectives and artistic inspirations, while adhering to the requested style and tone:

Serj Tankian: Beyond the Riff – Exploring Violence, Politics, and the Fragile Present

System of a down frontman Serj Tankian, a figure synonymous with raw energy and potent lyrical themes, offers a surprisingly introspective look into his worldview in a recent discussion. Far from the explosive stage persona, Tankian reveals a thoughtful artist grappling with the complexities of violence, the nuances of political discourse, and the ever-present weight of the present moment.

The conversation touches upon a formative experience that shaped Tankian’s understanding of authoritarianism. His visit to Iraq at 14, during which he witnessed the ubiquitous imagery of Saddam Hussein and experienced the palpable fear associated with dissent, left an indelible mark. “Talking like that was seriously dangerous and I had no idea,” Tankian recalls, referencing his flippant remark to his cousin about a Hussein statue. This stark contrast to his Hollywood upbringing proved to be a “definite learning experience,” directly influencing his later songwriting,including the overtly critical “Satan Hussein.”

When probed about the current political landscape, notably the perception of authoritarian tendencies in leadership, Tankian adopts a measured stance, eschewing partisan divides. “I don’t hate the guy and I don’t love the guy,” he states, emphasizing a refusal to align with specific political factions. He expresses a deep concern for the “division in this country,” believing that extreme viewpoints, regardless of their origin, can converge in detrimental ways. This thoughtful disengagement from the political fray underscores his desire to transcend simple black-and-white narratives.

The visceral themes of violence, central to his new project “Addicted to the Violence” and the track “Killing Spree,” are not merely a celebration of aggression, but a complex exploration of its desensitizing effects. Tankian clarifies that the song’s “ridiculous” and “heavy” nature is amplified by an “absurd delivery, almost like I’m having fun with it.” He clarifies, “I’m not celebrating the violence, but the delivery is done the way a crazy person would celebrate it.” Citing a disturbing social media video of bystanders laughing at a car accident victim, Tankian observes a disturbing trend: “a lot of people have become desensitized to violence.” his artistic approach, therefore, delves into the “viewpoint of a killer, the viewpoint of a victim, and my own viewpoint,” seeking to dissect the multifaceted nature of violent societal engagement.

As “Addicted to the Violence” arrives just weeks before System of a Down’s final scheduled shows for 2025, tankian addresses the delicate balance between his two musical endeavors, System of a Down and Scars on Broadway. He admits there were times he struggled to “juggle the two very well,” but now feels “more confident and very comfortable.” While expressing a desire to perform more with Scars on Broadway alongside his continued affection for System, he remains open to the organic evolution of both projects. “I couldn’t tell you how either band will evolve,” he muses, emphasizing the importance of “natural ways” and the lessons learned from past experiences. Ultimately, Tankian anchors himself in the present, stating, “everything we’ve experienced has brought us to where we are now. And now is all we’ve got because the past is gone and the future isn’t here yet. So, the most crucial thing is the present.”

This sentiment of embracing the present, coupled with a refusal to be pigeonholed by political allegiances or simplistic interpretations of his art, paints a compelling portrait of Serj Tankian as an artist who consistently pushes boundaries, not just with his music, but with his articulate and profound engagement with the world around him.

How does scars on Broadway differ musically from Daron Malakian’s work with System of a Down?

The Genesis of a Project – From System of a Down to Solo Exploration

Daron malakian, the architect of System of a Down’s uniquely chaotic and politically charged sound, has always possessed a restless creative spirit. following SOAD’s hiatus, Malakian didn’t simply rest on his laurels. He embarked on a series of projects, including Scars on Broadway, initially conceived as a vehicle for B-sides and experimental material that didn’t quite fit the SOAD mold. This wasn’t a “side project” in the traditional sense; it was an outlet for the unfiltered, intensely personal songwriting that defined Malakian’s artistic core. The project’s evolution reflects a journey of self-discovery, moving from raw demos to a fully realized sonic landscape.

Deconstructing the Sound: Influences and Instrumentation

Scars on Broadway’s sound is instantly recognizable, yet distinct from System of a Down. While retaining the signature Malakian guitar work – characterized by dissonant chords, intricate melodies, and a penchant for odd time signatures – it leans more heavily into progressive rock and atmospheric elements.

Key Influences: Progressive rock bands like King Crimson and Pink Floyd are audible,alongside the Armenian folk music that deeply impacted Malakian’s upbringing. elements of jazz fusion also surface, particularly in the complex instrumental arrangements.

Instrumentation: Beyond the standard rock instrumentation (guitar, bass, drums), Malakian frequently incorporates acoustic instruments, synthesizers, and orchestral arrangements. This creates a layered, textured sound that’s both powerful and delicate. The use of bouzouki, a traditional Armenian instrument, is a recurring motif, grounding the music in his heritage.

Vocal Style: Malakian’s vocal delivery is a crucial component. He moves seamlessly between melodic singing, aggressive shouts, and spoken-word passages, mirroring the emotional intensity of the lyrics.

Lyrical Themes: Trauma, Identity, and the Armenian Experience

The lyrics in Scars on Broadway are deeply personal and often explore challenging themes. Unlike the broader political commentary often found in System of a Down, Malakian’s solo work delves into individual trauma, the search for identity, and the lasting impact of the Armenian Genocide on his family and culture.

The Armenian Genocide: This ancient tragedy is a recurring theme, explored not through direct depictions of violence, but through metaphors of loss, displacement, and the struggle to preserve cultural memory. Songs often grapple with intergenerational trauma and the weight of history.

Personal Struggles: Malakian doesn’t shy away from addressing his own internal battles with anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. These themes are presented with a raw honesty that resonates with listeners.

Symbolism and Imagery: The lyrics are rich in symbolism and imagery, often drawing from Armenian folklore and mythology. This adds layers of meaning and invites multiple interpretations.

Dictated by Fate: A Landmark Release

The 2018 album, Dictated by Fate, marked a meaningful turning point for Scars on Broadway. it was the first full-length release under the moniker, and it showcased Malakian’s vision in its most fully realized form.

Production: Malakian self-produced the album, giving him complete control over the sonic landscape.This allowed him to experiment with unconventional arrangements and push the boundaries of the project’s sound.

Songwriting: Dictated by Fate features a diverse range of songs,from the aggressive,riff-driven “Angry” to the atmospheric and melancholic “Lives.” The album demonstrates Malakian’s versatility as a songwriter.

Critical Reception: The album received generally positive reviews,with critics praising Malakian’s songwriting,musicianship,and willingness to explore challenging themes. Many noted the album’s unique sound and its departure from the System of a Down formula.

Live Performances: Capturing the Intensity

scars on Broadway’s live performances are known for their intensity and energy. Malakian’s stage presence is captivating, and he’s able to translate the complex arrangements of the albums into a powerful live experience.

Band Lineup: The live band typically features a rotating cast of musicians,allowing Malakian to experiment with different sounds and arrangements.

Setlist: Setlists frequently enough include songs from Dictated by Fate,and also older material and covers.

Visuals: Live shows often incorporate striking visuals,enhancing the atmosphere and complementing the music.

The Future of Scars on Broadway: Continued Evolution

Daron Malakian continues to evolve Scars on Broadway as a platform for his artistic expression. While the future direction of the project remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Malakian will continue to push boundaries, explore challenging themes, and deliver music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The project represents a vital outlet for a musician who refuses to be confined by genre or expectation, and a testament to the enduring power of raw, honest artistry. Fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the Scars on Broadway story, expecting further exploration of his unique musical vision.