Genocidal Humanoidz is very Steal This Album-esque. Protect the Land sounds like a Scars on Broadway song that happens to feature Serj but that riff is absolutely killer.
What are the odds that SOAD release not one but two new songs for the first time in 15 years on my 30th birthday haha. Echoing what others have said with Genocidal Humanoidz being the stronger one out the two. After all this time though I do wonder what actually took so long given the sound of both songs. They could easily fit in the later part of their discography. I have to also agree with what someone said above about the vocals. Toxicity got the balance right.
It’s pretty amazing how open they all are in the RS interview that they reeaally had to set all their problems aside to get these recorded. I imagine having them already worked out in some form had to smooth out the process. It inspires no hope that they’ll record more any time soon. They’ll probably be like Rage and leave well enough alone so they can at least play shows together.
Echoing most people, but I think Genocidal Humanoidz is killer but Protect The Land is very forgettable. I'm not able to see the full Rolling Stone article. Any mention of an album coming, or were these just one offs?
No plans to record anything else. They recorded it solely to bring awareness to the situation in Artsakh. Serj doesn't want to do anything else until there is a cease fire. The rest of the band hopes to do something in the future.
yeah - fuck John. It’s super awkward because literally the rest of the dudes are very outspoken against Trump. Serj has literally fought with John on social media and I wish they would just kick his ass out already. John’s a good drummer but they can easily replace him.
They also had to beg Serj to do the double records. He wanted to quit after Toxicity because of creative difficulties and unfortunately - it’s never been resolved. Even though they have more than enough material for a record or two - I don’t see them doing a proper record for possibly ever? Either way; it’s the perfect time for them to drop new music with the political climate and what’s happening in Armenia.
That’s crazy they recorded a whole ass double album with Serj having one foot out the door. His energy is incredible on those albums. I’m genuinely surprised his heart wasn’t as in it as I thought.
New songs are decent, and definitely for a great cause. It's a shame they could never work out their issues. I'm sure there are nuances you can't see from the outside, but Daron always struck as me as someone who seems really difficult to work with. His insistence on having a bigger vocal presence bummed me out, because Serj has such a dynamic and interesting voice.
Yeah, I'm not opposed to Daron's vocal parts but it's obvious why Serj should be front and center, I also just love the way their voices complement each other and feel Daron has the perfect amount of vocal parts as is for me to get excited when they come up in a song
We were so close to working with them for the shows this summer and had several meetings with Shavo. if it wasn’t for him they’d never play any shows. He’s desperate to do new music but the others just aren’t interested and any show they do play is about $$
Sounds right to me - Shavo is great. I have friends who know him personally and I’ve met him once myself - super nice dude. Very humble and down to earth.
Really wish they would reckon with the amazing cognitive dissonance of simultaneously having the political stance that they do and having a Trump supporter in their band
I don't respect John (lol) but I do respect the band coming together for a cause so personal and important to them. Hope that makes sense.