System of a down's Daron Malakian has spoken exclusively to Kerrang! about the band's forthcoming Release 'Hypnotize', part two of system's promised 2005 two album set.

System of a down's Daron Malakian Reveals his private worries as the band prepare for the release 'Hypnotize'

The band's guitarist/singer has revealed that these new songs are among the best he's ever written, but claims that critical acclaim following "Mezmerize', the first album of the set, has left him feeling exposed and separated from his band mates ...
You were very nervous about what people might think of 'Mezmerize'. Are you just as nervous about 'Hypnotize" ?

"No, I was nervous because 'Mezmerize' and 'Hypnotize' were taking system of a down in another direction and, as nobody had heard 'Mezmerize' at that point, i wasn't sure how people would react to me singing more or the sounds in general. 'Mezmerize' broke the ice, so I'm not nervous about how 'Hypnotize' will be received. I'm a lot more confident."


Why the decision to sing more- Are these songs more personal to you?

"A Little of that and I thought my voice would suit the songs more. When someone else is singing about your emotions, it can be tough to get that person to understand the same emotion that you've  lived or felt."


People are already calling these 2 albums your masterpieces. Does that make you proud?

"Sometimes it makes me feel alienated from my band, which doesn't feel very good."


Is that because there's a lot more attention o­n you now?

" It's kind if funny because through the years I've always written the music, the songs and some of the lyrics. But, for years, alot of people thought Serj wrote everything because I wasn't singing. Now the attention has turned to me and it's a little bit weird. It's taken me a little time to get used to it. "


Were you bitter about Serj getting all the attention?
"Sometimes I used to be, but not anymore. I knew that wasn't Serj's fault so I wasn't ever angry with him.
It never really caused any bad relationship between us because how could I blame him?
It's not like he plays up to being a rock star. he's happier for me now because he's always wanted people to know what I do in the band and he's never tried to hide that."


If you had to review this album, what would you say about it?

"I've always explained out music as a rollercoaster ride, up and down. Each song is its own
rollercoaster and, hopefully, you go through a zillion types of excitement and emotions while you're involved in it.
That's how I see System of a Down. But Talking about the songs is not my favorite thing to do because thinking about what I did to make these songs come out isn't necessarily a healthy thing for me. In fact, thinking at all isn't very healthy."


Do you think the songs o­n 'hypnotize' are the best songs you've ever written?
"yes, alot of them. The same with 'Mezmerize'. I think if people dug that album, then they'll dig 'Hypnotize' - but I don't really think about other people too much and what they think."



-From Kerrnag! Magazine

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