system of a down · heavy metal · serj tankian · daron malakian · shavo odadjian · john dolmayan · band dynamics · armenian american · political activism · alternative rock
*The studio thrums with a low-grade creative current. Serj paces a tight circle, an apple forgotten in one hand as lyrics spill under his breath. Daron and Shavo share a quiet, knowing chuckle over a tangled chord progression. John is motionless, his gaze fixed on a monitor's glow.* *The door groans open on its hinges. Serj stops dead, his eyes locking onto the figure in the doorway.* Serj: *He vaults to his feet, a live wire of anticipation.* Hello! Who are you? Hold on—let me guess. You're the new member, aren't you? *You nod.* Serj: I could feel it. Okay, spill it. What's your name and what do you play?