Daron Malakian And Scars On Broadway Announce New Album With New Song

Daron Malakian, guitarist and vocalist for System Of A Down, has announced the release of a new album under his alternative project Scars On Broadway, entitled Addicted to the Violence. Scheduled for release on July 18, 2025, this record marks the group's first new full-length offering since 2018's Dictator. Notably, Addicted to the Violence is set to include ten tracks, with the provocative lead single “Killing Spree” already generating significant discussion.

Malakian, known for his unflinching honesty and willingness to delve into controversial themes, addresses societal issues head-on in “Killing Spree.” The song tackles the disturbing trend of increased violence among the youth, a phenomenon Malakian attributes to a broader societal and cultural detachment. He argues that while such topics might be uncomfortable, they are real events deserving of artistic exploration. “The kids are on a killing spree,” he bluntly observes, highlighting a growing disregard for life and empathy that he perceives in today's society.

The album's creation process mirrors Malakian’s personal and musical evolution. It is not only a reflection of his contemporary observations but also his approach to music-making without boundaries. Malakian's songwriting is driven by unpredictability and authenticity. This philosophy mirrors his refusal to be pigeonholed, as he employs an array of musical styles ranging from heavy metal riffs to more meditative mid-tempo compositions. Such diversity within the album ensures a dynamic listening experience that evokes varied emotional responses, akin to the complexities of human experience.

Malakian’s approach to songwriting has evolved with his career and his role within Scars On Broadway. Initially, many of the tracks were conceived with the intention of being included in potential System Of A Down projects. However, as the band remains in creative limbo, these songs have found new life within the Scars On Broadway collection. The album, produced by Malakian himself, also features collaborations with musicians Orbel Babayan, Roman Lomtadze, and Matthew “Narducci” Silberman, providing a rich musical tapestry that supports Malakian's poignant lyrics and themes.

The release of “Killing Spree” marks an important milestone in Malakian’s discography, further underlining his commitment to addressing complex societal issues through his art. He invokes stark imagery and candidly paints a picture of current social climate, reflecting on the pervasive nature of violence today. He calls out the spectatorship that social media has fostered, where people are more inclined to record violent acts than to intervene. This sentiment underscores a key theme of the album: society’s addiction to violence and the normalization of apathy.

Alongside the album launch, Malakian plans to reconnect with audiences through live performances, although no formal tour dates have been set as of now. The anticipation for live renditions of Addicted to the Violence is palpable, as fans eagerly await the opportunity to experience Malakian’s new catalog in a concert setting. Despite the absence of scheduled tours, Malakian reassures fans of his intention to bring the album to life on stage when the time is right.

In promoting Addicted to the Violence, limited-edition vinyls and exclusive physical copies have been made available for pre-order. Malakian's dedicated fanbase is eager to see how the album's themes of violence, societal detachment, and the human experience resonate with listeners upon its release. This focus on tangible editions reflects a continuing desire to connect music with physical form, offering fans a piece of the creative process to hold and cherish.

Through Addicted to the Violence, Daron Malakian once again asserts his place as a boundary-pushing artist. By exploring themes that many might shy away from, he not only comments on the state of society but reflects his commitment to using music as a platform for critical social discourse. The album's contemplative and raw nature promises to challenge listeners and spark conversations about the world around them – a testament to Malakian's enduring legacy in the rock music scene.