During a brand new interview with The Montreal Gazette, SYSTEM OF A DOWN drummer John Dolmayan was asked when fans can expect to hear a new studio album from the reunited band. "We don't know what will happen next," he said, "but I'd like to be in the studio at this time next year … possibly making an album by 2014."

As for whether he is concerned that SYSTEM OF A DOWN's continued eclectic experimentation will result in a possible backlash from the group's fans, Dolmayan said, "If we were concerned about what people think, SYSTEM wouldn't exist. I have no concerns about what the album will sound like. I just worry about when it will come out."

SYSTEM OF A DOWN went on a five-year on hiatus in 2006 while its members pursued various personal projects. The band announced in late 2010 that it was reuniting "simply because we want to play together again."

"It was time," Dolmayan told The Montreal Gazette. "While I do think the hiatus was good for the band, I wish it wasn't so long."

SYSTEM OF A DOWN is fronted by Serj Tankian, who is not afraid to share his political views both on and off the stage. In addition to co-founding (with RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's Tom Morello) the non-profit political activist organization Axis Of Justice, Serj is an activist for such causes as anti-globalism anti-militarism, and the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

Although SYSTEM OF A DOWN's lyrical themes often cover progressive politics and social-justice causes, Dolmayan told The Montreal Gazette that the band isn't interested in preaching. "That's not what people pay for," he said. "They pay to come see us play live, create magic on stage, not to be told how to live their lives. … If someone takes something positive out of our music, or what we say on stage, that's great. But we don't ever want to force them."