System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian reflected on the intense experience of opening for Slayer, stating in a recent interview that it is challenging but ultimately valuable. When the band joined Slayer on their “Diabolus in Musica” tour, System of a Down had just released their debut album, and their popularity was starting to rise.
However, performing songs like “Soil,” “Sugar,” and “Spiders” for Slayer’s hardcore fans was not easy. The reception, particularly on the West Coast, was mixed. Despite this, the experience played a crucial role in shaping the band’s identity and resilience.
Shavo likened the tour to a “heavy metal boot camp,” giving emphasis to the fact that if they could handle opening for Slayer in tough cities like San Francisco, they could perform anywhere. The early days were marked by challenges, with some shows receiving little to no reaction. However, the band remained determined, giving their all at every performance and never backing down. This persistence paid off, and in hindsight, Shavo views those experiences as essential to their growth and success.
“The West Coast wasn’t that easy. I mean, we had already penetrated LA, so our some of our fans were there. When we played with Slayer, that was crazy. We didn’t get a good reaction. It wasn’t the best reaction, but it built us, and that’s what kind of made us who we are today.”
Shavo added:
“Because it was a boot camp. It was like heavy metal boot camp, you know? And if you can open up for Slayer in San Francisco, you can open up for anyone. So, we had to do that.”
Summing up the early days of S.O.A.D., the bassist added:
“I mean, there was some… In the beginning, there was no reaction. We sort of [went] 130% in, and then we played again. Boom, let’s go. We never gave up. And here we are. There were good and bad experiences, but, looking back, they were all wonderful. And I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Frontman Serj Tankian also reflected on the tour, noting that it taught him how to command and engage tough crowds. The experience helped him develop the skills needed to control an audience and perform under pressure. While Serj has a deep appreciation for metal, he also enjoys a wide range of musical genres, reflecting his broad musical tastes.
“We toured opening for Slayer for a year, so you do blend in, you learn the lessons. It was like a boot camp for us. You had these really hardcore fans that you know would use a knife to make a tattoo of Slayer on their arm. You gotta know how to duck and cover, yell and scream, use your authority, and learn how to control an audience. It was more performance art, really. But I do love metal. Don’t get me wrong. I love rock, I love metal, but I don’t necessarily love it over other types of music. I love other types of music as well.”
