Protect the Land

Last updated

"Protect the Land"
SOAD Protect the Land.jpg
Single by System of a Down
A-side "Genocidal Humanoidz" [1]
ReleasedNovember 6, 2020 (2020-11-06)
RecordedOctober 2020
Genre Alternative metal
Length5:07
Label
Songwriter(s) Daron Malakian
Producer(s)
  • Daron Malakian
  • Lara Aslanian
System of a Down singles chronology
"Vicinity of Obscenity"
(2006)
"Protect the Land" / "Genocidal Humanoidz"
(2020)
Music video
"Protect the Land" on YouTube

"Protect the Land" is a song recorded by American heavy metal band System of a Down. It was released as a double A-side single with "Genocidal Humanoidz" on November 6, 2020, through American Recordings and Columbia Records, to raise awareness and funds for Armenia and the unrecognised Republic of Artsakh amid the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. [2] It is the band's first release in 15 years since their fifth studio album Hypnotize (2005), [3] their first single in 14 years since "Vicinity of Obscenity" (2006), and their first two singles to not feature their long-time producer Rick Rubin. The two singles have raised over $600,000 that was donated to the Armenia Fund to help those who have been affected by the war. [4] [5]

Contents

Background and release

We as System Of A Down have just released new music for the first time in 15 years. The time to do this is now, as together, the four of us have something extremely important to say as a unified voice. These two songs, "Protect The Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz" both speak of a dire and serious war being perpetrated upon our cultural homelands of Artsakh and Armenia.

—The band about the inspiration behind the song. [6]

"Protect the Land" was written by the band's guitarist and second singer Daron Malakian in 2018 along with another song about tensions involving the unrecognised Artsakh, called "Lives", for the second Scars on Broadway album, Dictator . [6] In late September 2020, after a new war broke out between Armenia, Artsakh and Azerbaijan in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, the band members started using their platforms to raise awareness of the issue. The band's lead singer Serj Tankian, whose grandfather survived the 1915 Armenian genocide, told The Fader that he sees a "high probability of genocide of Armenians" in Artsakh being carried out by Azerbaijan with the support of Turkey. [7] Tankian donated $250,000 to the Armenia Fund and also participated in an online fundraising concert called "Rock for Artsakh" in October. [8] [9]

Within a few days of deciding to record, each musician started arranging his own part. Tankian developed his harmonies for "Protect the Land" while still in New Zealand, where he lives part-time, and he later flew to Los Angeles on October 11 to join everyone in the studio. They finished tracking the cuts that week. [6] Bassist Shavo Odadjian said that "it was such a pleasure for us to be together in the studio again, very comforting and natural, like no time had passed at all". [3] On November 6, 2020, "Protect the Land" was released along with "Genocidal Humanoidz" digitally as a double A-side single. [10] The artwork of the track features the flag of Armenia with the zig-zag chevron pattern of the flag of the Republic of Artsakh superimposed and the We Are Our Mountains monument in its capital Stepanakert. [6] It is the first release of the band in 15 years since their chart topping fifth studio album Hypnotize from 2005. In an official statement released on their website after the singles' premiere, the band said they hoped their fans would listen to the songs and "be inspired to speak out about the horrific injustices and human rights violations occurring there now". [11]

Critical reception and composition

In a positive review for Louder magazine, Merlin Alderslade wrote that the track is "built around a massive, groovy, swaying Daron Malakian riff that recalls a little of Steal This Album! banger "Mr Jack". It sounds huge – a reminder of the guitarist's impeccable knack for a big hook – but really it's the vocals that steal the show here. Daron and lead vocalist Serj Tankian remain metal's greatest singing duo, and hearing their voices wrapped around each other in perfect harmony again doesn't so much pull on the heartstrings as slap them like a double bass". [12] Kory Grow from Rolling Stone wrote: "The track opens with a slow-churning guitar riff and Malakian and Tankian harmonizing lyrics that ask listeners what they would do if someone tried to push them from their homes. "Would you stay and take a stand?" they ask mournfully. "Would you stay with gun in hand? They protect the land". To drive it home, when they repeat those questions later, Malakian runs his hands up his guitar neck, imitating the sound of bombs falling". [6]

Music video

The music video of the song features scenes from the bombardment of Artsakh's capital Stepanakert.

The music video for "Protect the Land", directed by Shavo Odadjian and Ara Soudjian, was uploaded to the band's YouTube channel on November 6, 2020. [11] It features footage of Armenian soldiers on the frontlines, as well as shots of the band with projections of some of the footage Odadjian shot superimposed over their faces, similar to the band's “Toxicity” video. [6]

While talking about the concept of the video, Odadjian said: "I brought in everyone from every age. We have babies, my two sons, the high priest of L.A. [Los Angeles], doctors, cab drivers, and soldiers in the video. At the same time, we have people in Armenia in Artsakh filming on the frontlines of the war going on. So the message is, 'I know we're thousands of miles away, but we stand with our troops and we stand for this one common cause as Armenians.'" [6]

As of May 2023, the song has 18 million views on YouTube.

Charts

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Protect the Land"
RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
VariousNovember 6, 2020 [10] [1]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">System of a Down</span> American metal band

System of a Down is an Armenian-American heavy metal band formed in Glendale, California, in 1994. Since 1997, the band has consisted of Serj Tankian ; Daron Malakian ; Shavo Odadjian ; and John Dolmayan (drums), who replaced original drummer Andy Khachaturian.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Serj Tankian</span> American-Armenian singer (born 1967)

Serj Tankian is a Syrian-born Armenian-American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the founder, lead vocalist and primary lyricist of System of a Down, which was formed in 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shavo Odadjian</span> American bassist

Shavarsh "Shavo" Odadjian is an Armenian-American musician, best known as the bassist of heavy metal band System of a Down. He also plays bass in a trap group called North Kingsley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Dolmayan</span> American drummer (born 1972)

John Dolmayan is a Lebanese-born Armenian-American musician, best known as the drummer of System of a Down. He is also the drummer for the band Indicator and former drummer for Scars on Broadway. Dolmayan ranked number 33 on Loudwire's list of Top 200 Hard Rock + Metal Drummers of All Time.

<i>Toxicity</i> (album) 2001 studio album by System of a Down

Toxicity is the second studio album by the American heavy metal band System of a Down, released on September 4, 2001, by American Recordings and Columbia Records. Expanding on their 1998 eponymous debut album, Toxicity incorporates more melody, harmonies, and singing than the band's first album. Categorized primarily as alternative metal and nu metal, the album features elements of multiple genres, including folk, progressive rock, jazz, and Armenian and Greek music, including prominent use of instruments like the sitar, banjo, keyboards, and piano. It contains a wide array of political and non-political themes, such as mass incarceration, the CIA, the environment, police brutality, drug addiction, scientific reductionism, and groupies.

<i>Steal This Album!</i> 2002 studio album by System of a Down

Steal This Album! is the third studio album by the American heavy metal band System of a Down, released on November 26, 2002, by American Recordings and Columbia Records. Produced by Rick Rubin and Daron Malakian, it peaked at number 15 on the US Billboard 200.

<i>System of a Down</i> (album) 1998 studio album by System of a Down

System of a Down is the debut studio album by the American heavy metal band System of a Down, released on June 30, 1998 by American Recordings and Columbia Records. The album was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in February 2000. After the success of the band's following album, Toxicity (2001), System of a Down was certified platinum and has since gone double platinum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daron Malakian</span> Armenian-American rock musician

Daron Malakian is an Armenian-American musician. He is the guitarist, songwriter, and second vocalist of the metal band System of a Down, and the lead vocalist, lead guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter of Scars on Broadway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chop Suey!</span> 2001 single by System of a Down

"Chop Suey!" is a song by the American heavy metal band System of a Down. It was released on August 13, 2001, as the first single from their second album, Toxicity (2001). The single earned the band its first Grammy nomination in 2002 for Best Metal Performance. "Chop Suey!" is often considered the band's signature song.

<i>Hypnotize</i> (album) 2005 studio album by System of a Down

Hypnotize is the fifth and most recent studio album by the American heavy metal band System of a Down. It was released on November 22, 2005, one year following the album's completion, and six months after the release of its companion album Mezmerize. Mezmerize and Hypnotize both debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

<i>Mezmerize</i> 2005 studio album by System of a Down

Mezmerize is the fourth studio album by the American heavy metal band System of a Down, released on May 17, 2005, by American Recordings and Columbia Records. Upon its release, the album received acclaim from critics. The album sold over 450,000 copies in its first week, and immediately topped the Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">B.Y.O.B. (song)</span> 2005 single by System of a Down

"B.Y.O.B." is a song by American heavy metal band System of a Down. It was released in March 2005 as the lead single from their fourth album Mezmerize. Like their earlier song "Boom!", it was written in protest against the Iraq War. The song reached number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the band's highest peak to date on the chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toxicity (song)</span> 2002 single by System of a Down

"Toxicity" is a single by American heavy metal band System of a Down, released in 2002. It was originally released on the album of the same name. The writing credits for the song are Malakian, Odadjian, Tankian and Dolmayan. It is known for its dynamic chorus, aggressive vocals, and prominent drum beat. The song is predominantly in triple meter, alternating between 6
4
, 12
8
and 4
4
time. The guitar during the verse plays in 6
4
using a 2+2+2 phrasing while the heavy part makes use of a hemiola with the guitar switching to a 3+3+3+3 pattern while the drums remain in compound duple meter until the bridge. The song was ranked number 14 on VH1's 40 Greatest Metal Songs, and was called a nu metal classic by Stylus Magazine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Question!</span> 2005 single by System of a Down

"Question!" is a song by American heavy metal band System of a Down, released in July 2005 as the second single from their fourth studio album, Mezmerize (2005).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Innervision</span> 2002 promotional single by System of a Down

"Innervision" is a song by American heavy metal band System of a Down, released as a promotional single from their third studio album, Steal This Album! (2002).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sugar (System of a Down song)</span> 1998 single by System of a Down

"Sugar" is a song by American heavy metal band System of a Down. It was released as the band's first ever single on May 24, 1998, and as an EP on May 26, 1999. The song was taken from their debut studio album, System of a Down (1998).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lonely Day</span> 2006 single by System of a Down

"Lonely Day" is a song by Armenian-American heavy metal band System of a Down. It was released in 2006 as the second single from their fifth album Hypnotize (2005), and written by guitarist Daron Malakian, who also provides lead vocals on this track. The song received a nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">System of a Down discography</span>

System of a Down is an American heavy metal band formed by vocalist Serj Tankian, guitarist Daron Malakian, bassist Shavo Odadjian, and drummer John Dolmayan in the mid-1990s. They have released five studio albums, nineteen singles, and thirteen music videos. By the end of 1997, the group had signed to American Recordings, then distributed as Columbia Records. The following year, they released their eponymous debut album, which peaked at number 124 on the United States' Billboard 200 and number 103 on the United Kingdom's UK Albums Chart; it was later certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and gold by Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA). Their eponymous debut album produced a single for the song "Sugar", which reached the top 30 on the Billboard mainstream rock songs and alternative songs charts. Their follow-up album, Toxicity (2001), topped the US and Canadian charts, and also reached the top 10 in Australia, Finland, and New Zealand. The album was certified triple platinum in its home country, and triple platinum in Australia by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), as well as double platinum by Music Canada. Toxicity produced singles for the title track, "Chop Suey!", and "Aerials". The last of these peaked at number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs and Alternative Songs charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway</span> American metal band

Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway is an American alternative metal band founded by Daron Malakian of the metal band System of a Down, who also became the sole member of the band. The band's self-titled debut album was released in July 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genocidal Humanoidz</span> 2020 single by System of a Down

"Genocidal Humanoidz" is a song recorded by American heavy metal band System of a Down. It was released as a double A-side single with "Protect the Land" on November 6, 2020, through American Recordings and Columbia Records, to raise awareness and funds for Armenia and the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh amid the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. It is the band's first release in 15 years since their fifth studio album Hypnotize (2005), their first single in 14 years since "Lonely Day" (2006), and their first two singles to not feature their long-time producer Rick Rubin. The two singles have raised over $600,000 that was donated to the Armenia Fund to help those who have been affected by the war.

References

  1. 1 2 "System Of A Down Protect The Land / Genocidal Humanoidz - 7" Vinyl". systemofadown.com . November 6, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  2. "System of a Down Returns After 15-Year Absence with Pair of Provocative, Political Songs". November 6, 2020.
  3. 1 2 "System Of A Down share first new songs in 15 years, 'Protect The Land' and 'Genocidal Humanoidz'". NME . November 6, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  4. "System of a Down Releases First New Music in 15 Years to Fundraise for Armenia". Vulture . November 6, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  5. "System Of A Down's New Singles Raised Over $600K For The Armenia Fund". Forbes . November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Hear System of a Down's First New Music in 15 Years, 'Protect the Land' and 'Genocidal Humanoidz'". Rolling Stone . November 6, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  7. "Serj Tankian on the threat of genocide in Artsakh". The Fader . October 30, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  8. "Iconic musicians unite for Concert for Artsakh". GlobeNewswire (Press release). October 22, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  9. "Serj Tankian donates $250,000 to Hayastan All-Armenian Fund". Public Radio of Armenia . October 8, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  10. 1 2 "Protect The Land / Genocidal Humanoidz by System of a Down". Amazon.com . Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  11. 1 2 "System of a Down Release First New Music in 15 Years". Loudwire . November 6, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  12. "System Of A Down's New Music: Our First Impressions". Louder . November 6, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  13. "ARIA Digital Tracks". ARIA Report. ARIA Charts. November 16, 2020. Retrieved November 21, 2020.
  14. "System Of A Down – Protect the Land" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  15. "System Of A Down Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  16. "System Of A Down Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  17. "CZ - Radio - Top 20 Modern Rock". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry . Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  18. "System of a Down Chart History (Billboard Global 200)". Billboard . Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  19. "System of a Down Chart History (Euro Digital Song Sales)". Billboard . Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  20. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  21. "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. November 16, 2020. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  22. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. November 13, 2020. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  23. "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. November 13, 2020. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  24. "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. November 13, 2020. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  25. "Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. November 13, 2020. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  26. "System Of A Down Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  27. "System Of A Down Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  28. "System Of A Down Chart History (Hot Hard Rock Songs)". Billboard . Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  29. "System of a Down Chart History (Mainstream Rock Airplay)". Billboard . Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  30. "YEAR-END CHARTS: Hot Hard Rock Songs". Billboard . Retrieved November 9, 2022.