LOS ANGELES (Launch.com–Sonicnet Music News)–The LA-based rock band System Of A Down announced plans for a benefit concert entitled "Souls: A Benefit for Recognition Of The Armenian Genocide to Stop Crimes Against Humanity," scheduled to take place November 4 at the Palace in Hollywood. Proceeds will benefit the Armenian National Committee of America.
All the members of System Of A Down are of Armenian descent. Vocalist Serj Tankian says–"It’s important for people to be aware of the atrocities inflicted on the Armenian people by the Ottoman Empire during World War I and that those actions continue to be covered up by the Turkish government–the US State Department–the US administration."
Tankian added–"The Armenian genocide happened; it was very real to the 1.5 million Armenia’s who were murdered or deported from their homeland. Had the Armenian Genocide been deemed a crime against humanity in the books after World War II–Hitler might not have thought he could get away with the Jewish Holocaust."
Tankian–guitarist Daron Malakian–bassist Shavo Odadjian–and drummer John Dolmayan hope to release a new album in March or April–according to a management representative. The band has completed about six or seven songs so far but hopes to have 20–25 by the time it heads into the studio in late November. Producer Rick Rubin "most likely" will produce the LP–the representative said.
"It’s important for people to be aware of the atrocities inflicted on the Armenian people by the Ottoman Empire during World War I–and that those actions continue to be covered up by the Turkish government–the US State Department–the US Administration–and Turkey’s allies in the defense and oil industries," Tankian said in a statement Tuesday.
