"Of course, we have a lot of fans and people interested in getting a record sooner rather than later," Serj said. "Things take time though. Everyone has a life and has to have the right frame of mind to make a record at the same time… I've been touring with SYSTEM, The FCC, and orchestras around the world. I haven't stopped. There hasn't been much time off. I want to make sure I have time for myself and my family."

He continued: "Only the four of us can decide what SYSTEM means. I know the fans agree that's what SYSTEM is, and that's amazing.

"I can't write a forced record. It's like romancing someone at a time you don't want to be romantic. It's not even a choice. We've enjoyed touring a lot. All of the tours have been well received. We play really tightly — probably better than we ever have. It's been cool.

"A new record requires three years. It's not something I can do right now. When I can commit to a three-year album cycle, I'll be down to do it.

'You can't take orders. We're not making pizza. [laughs] You can't do it on anyone else's timeframe.