Daron Malakian - ON METAL (Part 1)
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this episode of Tetragrammaton, composer and System of a Down founding member Daron Malakian takes listeners on a comprehensive journey through the evolution of heavy metal music. (00:23) Starting with the power chord origins in bands like The Kinks and The Who, Malakian traces metal's development from psychedelic rock through Black Sabbath's pioneering darkness, to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and into the extreme thrash movement of the 1980s. (05:00) Using music as his guide, he explores how different eras, sounds, and styles shaped his identity as an artist, discussing what he listens for in metal including riffs, mood, aggression, and atmosphere.
- Core theme: The chronological evolution of heavy metal from late 1960s psychedelic roots through 1980s thrash, examining how each era built upon previous innovations while developing distinct characteristics that defined the genre
Speakers
Daron Malakian
Daron Malakian is a composer, guitarist, vocalist, and record producer best known as a founding member of the Grammy-winning band System of a Down. As the band's primary songwriter and creative force, he has helped sell over 40 million records worldwide and established System of a Down as one of the most innovative and politically conscious metal bands of the modern era. Beyond System of a Down, Malakian has pursued various musical projects including Scars on Broadway, showcasing his diverse musical influences that span far beyond heavy metal into psychedelic, world music, and experimental genres.
Key Takeaways
Single Musical Moments Can Spark Entire Genres
Malakian emphasizes how individual riffs or songs can ignite entire musical movements. (02:42) He explains that sometimes "even a riff from a band can spark a whole genre. Just that tiny moment." This concept illustrates how creative breakthroughs often come from building upon small innovations rather than massive overhauls. For professionals, this suggests that breakthrough ideas often emerge from incremental improvements or unique combinations of existing elements. The key is recognizing these moments and understanding how to amplify their potential impact.
Evolution Requires Removing Old Elements, Not Just Adding New Ones
A crucial insight emerges when Malakian discusses how bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden began "taking the blues out" of metal. (44:52) This demonstrates that innovation often requires subtraction as much as addition. In professional development, mastery sometimes means unlearning outdated approaches to make room for new methodologies. This principle applies to business strategy, skill development, and creative work where removing inefficient processes can be more valuable than adding new complexity.
Geographic and Cultural Context Shapes Creative Output
Malakian notes how "you sometimes hear when a band is from a certain place, like, you hear the place." (23:36) He explains that different regions produce distinct sounds - LA glam versus Seattle grunge - because cultural environments influence creative expression. For professionals, this highlights the importance of understanding your environment and leveraging its unique characteristics rather than fighting against them. Success often comes from working with your context rather than trying to replicate approaches that worked elsewhere.
Initial Rejection Often Signals Future Breakthrough
A profound insight comes when Malakian admits, "most of all, my favorite music I didn't like when I first heard it." (71:23) He compares this to tasting new food - without reference points, we often reject what becomes transformative. This applies directly to professional growth: the skills, feedback, or opportunities that initially feel uncomfortable often represent the biggest growth potential. Learning to sit with discomfort and give challenging concepts multiple attempts can unlock significant breakthroughs.
Technical Proficiency Must Serve Emotional Expression
Throughout the discussion, Malakian distinguishes between bands that are technically proficient versus those that create emotional impact. (93:58) When praising drummer Dave Lombardo, he notes that "no matter how fast it gets, it's always groovy." This illustrates that mastery isn't just about technical skill but about maintaining human feel and emotional connection even at the highest levels of performance. For professionals, this means developing both competency and the ability to apply that competency in ways that serve larger purposes and connect with others.
Statistics & Facts
- Malakian was only 3-4 years old when he first encountered KISS, which became his initial gateway into heavy metal. (27:10) This early exposure at such a formative age demonstrates how powerful first impressions can shape lifelong passions and career paths.
- The term "heavy metal" originated from the Steppenwolf song containing the phrase "heavy metal thunder." (09:41) Malakian explains this shows how genres often get named by songs or bands, similar to how "rock and roll" came from songs using the word "rock" in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
- Metallica was formed in 1982-1983, with their early material representing some of the heaviest music of that era. (97:27) Malakian notes that anyone hearing this for the first time would either be "blown away" or find it "too heavy for them," illustrating how innovative music often polarizes audiences initially.
