Excitement around System Of A Down’s 2027 Australian stadium tour continues to build, with frontman Serj Tankian returning on a haunting new interpretation of David Bowie’s I’m Afraid Of Americans.
The collaboration arrives just days after System Of A Down confirmed their first Australian headline tour in more than a decade, with Faith No More joining the band for three massive stadium shows across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane next January and February.
Rather than simply recreating Bowie’s 1997 classic, the new version reimagines the song through the lens of composer and producer Brendan Angelides, whose work spans film, television and video games, including 13 Reasons Why, Billions and Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
Angelides has previously spoken about his admiration for Tankian, describing the System Of A Down frontman as one of his biggest musical influences (per Louder Sound).
The accompanying video (below) blends childhood photographs with motion capture and face tracking technology, creating an unsettling visual companion to one of David Bowie’s most politically charged songs.
The release also marks Tankian’s second high-profile guest appearance of 2026, following his contribution to Tom Morello’s “Adjourn It”, which features on the Rage Against The Machine guitarist’s forthcoming solo album Everyone Gets Everything They Want.
Brendan Angelides ‘I’m Afraid Of Americans’ (feat. Serj Tankian)
Australian tour hype
For Australian fans, the spotlight remains firmly on System Of A Down’s long awaited return, earlier this week, drummer John Dolmayan explained the band deliberately limits its touring schedule, preferring to keep live appearances rare rather than spending months on the road each year.
That philosophy has turned every System Of A Down tour announcement into a major event, making next years Australian run even more significant, it will mark their first headline shows on local soil since Soundwave 2012, while also seeing Faith No More return to Australian stages for the first time in over a decade.
System Of A Down Australian Tour 2027
With special guests Faith No More
- Friday, January 22nd – Sydney, Accor Stadium
- Wednesday, January 27th – Melbourne, Marvel Stadium
- Monday, February 1st – Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium
General public tickets go on sale this Friday, July 31st
Further ticket details here.
With anticipation already building for those stadium dates, Tankian’s latest collaboration is another reminder that one of heavy music’s most distinctive voices isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
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