System of a Down singer Serj Tankian and Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, together with Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian, have teamed up for the new benefit single “Deconstruction.” Proceeds will aid the Armenia Fund’s Artsakh Refugee Initiative.
The three artists have recorded the song under the name The Gibson Band, which will feature a rotating cast of musicians that will release music to benefit various philanthropic causes around the world.
Both Tankian and Gueikian are of Armenian descent, with Tankian long championing Armenian causes via his work with System of a Down and as a solo artist.
“It’s a dream come true to have collaborated with my good friend, Cesar Gueikian, and Tony Iommi, who I have collaborated with before,” stated Tankian. “I am happy that we are using our platform to donate the music, my art, and Gibson’s incredibly unique guitar for such a great charity. Music with the right intentions can inspire and also create positive change.”
Iommi added, “It was great to hook up with Serj again and also to do a track with Cesar (I think that he’s trying to steal my job!!) ha-ha!! The Armenian people are really lovely people, and it’s a great pleasure, a great cause, and I’m very happy to be involved in it.”
In addition to the song, an original painting titled “Our Mountains” by Tankian is being auctioned, as well as a 2023 Les Paul Standard guitar adorned with artwork from said painting (see images of both below). Bidding for both items can be made at Julien’s Auctions.
In other news, System of a Down were recently announced as headliners of the 2024 Sick New World festival in Las Vegas. Tickets for the one-day fest — also featuring Slipknot, A Perfect Circle, Alice in Chains, and more — are available here.
As for the song itself, “Deconstruction” features Tankian’s instantly recognizable vocals along with Iommi’s monster riffage. Listen in the lyric video below, and stream or download the track via all major digital outlets here. Donate to the Armenia Fund at this location.
Serj Tankian’s “Our Mountains” Painting:
2023 Gibson Les Paul Standard Customized with “Our Mountains” Artwork: