After the double-headed success of System of a Down's 2005 releases "Mesmerize" and "Hypnotize," the band went on hiatus, with guitarist Daron Malakian and drummer John Dolmayan setting to work on a new project, Scars On Broadway. The latter group's self-titled Interscope debut is set for a July 29 release, and while there are certainly similarities between the two outfits, this is definitely a new venture.

"I think the main difference is the music," Dolmayan offers. "[Scars is] more rock and song oriented, whereas System is more metal-oriented and schizophrenic, bouncing from one style to another." "Scars On Broadway" was recorded at Hollywood's Sunset Sound, and produced by Malakian.

Scars is currently touring Europe through Sept. 21, and will begin an American tour in October. Rounding out the full live lineup are guitarist/vocalist Franky Perez, keyboardist/vocalist Danny Shamoun, and bassist Dominic Cifarelli (Pulse Ultra).

"They're all really good guys," Dolmayan says. "The most important thing when you're touring is that you enjoy the people you're with. Otherwise it can be a very miserable experience. You're in close quarters, and you've got to be around each other a lot. So when you're around people you actually enjoy, it makes life a lot easier."

With the buzz building around the Scars tracks "They Say" (which also has a video) and "Chemicals," there has been much speculation about System of a Down's future.

"Everything is cool," Dolmayan explains. "I just hung out with Shavo about a week ago, hung out with Serj about three weeks ago, we had dinner. The guys are doing great. Of course we support each other in our projects. System will eventually play again, but right now Daron and I are concentrating all of our energy on Scars, because that's what you have to do to make something into a success."