Arto Tunçboyacıyan

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Arto's connection to System of a Down is deeply rooted in their shared Armenian heritage and a passion for sonic exploration. In 2003, he collaborated directly with Serj Tankian on the album 'Serart,' aiming to create music that was 'completely new.' Their partnership extended beyond this project into the band's major label releases. On System of a Down's 2001 album 'Toxicity,' Arto contributed to the hidden track 'Arto,' which features a traditional Armenian Church hymn. His contribution to the album is limited to that track; he did not play on 'Science.' His influence continued into 2002 with 'Steal This Album!,' where the interlude of 'Bubbles' features a sample from 'The Last Temptation of Christ,' not Arto's voice. These contributions provided a distinct cultural texture, grounding the band's aggressive sound in centuries-old musical traditions.

In Their Own Story

In the fall of 2003, Arto and Serj Tankian found common ground in a Yerevan studio to begin a large sound project called 'Sound of Our Life – Part One: Natural Seeds.' This collaboration highlighted their mutual desire to merge Armenian folk roots with avant-garde structures. Around this same era, the recording sessions for System of a Down were taking place, where Arto's presence was felt through specific instrumental and vocal layers. During the making of 'Toxicity,' he stepped behind the scenes to record the haunting harmonies of 'Der Voghormya' as a hidden track, ensuring the spiritual weight of the hymn remained intact within the rock context. Later, while working on 'Steal This Album!,' his voice wove into the interlude of 'Bubbles,' adding an ethereal quality that contrasted with the album's raw energy. These moments were not just session work; they were deliberate acts of cultural preservation disguised as experimental rock elements.

Reader's Guide

Arto Tunçboyacıyan's role within System of a Down is defined by specific, credited contributions across their most influential albums rather than a permanent membership. He is essential to the sonic identity of 'Toxicity' (2001) and 'Steal This Album!' (2002). Fans looking for his work should listen closely to the hidden track on 'Toxicity,' where he performs the traditional hymn 'Der Voghormya.' Additionally, his instrumental performance on 'Science' and his vocal interlude on 'Bubbles' are key listening points. His collaboration with Serj Tankian resulted in the independent album 'Serart' (2003), which stands as a separate but related work exploring their shared vision of new Armenian music. For those interested in his broader influence, his leadership of the Armenian Navy Band and his 2011 Grammy win for Best New Age Album with The Paul Winter Consort demonstrate the high caliber of musicianship he brought to these rock collaborations.

Did You Know?

• Arto contributed to the hidden track on System of a Down's 'Toxicity' album, which is titled 'Arto' and features a traditional Armenian Church hymn.
• Despite some earlier claims, Arto did not play on the song 'Science' from 'Toxicity'; his only contribution to that album is the hidden track 'Arto.'
• In 2011, Arto won a Grammy Award for Best New Age Album as a member of The Paul Winter Consort for the album 'Miho: Journey to the Mountain.'
• Before moving to the United States in 1981, Arto had already appeared on more than 200 records in Europe.
• The Armenian Navy Band, which he fronts, was formed in Yerevan after recruiting ten local musicians following a meeting with pianist Vahagn Hayrapetyan in 1998.