Well, the drummer has doubled down recently in an interview:
https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-john-dolmayan-progress-on-sixth-album-disheartening/. Obviously I don't think he makes this up, so I am expecting a new album next year or something like that, especially since they are fairly active in touring over the past couple of years as headliners or subheadliners of festivals. You don't go into the studio, record about 15 songs, and do nothing with it, right?!
Furthermore, I have seen them live for the first time the past weekend, at the festival Pinkpop:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq9ZfDzJMDg (full 1 hour show, pro shot).
It was a blast! Sure, Serj doesn't have any grit in his voice anymore, but I still like the tone of his voice and, when actually there, the vocals had a bit more of a punch than in this video (and he got better during the show, Suitee Pie was the low point). Daron sounds great, but does sing off key here and there. But overall the band performed really well. Especially the crowd was really into it, especially the second half. You don't really see it in the footage, but there were even people in the back forming small pits and losing their minds, it was fun
. I also love that artists Seasick Steve and Rag N Bone Man are chilling in front of the crowd, enjoying the show with them. If they have a full club show here in the Netherlands, I will be there without a doubt.
Also, Serj made an guest appearance at Prophets of Rage to perform an Audioslave song in honor of Chris Cornell, but I couldn't make it to that show (shame, everybody was really enthousiastic about that performance).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4LLqxoq-J0