Ontronik Interview: Ex-System of a Down Drummer Returns

by Ryan Minic | Mar 8, 2010

Ryan Minic interviewing Ontronik Andy Khachaturian at Bonnerhaus in North Hollywood in 2010

If you want to hear a crazy rock story, meet Andy Khachaturian. He was original drummer for System Of A Down and frontman for the now defunct Armenian-American quartet The Apex Theory — ever wonder what happened to those guys?

If you were born after 1990, you may not be too familiar with The Apex Theory. But back in the day (circa 2002) they used to tour with bands like Glassjaw, Alien Ant Farm, do stints on Warped Tour and Ozzfest — they also had videos in constant rotation on MTV2. Then they just kinda vanished.

I was able to catch up with Khachaturian to get the scoop on what went down with The Apex Theory — to find out what caused the band to split, and to see what he’s doing now. His story begins in 1993.

From 1993 to 1997, Khachaturian was the original drummer for System Of A Down. Just as things with the band were picking up, there was an unexpected turn of events — a severe hand injury that forced him to quit the band two weeks before they were to showcase for producer Rick Rubin (Slayer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica).

Beginning with discussing the early days of System, here’s Khachaturian in his own words:

Chiodos Interview: Matt Goddard & Pat McManaman on the Beginnings & Touring Worldwide

The Dillinger Escape Plan’s Ben Weinman: The Ryan’s Rock Show Interview

“We hear about these books, like the Motley Crue book… so what, man,” says Ben Weinman. “We have stories that will make that look like shit.” It’s a hot spring day outside Chain Reaction in Anaheim and The Dillinger Escape Plan...

An Interview with TOUCHE AMORE’s Jeremy Bolm

We interviewed Touche Amore once before, back in the day when they were supporting the release of their 2009 debut album …To the Beat of a Dead Horse. At the time the young post-hardcore band from Burbank, CA were just starting to make a splash in the music...

From First To Last Interview – Matt Manning, Blake Steiner – ‘Throne to the Wolves’

It has been quite some time since I last sat down with the From First To Last gentlemen. In fact, my previous interview with the band was about Sonny Moore quitting the group, working with Ross Robinson on “Heroine”, and Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit filling...

Thrice: The Ryan’s Rock Show Interview

During the band’s infancy in the late 90s, Thrice would perform at any shows they could get. “We played at a SeaWorld [parking lot],” guitarist Teppei Teranishi laughs, speaking candidly in the green room of Los Angeles’ Mayan Theater....