LOS ANGELES -- System of a Down are too intent on redefining music to truly take a break.

The group is supposed to be on hiatus so singer Serj Tankian and guitarist Daron Malakian can produce other bands, but writing for the band's fourth album has started anyway.

Malakian and bassist Shavo Odadjian are working together frequently and plan to have the new material ready for the studio by October.

"It's going to be pretty revolutionary," Odadjian said at Thursday's Music Video Production Association Awards. "We're taking everything we've done and canning it. We're starting fresh as a brand new band. So you're going to hear this new music. It's going to be System, but it's going to be a new tip. We did what we did, and at first people were like, 'They're doing something no one's done.' Now we're going to do something else that will get the same kind of reaction."

When not working with System of a Down, Shavo is developing his second career as a video director. He recently shot Taproot's "Mine" (see [article id="1469980"]" System of A Down Bassist Does Clip For Taproot, Hopes To Direct Hip-Hop Videos"[/article]) and is setting up another gig with Method Man, who toured with System and Limp Bizkit on 1999's Billionaire Pirates Tour.

"I want to put my harshness into rap videos and create a new style," Odadjian said. "I'm just trying to choose videos and bands I like or have relationships with, 'cause I'm only going to do a good job with things I like."

Odadjian is taking the same philosophy toward developing other bands. He refused to reveal details, but he said he's working with a group "of people from other bands you know" and has approached Rick Rubin about producing the project.

"I don't want every member of System to have their own label. It will be like a circus," Shavo said. "But if I have to start my own label just for them, I'll do it. I don't like record company people very much, so I don't want to be one of them. Only if I really, really love the band."

Meanwhile, Tankian is producing Slow Motion Reign, and Malakian is doing Bad Acid Trip, both for the singer's own Serjical Strike Records.