| With the aim of using music to send political messages | | | | group only held one live show and one jam session |
| against social injustice, System of a Down is a | | | | recording before splitting up. Serj Tankian and Daron |
| four-piece hard rock band composed of grandsons of | | | | Malakian went on to form a new band called System |
| Armenian genocide survivors. A range of rather | | | | of a Down, a name that originated from a poem |
| outspoken views dominates their music, which is highly | | | | Malakian wrote entitled "Victims of a Down." |
| prominent throughout their songs. After the release of | | | | The two members then called upon Shavo Odadjian |
| five albums, the group has enjoyed commercial | | | | for assistance, as he originally held the position of band |
| success with an array of popular singles, including | | | | manager and promoter. Soon after, he was given the |
| "Chop Suey." The band is also part of the Axis of | | | | opportunity to become the permanent bassist. It was |
| Justice, a non-profit organization that fights for social | | | | at this time that Velvet Hammer Music took over the |
| and political change. | | | | managerial responsibilities. Their first release was titled |
| Background Information | | | | "Sugar." Soon after, drummer Andy Khachaturian |
| Originating from Los Angeles, California, System of a | | | | joined the band but was replaced in 1997 by John |
| Down has produced numerous alternative metal, | | | | Dolmayan. |
| heavy metal, hard rock, experimental rock, alternative | | | | After catching the eye of Rick Rubin, System of a |
| rock, and nu metal singles and albums under labels | | | | Down signed with American Columbia records and |
| such as American Recordings and Columbia Records. | | | | released their self-titled debut album during the summer |
| A variety of musical influences have helped shape the | | | | of 1998. Mainstream success soon followed, which |
| style and sound of the band, including punk rock, jazz, | | | | dominated the early 21st century. Currently, the band is |
| fusion, blues, and Armenian folk music. During | | | | on hiatus, as group members take on outside projects. |
| performances, the band uses an array of instruments, | | | | Discography & Musical Achievements |
| such as electric mandolins and sitars, to deliver a | | | | The System of a Down released three single albums |
| unique sound. As for the writing of their music, various | | | | ("System of a Down," "Toxicity," and "Steal This |
| band members state they gain inspiration from the | | | | Album") and a double album entitled "Mesmerize and |
| likes of the Beatles and KISS. | | | | Hypnotize." When "System of a Down" was released |
| Current Members | | | | in 1998, the album later reached platinum status. In 2001, |
| The current members of System of a Down have | | | | "Toxicity" was released, achieving the number-one |
| been with the group since its start. Serj Tankian is | | | | position in the United States and Canadian music |
| responsible for lead vocals and also plays keyboard | | | | charts. The album reached three-time platinum in sales |
| and rhythm guitar. Daron Malakian contributes to the | | | | and was also well-liked in the United Kingdom and |
| vocals and plays lead guitar. The bass guitar and | | | | Australia. |
| backing vocals are attached to Shavo Odadjian, while | | | | "Steal This Album" reached platinum status and was |
| John Dolmayan plays the drums and also adds to | | | | released in 2002. In the United States, Canada, and the |
| backing vocals. Former System of the Down | | | | United Kingdom, their double album ("Mesmerize and |
| drummer, Andy Khachaturian played with the group | | | | Hypnotize") reached number on the music charts, once |
| from 1995 to 1997 until he was forced to leave the | | | | again selling more than a million copies each. A host of |
| band after a hand injury followed the group's third | | | | singles also ranked on the U.S. modern rock and other |
| demo. | | | | mainstream charts, such as "Chop Suey" (2001); |
| Brief Career History | | | | "Aerials" (2002); "Toxicity" (2002); "B.Y.O.B." (2005); and |
| Some of the original members of System of a Down | | | | "Hypnotize" (2005). |
| belonged to a band called Soil. From 1993 to 1995, the | | | | |