System of a Down is a alternative rock band from Los Angles, California, that formed around 1995. The co-founders, Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian, got the name of the band from one of Daron's poems. The band added Shavo Odadjian on the bass and Andy Khachaturian on the drums.

System Of A Down (S.O.A.D.)

“I don't think you trust in my self righteous suicide.” Known for their unique style, their politically charged lyrics, and the infusion of Middle Eastern sound, System of a Down has a sound all their own.

Before the System

System of a Down is a alternative rock band from Los Angles, California, that formed around 1995. The co-founders, Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian, got the name of the band from one of Daron's poems. The band added Shavo Odadjian on the bass and Andy Khachaturian on the drums. All of the member of the band share similar views and write songs that address Armenian Genocide of 1915 and the War of Terrorism here in the U.S. Under the management of Velvet Hammer Music and Management Group, System of a Down recorded multiple demos and live demos performances. In 1997, Khachaturian quit the band supposedly due to a injury, but later went on to start his own band, The Apex Theory. He was later replaced by John Dolmayan. That same year, the band signed a recording contract with American/Columbia Records and won an award from Rock City Records for Best Signed Band award.

Music for the system

In 1998, System of a Down released their first self-titled album. The album included singles like “Spiders” and “Sugar,” helped the album gain radio success. For the next 3 years, the band played at Ozzfest and toured with Metallica, Slayer, Incubus, Puya, Fear Factory, and Mr. Bungle. Cake released their sophomore album, Toxicity, in early 2001. This album went multi-platinum selling more than 12 million copies on the American and Canadian charts. The lead single, “Chop Suey,” was banned from radio play in some areas due to the high tensions from the 9/11 Attacks. The second single from the album has been ranked #14 on the VH1 40 Greatest Metal Songs. In 2002, System of a Down, Rammstein, and Slipknot started the Pledge of Allegiance Tour.

Due to leakage of tracks on the internet, S.O.A.D. released their third album, Steal This Album! in November of 2002. Ironically, the CD was made to look like a “bootleg” CD. After a three year hiatus, System of a Down recorded a double album in 2005. Mezmerize which debuted at #1 across the globe was released in the summer of 2005; the first single from the album, “B.Y.O.B.,” won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. The second half of the album set, Hypnotize, was released in November of that same year. This album also reached #1 on the charts. This album included “Lonely Day,” “Vicinity of Obscenity,” and “Kill Rock 'n' Roll.” In May of 2006, System of a Down announced they would be taking a hiatus and in late August of that year the band made it official. The reason for the break is to allow the band members time to rest and pursue personal endeavors, they made it quite clear that the band is not breaking up.

During the Break

Malakian and Dolmayan went on to form Scars on Broadway and released the self-titled album in July 2008. Dolmayan also has plans to open an online comic book store. Odadjian, under the name AcHoZeN, will be working with Rza of Wu-Tang, as well as, establishing his record label and his website, urSession. Tankian released his solo debut album, Elect the Dead, and his first solo single, “Empty Walls,” fall of 2007. In 2009, System of a Down came together to play at Halloween party that Shavo hosted. S.O.A.D. came together for the last time in November of 2009 during a performance in Hollywood. Since their hiatus, System of a Down's songs have been used in Screamers and Disturbia both released in 2006.

Did You Know...

… The video for the single, “Boom!,” which is a direct response to the War in Iraq, was directed by Michael Morre

… System of a Down is the only band to release two albums that both debuted at #1 in the course of a year.

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