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{{Short description|Armenian-American metal band}} | |||
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{{For|the eponymous album from this band|System of a Down (album)}} | |||
{{Infobox musical artist | |||
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|Name = ] | |||
{{pp|small=yes}} | |||
|Img = SOADypromo.jpg | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}} | |||
|Img_capt = System of a Down, left to right: ], ], ] and ] | |||
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians --> | |||
|Background = group_or_band | |||
| name = System of a Down | |||
|Border = white | |||
| background = group_or_band | |||
|Origin = ], ] | |||
| image = SOADJONESBEACH.jpg | |||
|Genre = ]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>] | |||
| landscape = yes | |||
|Years_active = 1995-2006 (Currently on hiatus) | |||
| caption = System of a Down performing in ], in 2012. From left to right: ], ], ], and ]. | |||
|Label = ], ] | |||
| alias = <!--Soil is NOT SOAD. Please do NOT add Soil!--> | |||
| Associated_acts = Soil<br>]<br>Scars on Broadway<br>ACHOZEN<br /> | |||
| origin = ], U.S. | |||
|URL = http://www.systemofadown.com | |||
| genre = {{flatlist| | |||
|Current_members = ]<br> ]<br> ] <br> ] | |||
* ] | |||
|Past_members = ] | |||
* ] | |||
}} | |||
* ] | |||
'''System of a Down''' (also referred to as '''SOAD''' or '''System''') is a four-piece ]-award winning ] band, formed in 1995 in ]. All four members are ]s, grandsons of ] survivors, and are widely known for their outspoken views found in many of their songs. | |||
* ] | |||
<!-- only main genres --> | |||
}} | |||
| discography = ] | |||
| years_active = <!--The band has stated that they did not form until 1994/1995-->{{flatlist| | |||
* 1994–2006 | |||
* 2010–present | |||
}} | |||
| label = {{flatlist| | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
}} | |||
| spinoffs = ] | |||
| website = {{URL|systemofadown.com}} | |||
| current_members = <!--The current members are listed in correspondence with Misplaced Pages Infobox Guidelines. These can be found at the page: "Template:Infobox Musical Artist#current members" for additional reference.--> | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
| past_members = ]<!--Do not add Domingo Laranio OR Dave Hakopyan--Although they were members of Soil, neither were members of SOAD--> | |||
}} | |||
'''System of a Down''' is an ] ] band formed in ], in 1994.<!-- Soil was formed in 1992/1993, SOAD wasn't formed until circa 1994 --> Since 1997, the band has consisted of founding members ] (lead vocals, keyboards); ] (guitar, vocals); ] (bass, backing vocals); along with ] (drums), who replaced original drummer ] in 1997.<ref>{{cite news|last=McKenna|first=Dave|title=System of a Down: Some Very Heavy Metal|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/12/AR2005051201773.html|access-date=November 11, 2013|newspaper=]|date=May 13, 2005|archive-date=February 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202174922/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/12/AR2005051201773.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
System of a Down has achieved commercial success over five albums, with singles such as "]" and "]". System of a Down is a part of the ], a non-profit organization formed by band member ] (along with ]) that is dedicated to bringing together musicians, music fans and ] political organizations to fight for social justice. | |||
The band achieved commercial success with the release of five studio albums, three of which debuted at number one on the ]. System of a Down has been nominated for four ], and their song "]" won a ] in 2006. The band went on hiatus in 2006 and reunited in 2010. Other than two new songs in 2020 ("]" and "]"),<ref name="rollingstone2020">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/system-of-a-down-new-songs-protect-the-land-genocidal-humanoidz-1085942/|author=Grow, Kory|title=Hear System of a Down's First New Music in 15 Years, 'Protect the Land' and 'Genocidal Humanoidz'|magazine=]|access-date=November 5, 2020|archive-date=November 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106051040/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/system-of-a-down-new-songs-protect-the-land-genocidal-humanoidz-1085942/|url-status=live}}</ref> System of a Down has not released any new material since the '']'' and '']'' albums in 2005. The band has sold over 12 million records worldwide, while two of their singles, "]" and "]", reached number one on ''Billboard''{{'}}s ] chart. | |||
==Band history== | |||
===Soil (1993-1995)=== | |||
The roots of System of a Down lie in the band Soil (not to be confused with ]), a group from ] that included ] on vocals and ] on guitar, as well as Dave Hakopyan (Bassist for ]) on bass and Domingo Laranio (Local Hawaii Drummer) on drums. Shavo Odadjian joined Soil quite down near the end as a guitarist. After three years, and only one live show and one ] recording, the band split up. | |||
All members of System of a Down are of ] descent, either born to ] or immigrants themselves. | |||
===In the beginning (1995 - 1998)=== | |||
After Soil split up, Tankian and Malakian then formed a new band, System of a Down, calling on ] whom they knew from when Soil shared a recording studio with Odadjian's previous band and when Shavo was their short-lived guitar player. Odadjian was originally the band's manager and promoter. Odadjian quickly accepted the offer to join the band as the permanent ]. Since then managerial duties have been undertaken by highly successful Velvet Hammer Music and streetwise founder David "Beno" Beneviste. One of their first releases was "Sugar!", which was found on the first demo tape and they have played it at every live performance since then. They found a drummer, ], who joined the band. They then quickly made an early ] which had very early recordings of "Mr. Jack," "The Metro," and "36."{{Fact|date=February 2007}} . After this they made ] which had early versions of: Sugar, Suite-Pee, and P.L.U.C.K, as well as the rare track DAM. ] was released in 1996 and had an rough demo of the song Soil as well as the most known unreleased tracks known as Honey and Temper. At the beginning of 1997 they recorded the final demo tape, ] which had rough work of Peephole, War?, and Know. In mid 1997, ] left the band due to a hand injury. Soon after playing at the Whisky A Go Go and Viper Room with new drummer ], producer ] caught their attention and told them to keep in touch with him. Showing great interest, near the end of 1997, they made a Demo Tape 4. This demo however was not released in public or at shows rather it was made to be sent to record deals and it later leaked onto the internet. After Rick wanted them to be signed on to American/Columbia records, they began to record with his studio. Prior to 1998, their live shows were called, "The Dark Red Experience" {{Fact|date=February 2007}} and their logo was different from what it is now. In 1997 they won Best Signed band from the Rock City Awards . | |||
== History == | |||
===Debut album (1998 - 2000)=== | |||
=== Soil (1992–1994) === | |||
In the summer of 1998, System of a Down released their debut album, '']''. They enjoyed moderate success with their first single "]" becoming a radio favorite, followed by the singles "]" and "]". | |||
Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian attended ] as children. Due to their eight-year age difference, they did not meet until 1992 while working on separate projects at the same recording studio.<ref>Meyers, Ben. ''System Of A Down: Right Here In Hollywood'' (2007), p. 14.</ref> They formed a band named Soil with Tankian on vocals and keyboards, Malakian on vocals and guitar, Dave Hakopyan (who later played in the band ]/]) on bass and Domingo "Dingo" Laranio on drums. The band hired Shavo Odadjian (another Rose and Alex Pilibos alumnus) as manager, although he eventually joined Soil on second guitar. In 1994, after only one live show at the Roxy and one jam session recording, Hakopyan and Laranio left the band. | |||
After the release of the album, System of a Down toured extensively, opening for ] before making their way to the second stage of ]. Following Ozzfest, they toured with ] and ] before headlining the Sno-Core tour with ], ], The Cat and Incubus providing support. In 2000, the group contributed their cover of the ] song "Snowblind" to the Sabbath tribute album '']''. System was scheduled to play the 1999 ], but were kicked off by ] over his inability to sign the band ]. ] has since admitted that he was a "complete wanker" in relation to this "oversight"{{Fact|date=February 2007}}. The band have yet to comment on Durst's involvement or commentary. | |||
=== Demo tapes and signing (1994–1997) === | |||
===Mainstream success: ''Toxicity/Steal This Album!'' (2001 - 2003)=== | |||
After Soil split up, Tankian, Odadjian, and Malakian formed a new band, System of a Down. The group took its name from a poem that Malakian had written titled "Victims of a Down".<ref name="blogs.myspace.com">{{cite web |title=OnTroniK: System of a Down Information |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=512654515&blogId=526325472 |access-date=July 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220180824/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=512654515&blogId=526325472 |archive-date=February 20, 2010}}</ref> The word "victims" was changed to "system" because Odadjian believed that it would appeal to a much wider audience and also because the group wanted their records to be alphabetically shelved closer to their musical heroes, ].<ref name="revolver7things">{{Cite web|date=June 30, 2018|title=7 Things You Didn't Know About System of a Down's Self-Titled Album|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-system-downs-self-titled-album|access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Revolver|language=en|archive-date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930064541/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-system-downs-self-titled-album|url-status=live}}</ref> Odadjian switched from guitar to bass and passed on his managerial duties to Velvet Hammer Music and Management Group and its founder David "Beno" Benveniste.<ref>{{cite web |title=Interview With David 'Beno' Benveniste |work=lamusicblog.com |date=March 13, 2011 |url=http://lamusicblog.com/2011/03/industry-profile/interview-with-beno-of-velvet-hammer |access-date=August 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731110059/http://lamusicblog.com/2011/03/industry-profile/interview-with-beno-of-velvet-hammer/ |archive-date=July 31, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The band recruited drummer ], an old school friend of Malakian and Odadjian who had played with Malakian in a band called Snowblind during their teens.<ref name="blogs.myspace.com" /> | |||
The group's big break arrived when their second album '']'' debuted at #1 on the American and Canadian charts, eventually achieving multi-platinum certification. The album has since sold 6 million copies worldwide. | |||
It was still on top in America on the week of the ] and the political environment caused by the attacks added to the controversy surrounding their hit single "]" causing it to be '']'' as it contained politically sensitive lyrics at the time such as "trust in my self-righteous suicide." Regardless, the video gained constant play on ] as did the second single, "]". Even with the controversy surrounding "Chop Suey!" which earned a ] nomination, System of a Down still received constant airplay in the United States throughout late 2001 and 2002 with "Toxicity" and "]". In May of 2006, ] listed Toxicity in the #14 slot in the ]. | |||
In late 2001, a few unreleased tracks made their way onto the ]. The group released a statement that the tracks were unfinished material. Soon after, the band released the final versions of the songs, which were recorded at the same time, but hadn't been used for ''Toxicity''. | |||
The result was '']'', released in November 2002. | |||
''Steal This Album!'' resembled a burnable ] that was marked with a felt-tip marker. 50,000 special copies of the album with different CD designs were also released, each designed by a different member of the band. The name of the album is a reference to ]'s counter-culture book, '']'' and as a message to those who stole the songs and released them on the Internet. Dolmayan said in an interview "I don't care if fans download our songs from the internet but I don't like it when fans get our songs before the release date"{{Fact|date=February 2007}}. The singles "]" and "]" were released as radio-only promos and received constant airplay on alternative radio. A video for "]" was filmed with director ] as a protest against the ]. | |||
In early 1995, System of a Down performed under the name Soil at the Cafe Club Fais Do-Do, a nightclub in ]. Shortly after the event, System of a Down made what is known as ''Untitled 1995 Demo Tape'', which was not commercially released, but eventually appeared on file-sharing networks around the time of the band's success with '']'' about six years later. ''Demo Tape 2'' was released in 1996. At the beginning of 1997, System of a Down recorded their final publicly released demo tape, ''Demo Tape 3''. In mid-1997, drummer Khachaturian left the band because of a hand injury (he subsequently co-founded The Apex Theory, which included former Soil bassist Dave Hakopyan).<ref name="blogs.myspace.com" /> Khachaturian was replaced by ]. | |||
===''Mezmerize''/''Hypnotize'' (2005 - 2006)=== | |||
From 2004 to 2005, the group produced a double album, '']/]'' with the two parts released six months apart. The first album, ''Mezmerize'', was released on May 17 2005, to favorable reviews by critics. It debuted at #1 in the United States, Canada, Australia and all around the world, making it System of a Down's second #1 album. First week sales rocketed to over 800,000 copies worldwide{{Fact|date=February 2007}}. The Grammy Award-winning single "]", which questions the integrity of war, worked its way up the Billboard Modern Rock and Mainstream Rock charts. The next single, "]" was released with Shavo Odadjian co-directing the ]. Following the release of ''Mezmerize'', the band toured extensively throughout the ] and ] with ] and ] supporting. | |||
The band's first official and professionally recorded song was on a collection called ''Hay Enk'' ("We're Armenian" in English), an ] recognition compilation in 1997. After playing at notable Hollywood clubs such as the ] and ], the band caught attention of producer ], who asked them to keep in touch. Showing great interest, the group recorded ''Demo Tape 4'' near the end of 1997, specifically to be sent to ]. Rubin signed the group to his ]/], with the band celebrating the signing with a performance at ] with ] on September 12, 1997.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-10-28 |title=human waste project news |url=http://www.geocities.com/~humanwaste/news2.htm |access-date=2022-06-23 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028094447/http://www.geocities.com/~humanwaste/news2.htm |archive-date=28 October 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Afterward, System began laying down tracks that would eventually be released on their debut album with engineer ]. "I loved them," Rubin recalled. "They were my favorite band, but I didn't think anyone was going to like them apart from a small, likeminded group of people like me who were crazy. No one was waiting for an Armenian heavy metal band. It had to be so good that it transcended all of that."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Paul|last=Rees|title=The Q Interview: Rick Rubin|magazine=]|date=October 2009|page=98}}</ref> | |||
The second part of the double album, '']'', was released on November 22 2005. Like ''Mezmerize'', it debuted at #1 in the US, making System of a Down, along with ] and rapper ], the only artists to ever have two studio albums debut at #1 in the same year. Their second single off the Hypnotize album, "]" was released in March in the United States. | |||
In February of 2006, System of a Down won the Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance for | |||
"B.Y.O.B.", beating out other established artists such as ] and ]. The band headlined ] 2006 in cities where tour founder ] opted not to appear or wasn't playing on the main stage. | |||
In 1997, the group won the Best Signed Band Award from the Rock City Awards.<ref name="rc_awards_97">{{cite web |title=Rock City Awards 1997 |work=rockcitynews.com |url=http://www.rockcitynews.com/awards/ballot97.html |access-date=July 25, 2007 |archive-date=December 5, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001205000000/http://www.rockcitynews.com/awards/ballot97.html |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Hiatus and the future of the band (2006-present)=== | |||
] | |||
In May of 2006, the band announced they were going on hiatus. Daron Malakian has confirmed the break will probably last a few years, but insists that the band is not splitting up. He told MTV, "We're not breaking up. If that was the case, we wouldn't be doing this Ozzfest. We're going to take a very long break after Ozzfest and do our own things. We've done System for over ten years, and I think it's healthy to take a rest." | |||
On ] at the Ozzfest while playing Lonely Day, Malakian improvised the lyrics to "Lonely Day", saying "Such a lonely day, with the band/these motherfuckers I can't stand!".<ref>http://www.systemofadownonline.com/Article397.htm Comment about lyrics at Ozzfest</ref> However, later in an interview with ], Malakian stated that he said "this" (referring to the day) rather than "these" (referring to the band). | |||
=== Self-titled album (1998–2000) === | |||
During their performance in Houston, Malakian also took a moment to say, "There's been a lot of rumors about us breaking up. Well don't fuckin' listen to them. Us four right here, we will always be System of a Down!"{{Fact|date=February 2007}} | |||
In June 1998, System of a Down released their debut album, '']''. They enjoyed moderate success as their first singles "]" and "]" became radio favorites and the music videos for both songs were frequently aired on ]. After the release of the album, the band toured extensively, opening for ] on the ] tour, behind ], before making their way to the second stage of ]. Following Ozzfest, they toured with ] and ] before headlining the ] with ], ], The Cat and ] providing support. | |||
During the hiatus, Malakian will be in a band called ], and will work on its debut album in the fall. Odadjian will also be participating in the project. He will also be working on a project with ] of ]. Tankian plans to keep recording as a solo artist/producer in "]", while Dolmayan plans to open a comic book store online, which should be up online in November 2007.<ref>http://www.soadfans.com/Article400.htm Comic book store info</ref> | |||
System of a Down's final performance before their hiatus took place on ], ] in ], ]. "Tonight will be the last show we play for a long time together," Malakian told the crowd during Sunday's last performance. "We'll be back. We just don't know when."<ref>http://www.soadfans.com/Article427.htm Information on last performance</ref> | |||
System of a Down's latest info is that their songs will be used in the new 2006 film "]". They will also appear in the movie, in an interview talking about the importance of helping create awareness and recognition of the ]. "Screamers" will be hitting theaters in large city markets such as New York City, Detroit, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Fresno and Boston. An earlier engagement will start exclusively in Los Angeles on Friday, December 8, 2006." | |||
System of a Down was honored at the USC v. Cal game at the ] in Los Angeles, CA. The Spirit of God and the Holy spirit marching band performed three System of a Down songs. John Dolmayan was kind enough to play "Toxicity" along with the marching band. | |||
In November 1998, System of a Down appeared on '']'''s '']'' album, providing the music for the song "Will They Die 4 You?" Near the end of the song, Tankian can be heard saying, "Why must we kill our own kind?" a line that would later be used in the song "Boom!" Although System of a Down is credited on the album, ''South Park'' character ] does not introduce them as he does most of the other artists featured on the record.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chef Aid: The South Park Album |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/chef-aid-the-south-park-album-mw0000601245 |website=Allmusic |access-date=July 9, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308120244/https://www.allmusic.com/album/chef-aid-the-south-park-album-mw0000601245 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Tankian recently said that he has wanted to work on his "solo record for years". As for the future of the band, he said that he does not know whether System of a Down is over or not. He also stated that "maybe in a few years" the band would "want to make another album. It's impossible to tell right now. It'll be later down the line; then we'll be able to tell what might happen."<ref>http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=64459 Future of the band</ref> | |||
=== ''Toxicity'' and ''Steal This Album!'' (2001–2003) === | |||
For the 2007 Grammys, System of a Down was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance for "Lonely Day." | |||
] met ] for the first time in 1992 before forming the band a couple of years later.]] | |||
On September 3, 2001, System of a Down planned to launch their second album at a free concert in Hollywood as a "thank you" to fans. To a parking lot built for 3,500 people, about 10,000 more came, prompting the ] to cancel without notice at the last minute. Fans waited for more than an hour for the group to appear, but when a banner hanging at the back of the stage that read "System of a Down" was removed by security, the audience rushed the stage, destroying all the band's touring gear (approximately $30,000 worth of equipment) and began to riot, throwing rocks at police, breaking windows, and knocking over portable toilets. The riot lasted six hours, during which six arrests were made. The band's manager, David "Beno" Benveniste, later said that the riot could have been avoided if the group had been permitted to perform or had they been allowed to make a statement at the concert regarding the cancellation. System of a Down's scheduled in-store performance the next day was cancelled to prevent a similar riot.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/the-wraiths-dark-punk-isnt-all-doom-and-gloom-9209187|title=The Wraith's Dark Punk Isn't All Doom and Gloom|last=Rogers|first=Paul|date=March 2, 2018|work=L.A. Weekly|access-date=March 5, 2018|archive-date=May 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521071058/https://www.laweekly.com/music/the-wraiths-dark-punk-isnt-all-doom-and-gloom-9209187|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-sep-05-me-42235-story.html|title=Police Blame Promoter for Riot at Concert|last1=RAMOS|first1=GEORGE|date=September 5, 2001|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=March 5, 2018|last2=BOUCHER|first2=GEOFF|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|url-access=subscription|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201112958/http://articles.latimes.com/2001/sep/05/local/me-42235|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The group's big break arrived when their second album, '']'', debuted at No. 1 on the American and Canadian charts. The album has eventually achieved 3x ] certification in the United States.<ref name=RIAAcert>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=toxicity#search_section|title=RIAA album certifications: System of a Down – Toxicity|website=]|access-date=January 24, 2018|archive-date=September 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917200340/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=toxicity#search_section|url-status=live}}</ref> It was still on top in America during the week of the ] and the political environment caused by the attacks added to the controversy surrounding the album's hit single "]"; the song was taken off the radio as it contained politically sensitive lyrics according to the ] at the time such as "I don't think you trust in my self-righteous suicide". Regardless, the video gained constant play on MTV as did the album's second single, "]". Even with the controversy surrounding "Chop Suey!" (which earned a Grammy nomination), System of a Down still received constant airplay in the United States throughout late 2001 and 2002 with "Toxicity" and "]". In May 2006, ] listed "Toxicity" in the number 14 slot in the ''40 Greatest Metal Songs''. | |||
In 2001, the band went on tour with ] throughout the United States. Following a performance in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Odadjian was allegedly harassed, ethnically intimidated, and was physically assaulted by security guards backstage, who then dragged him out of the venue. Odadjian received medical attention from police and later filed a suit against the security company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1470460/20030310/system_of_a_down.jhtml|title=System Of A Down Bassist Sues Security Team For Humiliating Him In Front Of Fans|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|date=March 10, 2003|publisher=MTV|access-date=July 18, 2010|archive-date=September 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924015700/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1470460/20030310/system_of_a_down.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite the incident, the tour was a success and System of a Down and Slipknot went on the Pledge of Allegiance Tour together with ] in 2001. | |||
== Music style and influences == | |||
System of a Down’s main influence is mostly from early ] bands, as well as from heavy metal, punk rock, jazz, fusion, Armenian folk music (Harout, Paul, Armik), classic rock, blues, industrial genres, and ] music. The band has used a wide range of instruments, including '']s'', '']s'', '']'' and Middle Eastern '']s''. Daron has stated on several accounts that his songwriting is inspired heavily by ]. Shavo's and Daron's first influences were ]. Shavo has also stated in a video interview at ] that he would not like to do any collaborations, because they don't want to use other people to make themselves famous. Then he quickly changed his answer and said "]" and that they would love to do anything with him. | |||
In late 2001, unreleased tracks from the ''Toxicity'' sessions made their way onto the Internet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glendalehigh.com/malakian.html|title=The Daron Malakian Interview|first=Mike|last=Lancaster|date=March 28, 2003|publisher=Glendale High School Newspaper-the Explosion|access-date=July 26, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716081821/http://www.glendalehigh.com/malakian.html|archive-date=July 16, 2011}}</ref> This collection of tracks was dubbed ''Toxicity II'' by fans. The group released a statement that the tracks were unfinished material and subsequently released the final versions of the songs as their third album, '']'', which was released in November 2002. ''Steal This Album!'' resembled a burnable CD that was marked with a felt-tip marker. About 50,000 special copies of the album with different CD designs were also released, each designed by a different member of the band. The name of the album is a reference to ]'s counter-culture book, '']'', as well as a message to those who leaked the songs onto the Internet. The song "]" was released as a promo single and received constant airplay on alternative radio. A video for "Boom!" was filmed with director ] as a protest against the ].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=System Of A Down Goes 'Boom' With Moore |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71955/system-of-a-down-goes-boom-with-moore |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710001240/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71955/system-of-a-down-goes-boom-with-moore |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Genre dispute== | |||
{{Unreferenced|date=June 2006}} | |||
There is some contention over the band's ]. | |||
System of a Down has been labeled as "]" by some fans and media since their incarnation. This can be attributed to the release of their first album, which occurred during the “nü metal” boom of the mid-to-late '90s, though they'd actually been making music and touring before nü metal had been created (Except for Korn who formed two years prior to SOAD). The song structure is also arguably done mostly conventionally. | |||
Those who disagree with the nu metal label argue that System of a Down feature guitar riffs strongly reminiscent of those found in ], but other nu metal bands such as ] also have this sound. There are guitar solos on every album and the drumming tempo doesn't rise above the midtempo range of the chorus and bridges. The lyrics deal mostly with political and social issues, rather than personal issues. In addition, some people do not consider System of a Down nu metal due to the band not using ] in their songs, a common attribute of more rap influenced nu metal. | |||
Others believe that System of a Down's genre and song structure varies by song and album so one label cannot be used to describe the band. This can be evidenced by the contrasting sound of their debut to their follow up, ''Toxicity''. | |||
Guitarist ] has said in a '']'' interview that he is glad System of a Down has not slipped into the nü metal genre. During a 2005 concert, he announced, "They used to call us nü-metal, now they call us ]. I think they'll call us anything that's popular." | |||
In a 2005 interview with the '']'', Malakian said, “Lately, we've been doing interviews, and people have been like, 'You guys are really leading the way for the new prog movement,' and I'm like, 'What?' Because a couple of years ago, these guys were comparing us to ] and ], and now that we're still here and those bands aren't, they're talking about prog. It's just kind of aggravating that people always have to have something to compare us to, or bunch us up with. I'm not saying we're the most original band in the world, but I don't really feel that we fall into a heavy-metal category or a pure rock category. There's a lot of stuff mixed up into one.” | |||
=== ''Mezmerize'', ''Hypnotize'', band hiatus and side projects (2004–2008) === | |||
==Band members== | |||
] has gained a reputation for his large vocal range along with his unusual delivery.|left]] | |||
===Current members=== | |||
In 2004, the group recorded the follow-up to ''Steal This Album!'' a double album, which they released in separate installments six months apart. The releases notably included album cover artwork by Malakian's father, Vartan Malakian, and were designed to connect the two separate album covers. The first album, ''],'' was released on May 17, 2005, to favorable reviews by critics. It debuted at No. 1 in the United States, Canada, Australia and all around the world, making it System of a Down's second No. 1 album.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mezmerize – System of a Down |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/mezmerize-mw0000209577#:~:text=AllMusic%20Review%20by%20Johnny%20Loftus,what's%20essentially%20a%20double%20album. |website=Allmusic |access-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710132717/https://www.allmusic.com/album/mezmerize-mw0000209577#:~:text=AllMusic%20Review%20by%20Johnny%20Loftus,what's%20essentially%20a%20double%20album. |url-status=live}}</ref> First-week sales exceeded 800,000 copies worldwide. The lead single "]", which questions the integrity of military recruiting in America, worked its way up the Billboard Modern Rock and Mainstream Rock charts, and would go on to win the ] for Best Hard Rock Performance.<ref>{{cite web |title=System Of A Down Honored With Grammy For 'Best Hard Performance' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-honored-with-grammy-for-best-hard-rock-performance/ |website=Blabbermouth |date=February 8, 2006 |access-date=10 July 2020 |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714112239/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-honored-with-grammy-for-best-hard-rock-performance/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "]" was released as the next single, with Shavo Odadjian co-directing the music video. Following the album's release, the band toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada with ] and ] supporting.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=System Of A Down, Mars Volta Plan Summer Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/63107/system-of-a-down-mars-volta-plan-summer-tour |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714112238/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/63107/system-of-a-down-mars-volta-plan-summer-tour |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
*] - Vocals, Keyboard, Rhythm Guitar | |||
*] - Vocals, Guitar | |||
*] - Bass, Backing Vocals | |||
*] - Drums | |||
===Studio, Guest, and Extra members=== | |||
*] - Rhythm Guitar <font size=1>(As seen on the Ozzfest 2006 Tour )</font size=1> | |||
*] - Vocals <font size=1>(For a Rap/Rock crossover entitled "Shame" on the Loud Rocks Compilation and the ])</font size=1> | |||
*] - Vocals, Percussion <font size=1>(] and ])</font size=1> | |||
*] - Drums <font size=1>(For a number of shows - ])</font size=1> | |||
*] - Drums <font size=1>(For one show - October 31, 2001)</font size=1> | |||
*] - Drums | |||
*] - Piano <font size=1>(], ] and ])</font size=1> | |||
*] - Vocals <font size=1>(])</font size=1> | |||
*] - Vocals <font size=1>(])</font size=1> | |||
*] - Vocals <font size=1>(])</font size=1> | |||
The second part of the double album, ''],'' was released on November 22, 2005. Like ''Mezmerize'', it debuted at No. 1 in the US. With this release, System of a Down joined The Beatles and rappers 2Pac and DMX as the fourth artist ever to have two studio albums debut at No. 1 in the same year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1516656/system-of-a-down-make-it-a-double-with-chart-topping-hypnotize/|title=System Of A Down Make It A Double With Chart-Topping Hypnotize|work=MTV News|access-date=March 5, 2018|language=en|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115055912/http://www.mtv.com/news/1516656/system-of-a-down-make-it-a-double-with-chart-topping-hypnotize/|url-status=dead}}</ref> "]" was released as the lead single and was followed by "]" and "]", all three of which were also released as ], including several B-sides from 1999–2000, such as a collaboration with the ], titled "Shame". "]" was released as the final promotional single.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hypnotize – System of a Down |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/hypnotize-mw0000348196 |website=Allmusic |access-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209002000/https://www.allmusic.com/album/hypnotize-mw0000348196 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
===Former Members=== | |||
*] - Drums <font size=1>(1995-1997)</font size=1>, Vocals <font size=1>(For one show, Serj was ill so Andy filled in.)</font> | |||
Whereas on System of a Down's previous albums, most of the lyrics were written and sung by Tankian and the music was co-written by Tankian and Malakian (and sometimes Odadjian), much of the music and lyrics on ''Mezmerize''/''Hypnotize'' were written by Malakian, who also took on a much more dominant role as vocalist on both albums, often leaving Tankian providing keyboards and backing vocals. | |||
==Discography== | |||
{{main|System of a Down discography}} | |||
<gallery> | |||
<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s250/upperoath/demo1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a><br><Demo1>]<br><center>''' | |||
Image:SystemOfADown AlbumCover.jpg|<center>''']'''<br><center>], ]<br><center>'''#124''' U.S. <br><center> | |||
Image:SystemofaDownToxicityalbumcover.jpg|<center>''']'''<br><center>], ]<br><center>'''#1''' U.S., '''#13''' UK, '''#6''' Australia, '''#1''' Canada<br><center> | |||
Image:Stealthisalbum.jpg|<center>''']'''<br><center>], ]<br><center>'''#15''' U.S., '''#56''' UK<br><center> | |||
Image:System of a Down Mezmerize.jpg|<center>''']'''<br><center>], ]<br><center>'''#1''' U.S., '''#2''' UK, '''#2''' IRE, '''#1''' Australia, '''#1''' Canada<br><center> | |||
Image:Hypnotizecover1.jpg|<center>''']'''<br><center>], ]<br>'''#1''' U.S., '''#11''' UK, '''#10''' IRE, '''#1''' Canada, '''#3''' Australia<br><center> | |||
</gallery> | |||
System of a Down's song "]" was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance in the ] in 2007 but lost to "]" by ]. | |||
==Reviews== | |||
* by Chris Andrade on June 29, 2006 at | |||
A biography of the band entitled ''System of a Down: Right Here in Hollywood'', written by ], was published in May 2006, later being published in the U.S. in 2007 through ]. Additionally in 2006, concert footage and interviews with the band concerning the importance of helping create awareness and recognition of the ] were featured in the film ''],'' directed by ]. An interview with Tankian's grandfather, a survivor of the genocide, was also included in the film as well as Tankian's and Dolmayan's meeting with then-Speaker of the House ] during which the two musicians campaigned for the United States government's official recognition of the genocide. Footage of Tankian and Dolmayan marching with protesters outside the Turkish embassy in Washington, D.C., was also used in ''Screamers''. | |||
==Audio samples== | |||
{{listen|filename=System of a Down - Sugar.ogg|title=System of a Down's "Sugar"|description=24 second sample from System of a Down's "Sugar".|format=]}} | |||
In May 2006, the band announced they were going on hiatus. Malakian confirmed the break would probably last a few years, which Odadjian specified as a minimum of three years in an interview with ''Guitar'' magazine. He told MTV, "We're not breaking up. If that was the case, we wouldn't be doing this Ozzfest. We're going to take a very long break after Ozzfest and do our own things. We've done System for over ten years, and I think it's healthy to take some rest."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Chris |date=May 3, 2006 |title=System of a Down Aren't Breaking Up—They're Going on Hiatus |work=MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1530066/20060503/system_of_a_down.jhtml |access-date=February 2, 2009 |archive-date=March 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302163514/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1530066/20060503/system_of_a_down.jhtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> System of a Down's final performance before their separation took place on August 13, 2006, in ], Florida. "Tonight will be the last show we play for a long time together," Malakian told the crowd during Sunday's last performance. "We'll be back. We just don't know when."<ref name="soadfans_last_show">{{cite web |title= West Palm Beach, FL — August 13, 2006 Review |work=soadfans.com |date=July 13, 2006 |url=http://www.soadfans.com/Article427.htm |access-date=July 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515070110/http://www.soadfans.com/Article427.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=May 15, 2007}}</ref> | |||
The band members continued with their own projects; Malakian formed a band called ], which was joined by Dolmayan. After one ], the project became dormant and Dolmayan left the band. It released the long-awaited sophomore album in 2018, titled '']'', under the name "Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway". Dolmayan, alongside working with Scars on Broadway, formed his own band, Indicator.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Indicator – Something Underneath live (John Domayan's new project) – YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ilDTZG-yt0&list=PLxkWmILmSITzbR8HY3RLSaqzTOs60zaxA&ab_channel=Nakao |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/5ilDTZG-yt0| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|access-date=December 17, 2020|website=www.youtube.com| date=December 8, 2009 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> Dolmayan has also opened Torpedo Comics, an online comic bookstore. Odadjian pursued his project with ] of ], a hip-hop group named ], worked on his urSESSION website/record label and performed as a member of funk legend ]'s backing band. Meanwhile, Tankian opted for a solo career and released his debut solo album '']'' in the autumn of 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Serj Tankian – Elect The Dead (2xLP – Limited Silver Marbled Vinyl)|url=https://www.fatbeats.com/products/serj-tankian-elect-the-dead-2xlp-limited-us-exclusive-silver-black-marbled-vinyl|access-date=December 19, 2020|website=Fat Beats|language=en|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107235010/https://www.fatbeats.com/products/serj-tankian-elect-the-dead-2xlp-limited-us-exclusive-silver-black-marbled-vinyl|url-status=dead}}</ref> He has continued releasing solo albums, recording them almost entirely by himself even after System of a Down had begun to reunite for tours. | |||
=== Reunion and touring (2010–2020) === | |||
On November 29, 2010, following several weeks of Internet rumors, System of a Down officially announced that they would be reuniting for a string of large European festival dates in June 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Karan |first=Tim |title=System Of A Down to reunite, headline Download Festival |work=] |date=November 29, 2010 |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/system_of_a_down_to_reunite_co-headline_download_festival_with_avenged_seve/ |access-date=November 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001082758/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/system_of_a_down_to_reunite_co-headline_download_festival_with_avenged_seve/ |archive-date=October 1, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Among the announced tour dates included UK's ], Switzerland's ], Germany's ], Sweden's ], Austria's ] and Finland's ]. ] commenced on May 10, 2011, in ], Alberta.<ref>{{cite web |author=ChartAttack Staff |title=System Of A Down Announce North American Dates With Gogol Bordello |work=] |date=March 1, 2011 |url=http://www.chartattack.com/news/2011/mar/01/system-of-a-down-announce-north-american-dates-with-gogol-bordello |access-date=March 3, 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304160450/http://www.chartattack.com/news/2011/mar/01/system-of-a-down-announce-north-american-dates-with-gogol-bordello |archive-date=March 4, 2011 }}</ref> System's first tour through Mexico and South America began on September 28, 2011, in ], ending in ], Chile on October 7, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.systemofadown.com/#tour|title=System Of A Down|website=Systemofadown.com|access-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101060216/http://systemofadown.com/#tour|archive-date=January 1, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> From late February to early March 2012, they headlined five dates at ] festival.<ref>{{cite web |title=Soundwave Festival 2012 |publisher=Soundwavefestival.com |url=http://www.soundwavefestival.com/ |access-date=October 11, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812091522/http://www.soundwavefestival.com/ |archive-date=August 12, 2010 }}</ref> The band have continued playing around the world. On August 11 and 12, 2012, they played the ] and ] music festivals in Montreal and Toronto respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://exclaim.ca/News/heavy_to_heavy_mtl_return_with_system_of_down_slipknot_marilyn_manson_cancer_bats_high_on_fire|title=Heavy TO and Heavy MTL Return with System of a Down, Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, Cancer Bats, High on Fire|website=exclaim.ca|access-date=January 24, 2018|archive-date=July 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728212910/http://exclaim.ca/News/heavy_to_heavy_mtl_return_with_system_of_down_slipknot_marilyn_manson_cancer_bats_high_on_fire|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2013, System of a Down played at the UK's ], among other festivals and venues that year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.readingfestival.com/news/system-down-fall-out-boy-foals-and-more-confirmed-2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609192744/http://www.readingfestival.com/news/system-down-fall-out-boy-foals-and-more-confirmed-2013|url-status=dead|title=System Of A Down, Fall Out Boy, Foals and more confirmed for 2013!|archive-date=June 9, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref> | |||
System of a Down played their only 2013 U.S. performance at the Hollywood Bowl on July 29; tickets sold out hours after going on sale on March 22. On November 23, 2014, System of a Down announced the ] to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ]. The tour included a free concert in Republic Square in ], Armenia, on April 23, 2015, their first show in the country.<ref>{{cite web |last=Young |first=Alex |url=http://consequence.net/2014/11/system-of-a-down-reunite-for-wake-up-the-souls-tour/ |title=System of a Down reunite for "Wake Up the Souls" tour |publisher=Consequence.net |date=November 25, 2014 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927050020/https://consequence.net/2014/11/system-of-a-down-reunite-for-wake-up-the-souls-tour/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
]]] | |||
In a November 2016 interview with '']'', drummer John Dolmayan revealed that System of a Down was working on more than a dozen songs for their follow-up to the '']'' and '']'' albums. Although he stated that the band does not know when the album will be released, he added that, "I want everyone on board and feeling good about it. That's what we're trying to accomplish right now. There's a tremendous amount of pressure on us, though, because it's been 11 years—at least 12 by the time it comes out."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.laweekly.com/music/serj-tankian-goes-symphonic-then-its-back-to-system-of-a-down-7567799|author=Kissel, Chris|title=Serj Tankian Goes Symphonic — Then It's Back to System of a Down|newspaper=]|access-date=November 8, 2016|archive-date=April 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405115251/https://www.laweekly.com/music/serj-tankian-goes-symphonic-then-its-back-to-system-of-a-down-7567799|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In a video Q&A session with fans on July 2, 2017, Shavo Odadjian was asked about the status of the next album and he responded, "I'm waiting for a new album too. It's not happening. I don't know. I don't know when it's gonna be. Not right now."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2017/07/system-of-a-down-bassist-shavo-odadjian-says-a-new-album-is-not-happening/|author=Geslani, Michelle|title=System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian says a new album is "not happening"|date=July 5, 2017|publisher=]|access-date=July 5, 2017|archive-date=May 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501145127/https://consequence.net/2017/07/system-of-a-down-bassist-shavo-odadjian-says-a-new-album-is-not-happening/|url-status=live}}</ref> In a December 2017 interview with '']'', Serj Tankian said that System of a Down wrote some new material but was uncertain of what to do with it. He then said that he doesn't want to commit to a new album due to the lack of committing to longform touring.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/serj-tankian-on-system-of-a-down-chris-cornell-film-scores-w514439|title=Serj Tankian Talks New Film Scores, Chris Cornell, What's Next For System of a Down|author=Grow, Kory|magazine=]|access-date=December 20, 2017|archive-date=July 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701194055/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/serj-tankian-on-system-of-a-down-chris-cornell-film-scores-w514439|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
Malakian singled Tankian out as the reason no new album had yet been released.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-daron-malakian-frustrating-creative-impasse-with-serj-tankian|author=Wiederhorn, Jon|title=System of a Down's Daron Malakian: Band Remains at Frustrating Creative Impasse With Serj Tankian|magazine=]|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=June 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613184601/https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-daron-malakian-frustrating-creative-impasse-with-serj-tankian/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tankian detailed his view of the band's past and present conflicts and their overall situation, saying, "As we couldn't see eye to eye on all these points we decided to put aside the idea of a record altogether for the time being."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-opens-up-about-business-and-creative-differences-that-are-standing-in-way-of-new-system-of-a-down-music/|title=SERJ TANKIAN Opens Up About Business And Creative Differences That Are Standing In Way Of New SYSTEM OF A DOWN Music|work=]|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713062604/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-opens-up-about-business-and-creative-differences-that-are-standing-in-way-of-new-system-of-a-down-music/|url-status=live}}</ref> Dolmayan blamed all of the members due to the personal and creative differences that have been preventing them from recording a new studio album.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-drummer-says-all-members-of-band-are-to-blame-for-lack-of-new-music/|title=SYSTEM OF A DOWN Drummer Says All Members Of Band Are To Blame For Lack Of New Music|work=]|access-date=July 13, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418062816/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-drummer-says-all-members-of-band-are-to-blame-for-lack-of-new-music/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tankian also expressed uncertainty on whether the new album would be made or not but did not rule out the possibility. He went on to describe how he imagined the album sounding: "It's gotta be organic, it's gotta feel right in every way."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2018/08/01/incubus-brandon-boyd-and-system-of-a-downs-serj-tankian-open-up-on-fame-music-touring-and-more/#68be145b494f|title=Incubus' Brandon Boyd And System Of A Down's Serj Tankian Open Up On Fame, Music, Touring And More|author=Baltin, Steve|magazine=]|access-date=August 1, 2018|archive-date=August 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802042122/https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2018/08/01/incubus-brandon-boyd-and-system-of-a-downs-serj-tankian-open-up-on-fame-music-touring-and-more/#68be145b494f|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Odadjian said that the band has material written from "like the last 10, 12 years", but expressed uncertainty on if it would form into a System of a Down album or not. He also said that Malakian and Tankian have visual differences on what the album should sound like, and that the band's inner tension had been building far longer than fans would be aware, despite having love and respect for one another nonetheless.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kroq.radio.com/media/audio-channel/tuesday-october-9th-guest-system-downs-shavo-odadjian|title=Tuesday, October 9th with guest: System of A Down's Shavo Odadjian|publisher=]|access-date=October 9, 2018|archive-date=March 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329125437/https://kroq.radio.com/media/audio-channel/tuesday-october-9th-guest-system-downs-shavo-odadjian|url-status=live}}</ref> He would later say that there was no extant conflict between the members, expressing confidence that System of a Down would eventually record a new album and claimed that they have material written that would be their best to date.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://consequence.net/2018/12/shavo-odadjian-system-of-a-down-interview-part-1/|author=Kaufman, Spencer|title=System of a Down's Shavo Odadjian: "We Have Material That Tops Everything We've Done"|magazine=]|access-date=December 19, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418075924/https://consequence.net/2018/12/shavo-odadjian-system-of-a-down-interview-part-1/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tankian denied any talk of the band recording a new album.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/serj-tankian-talks-system-of-a-down-soundtracks-anthony-bourdain-770713/|author=Grow, Kory|title=Serj Tankian on Writing 'Requiem Music,' System of a Down's Creative Stalemate|magazine=]|access-date=December 20, 2018|archive-date=June 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614012220/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/serj-tankian-talks-system-of-a-down-soundtracks-anthony-bourdain-770713/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Malakian explained that there was a mixture between the matter of different creative perspectives for the band's hesitation to record a new studio album and the lack of desire to tour. He did not dismiss a possible new album in the more distant future.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kroq.radio.com/blogs/stryker-and-klein/daron-malakian-system-down-stryker-and-klein|title=Daron Malakian Talks System Of A Down with Stryker and Klein|author=Stryker and Klein|publisher=]|access-date=February 20, 2019|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020215012/https://kroq.radio.com/blogs/stryker-and-klein/daron-malakian-system-down-stryker-and-klein|url-status=live}}</ref> He felt that the fans don't care that the band wasn't making an album, "but I think a lot of the fans just want an album." He expressed hopes that the members would get together and record new music but was content with the direction of his band ], noting the members' good friendship, "But at the same time, I don't see that happening anytime soon that we're all going to get together and make a new System of a Down album."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://consequence.net/2019/04/daron-malakian-scars-on-broadway-system-of-a-down-interview-2019/|author=Kaufman, Spencer|title=Daron Malakian on Scars on Broadway, the State of System of a Down, and More|magazine=]|access-date=April 30, 2019|archive-date=May 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501224229/https://consequence.net/2019/04/daron-malakian-scars-on-broadway-system-of-a-down-interview-2019/|url-status=live}}</ref> Malakian said that Tankian and the rest of the band members have been unable to come to an agreement over how to go about making new music, but insisted that there was no negativity between them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://omny.fm/shows/talk-is-jericho/system-of-a-daron-from-chop-suey-to-scars-on-broad|title=System Of A Daron – From Chop Suey to Scars On Broadway – Talk Is Jericho|website=omny.fm|access-date=May 9, 2019|archive-date=May 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515044157/https://omny.fm/shows/talk-is-jericho/system-of-a-daron-from-chop-suey-to-scars-on-broad|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
]|left]] | |||
Despite System of a Down's ability to perform live, Odadjian expressed disappointment at their inability to record new music, explaining that there has been new material written by the other members in the form of a possible new album. Without Tankian's presence, no recordings had been made. He questioned why the band still has not made an album, citing creative differences as the problem.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/shavo-odadjian-on-possiblity-of-new-music-from-system-of-a-down-why-it-isnt-happening-is-a-big-question/|title=SHAVO ODADJIAN On The {{sic|Possi|blity|nolink=y}} Of New Music From SYSTEM OF A DOWN: 'Why It Isn't Happening Is A Big Question'|work=]|date=August 13, 2019|access-date=August 13, 2019|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915183526/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/shavo-odadjian-on-possiblity-of-new-music-from-system-of-a-down-why-it-isnt-happening-is-a-big-question/|url-status=live}}</ref> With the lack of commitment to record new music, Tankian was open to releasing a collection of previously unreleased System of a Down songs from past recording sessions if his bandmates agreed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-says-he-is-all-for-system-of-a-down-putting-out-previously-unreleased-material/|title=SERJ TANKIAN Says He Is 'All For' SYSTEM OF A DOWN Putting Out Previously Unreleased Material|website=]|date=December 10, 2019|access-date=December 10, 2019|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915183525/https://blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-says-he-is-all-for-system-of-a-down-putting-out-previously-unreleased-material/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Dolmayan had started in 2014 a Kickstarter to fund a cover project, titled "These Grey Men", alongside friend James Hazley.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bruno |first=Danielle |date=2014-06-17 |title=System Of A Down drummer crowdfunding side project, These Grey Men {{!}} Metal Insider |url=https://metalinsider.net/crowdfunding/system-of-a-down-drummer-crowdfunding-side-project-these-grey-men |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Metal Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420045158/https://metalinsider.net/crowdfunding/system-of-a-down-drummer-crowdfunding-side-project-these-grey-men |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Annunziata |first=Chris |date=2020-01-21 |title=System of a Down's John Dolmayan and Avenged Sevenfold's M. Shadows team up in new project These Grey Men {{!}} Metal Insider |url=https://metalinsider.net/video/system-of-a-downs-john-dolmayan-and-avenged-sevenfolds-m-shadows-team-up-in-new-project-these-grey-men |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Metal Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420045215/https://metalinsider.net/video/system-of-a-downs-john-dolmayan-and-avenged-sevenfolds-m-shadows-team-up-in-new-project-these-grey-men |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, he released the first single, a cover of ]'s "Street Spirit", on January 23.<ref>{{Cite web |title=These Grey Men website |url=https://www.thesegreymen.com/ |access-date=January 25, 2020 |website=THESE GREY MEN |language=en-US |archive-date=January 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125114230/https://www.thesegreymen.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ] singer ] contributes vocals to the track; ] contributes the guitar solo at the song's close.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Childers |first=Chad |date=2020-01-23 |title=System of a Down Drummer Covers Radiohead With Tom Morello + M. Shadows |url=https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-drummer-these-grey-men-radiohead-cover-tom-morello-m-shadows/ |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Loudwire |language=en |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420045200/https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-drummer-these-grey-men-radiohead-cover-tom-morello-m-shadows/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The second single features System of a Down bandmate Serj Tankian in a cover of ]'s "]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cornell |first=Jeff |date=2019-01-09 |title=Serj Tankian, M Shadows Join SOAD Drummer's These Grey Men Album |url=https://loudwire.com/tom-morello-serj-tankian-m-shadows-featured-john-dolmayan-these-grey-men-album/ |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Loudwire |language=en |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420045203/https://loudwire.com/tom-morello-serj-tankian-m-shadows-featured-john-dolmayan-these-grey-men-album/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album, titled ''These Grey Men'', was released on February 28, 2020.<ref>{{Citation |title=These Grey Men by John Dolmayan, on Apple Music |date=2020-02-28 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/these-grey-men/1494588282 |language=en-US |access-date=2022-04-20 |archive-date=November 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104193633/https://music.apple.com/us/album/these-grey-men/1494588282 |url-status=live }}</ref> It consists of covers/reimaginations of other songs by artists such as Radiohead, AFI, Madonna, and Talking Heads, among others. | |||
With the differences concerning the band members, Dolmayan became uncertain in wanting to make new music anymore. Although he did not want to put Tankian and Malakian at fault for the band's inability to record a new album, he said, "It takes four people to make this band, and it takes four people to unmake it. I think that we're all to blame. I could just blame Daron and Serj, because, quite frankly, they're the primary songwriters, so it's easy to blame them. But it's not just their fault. A lot of it is their fault, but it's not just their fault."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/john-dolmayan-is-not-even-sure-he-wants-to-make-a-new-system-of-a-down-album-anymore-its-just-so-much-drama-and-bullst/|title=JOHN DOLMAYAN Is 'Not Even Sure' He Wants To Make A New SYSTEM OF A DOWN Album Anymore: 'It's Just So Much Drama And Bulls**t'|website=]|date=April 20, 2020|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915183526/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/john-dolmayan-is-not-even-sure-he-wants-to-make-a-new-system-of-a-down-album-anymore-its-just-so-much-drama-and-bullst/|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview, Dolmayan exclaimed that putting the band on hiatus was a grave mistake: "I never wanted System to take a hiatus. I think it was a disastrous move for us because we never reached our peak." Dolmayan believed that the band could have risen through the charts if they had just kept going.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Drummer Says Hiatus Was a Huge Mistake for SOAD: We Could've Been the Biggest Band in the World|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/drummer_says_hiatus_was_a_huge_mistake_for_soad_we_couldve_been_the_biggest_band_in_the_world.html|access-date=December 19, 2020|website=www.ultimate-guitar.com|language=en|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915183526/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/drummer_says_hiatus_was_a_huge_mistake_for_soad_we_couldve_been_the_biggest_band_in_the_world.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 17, 2020, Serj Tankian announced in a ''Rolling Stone'' interview that he would release an EP by the name of ''Elasticity'' under his own name. Tankian had planned to release the EP in October. Due to the ], he released it in February 2021 instead. In the interview, he explained that the EP contains songs he had written for System of a Down that the band ultimately opted not to record.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|date=December 17, 2020|title='RS Interview: Special Edition' With Serj Tankian|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/serj-tankian-rs-interview-special-edition-1104974/|access-date=December 19, 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=June 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614173520/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/serj-tankian-rs-interview-special-edition-1104974/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Artsakh benefit singles and possible sixth studio album (2020–present) === | |||
On November 5, 2020, in response to the ], System of a Down released their first songs in 15 years, "]" and "]", both of which "speak of a dire and serious war being perpetrated upon our cultural homelands of ] and ]."<ref name="rollingstone2020" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=brownypaul|date=November 6, 2020|title=WOAHH Two New System Of A Down Songs Outta Nowhere|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/11/06/woahh-two-new-system-of-a-down-songs-outta-nowhere/|access-date=November 6, 2020|website=Wall Of Sound|language=en-US|archive-date=November 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106051444/https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/11/06/woahh-two-new-system-of-a-down-songs-outta-nowhere/|url-status=live}}</ref> Music videos were made for both singles, and "Protect the Land" marks the band's first music video in 14 years, since "]". Proceeds from the songs were to help ] and for humanitarian needs of displaced families from the war.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Chloe|last=Melas|title=System of a Down releases first new music in 15 years|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/entertainment/system-of-a-down-new-music-trnd/index.html|access-date=November 9, 2020|website=CNN|date=November 6, 2020|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711071801/https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/entertainment/system-of-a-down-new-music-trnd/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=System of a Down Detail Why They Decided to Release New Music|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/system-down-detail-why-decided-222111627.html|access-date=November 9, 2020|website=Yahoo.com|date=November 8, 2020 |language=en-US|archive-date=April 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418062939/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/system-down-detail-why-decided-222111627.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
As for a possible new album, Dolmayan told '']'', "If it was up to me, we'd have a new album every three years. But things aren't up to me. I'm at the mercy of my team, and although I fought for it for many years with band members, I've accepted that it is what it is. We do have five albums and two songs. We've accomplished a lot in our careers. If it ends at that, so be it."<ref name="rollingstone2020" /> In the same interview, Malakian claimed that "Protect the Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz" were originally going to be released under his own band ]. As the conflict came to fruition, System of a Down came back to release them instead.<ref name="rollingstone2020" /> Malakian also said he does not see the band making new music anytime soon, saying that the singles were a "one-off kind of thing".<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 16, 2020|title=Daron Malakian Doesn't See SOAD Making More New Music Soon|url=https://loudwire.com/daron-malakian-doesnt-see-system-of-a-down-making-more-music-soon/|access-date=November 17, 2020|website=Loudwire|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126191032/https://loudwire.com/daron-malakian-doesnt-see-system-of-a-down-making-more-music-soon/|url-status=live}}</ref> ] spoke with ''Wall of Sound'' in a follow-up interview discussing the conception of the songs, stating, "It was amazing... Even though we have had our differences, when we're in there it's just like brothers making music together, like it all started."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aarons|first=Ricky|date=December 17, 2020|title=Shavo Odadjian – 'Introducing North Kingsley and Protecting Armenia with System Of A Down'|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/12/17/shavo-odadjian-introducing-north-kingsley-and-protecting-armenia-with-system-of-a-down/|access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Wall Of Sound|language=en-US|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915184651/https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/12/17/shavo-odadjian-introducing-north-kingsley-and-protecting-armenia-with-system-of-a-down/|url-status=live}}</ref> When asked if the two songs had inspired a new era of creativity for System of a Down, Tankian said to ] in December 2020, "I don't know, because right now we're focused on what's going on in Armenia. There's a huge humanitarian catastrophe. We're still focused on raising funds, raising awareness about this. Time will tell whether this leads to something else or not."<ref>{{Cite web|title=SERJ TANKIAN: 'Time Will Tell' Whether Recording Two New SYSTEM OF A DOWN Songs Will Lead To Something More|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-time-will-tell-whether-recording-two-new-system-of-a-down-songs-will-lead-to-something-more/|access-date=December 19, 2020|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 19, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225023307/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-time-will-tell-whether-recording-two-new-system-of-a-down-songs-will-lead-to-something-more/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In January 2023, Dolmayan claimed that Tankian "hasn't really wanted to be in a band for a long time and quite frankly, we probably should have parted ways around 2006. We tried to get together multiple times to make an album, but there were certain rules set in place that made it difficult to do so and maintain the integrity of what System of a Down stood for." Despite the major setback, he said the chemistry to play live together as a band is still great.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Revolver |title=John Dolmayan: Serj Tankian Hasn't Wanted To Be in System of a Down for a Long Time |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/john-dolmayan-serj-tankian-hasnt-wanted-be-system-down-long-time |website=Revolver |date=January 3, 2023 |access-date=4 January 2023 |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104095946/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/john-dolmayan-serj-tankian-hasnt-wanted-be-system-down-long-time |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 14 of the same year, System of a Down hosted their only live performance of 2023 as co-headliners of the Sick New World festival in ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kress |first=Brian |date=May 14, 2023 |title=System of a Down Close Sick New World 2023: Video + Setlist |url=https://consequence.net/2023/05/system-of-a-down-sick-new-world-2023-watch/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
In 2024, the band performed two gigs: in the former case, they made their second headline appearance in a row at Sick New World on April 27;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Childers |first=Chad |date=April 28, 2024 |title=Setlist + Video – System of a Down Headline 2024 Sick New World Festival |url=https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-sick-new-world-2024-setlist-video/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Emily |date=April 28, 2024 |title=Here's System Of A Down's epic Sick New World setlist |url=https://www.kerrang.com/heres-system-of-a-downs-epic-sick-new-world-setlist/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> in the latter one, they co-headlined (together with ]) a standalone concert at the ] in ], making it the first-ever ticketed concert to take place at the venue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Ariel |date=April 9, 2024 |title=Another Planet Entertainment Announces One-Night Event With System Of A Down & Deftones In Golden Gate Park, Potential For More |url=https://news.pollstar.com/2024/04/09/another-planet-announces-one-night-event-with-system-of-a-down-deftones-in-golden-gate-park-potential-for-more/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schaffner |first=Lauryn |date=April 9, 2024 |title=System of a Down + Deftones Announce First of Its Kind Show at Historic Venue |url=https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-deftones-first-show-historic-venue-2024/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
== Artistry == | |||
=== Lyrical themes === | |||
System of a Down's lyrics are often oblique<ref name="AllmusicToxicity">{{cite web |last=Rivadavia |first=Eduardo |url=https://allmusic.com/album/toxicity-r547443/review |title=Toxicity – System of a Down |website=AllMusic |date=September 4, 2001 |access-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-date=April 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429055747/http://allmusic.com/album/toxicity-r547443/review |url-status=live }}</ref> or ]<ref name="AllmusicToxicity" /><ref name=popmattersmezmerize/> and have discussed topics such as drug abuse,<ref name="AllmusicToxicity" /> politics<ref name="AllmusicToxicity" /><ref name="AllmusicMezmerize">{{cite web |last=Loftus |first=Johnny |url=https://allmusic.com/album/mezmerize-r737666/review |title=Mezmerize – System of a Down |website=AllMusic |date=May 17, 2005 |access-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426234223/http://allmusic.com/album/mezmerize-r737666/review |url-status=live }}</ref> and suicide.<ref name="AllmusicToxicity" /> "Prison Song" criticizes the ]<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Sinclair |first=Tom |url=https://ew.com/article/2001/09/03/system-down/ |title=System of a Down |magazine=EW.com |date=January 17, 2015 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=October 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019101653/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,173181,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> whereas '']'' describes "Roulette" as a "scared, wounded love letter".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/systemofadown/albums/album/272714/review/6067555/steal_this_album |title=Rolling Stone : System of a Down: Steal This Album : Music Reviews |magazine=] |date=November 19, 2002 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410071853/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/systemofadown/albums/album/272714/review/6067555/steal_this_album |archive-date=April 10, 2009 }}</ref> "Boom!", among the band's most straightforward and unambiguous songs, lambasts ] and spending on bombs and armament.<ref name="nmestealthisalbum">{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/6887 |title=NME Reviews – System Of A Down : Steal this Album |publisher=Nme.com |date=September 12, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=January 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150126042800/http://www.nme.com/reviews/6887 |url-status=live }}</ref> Commenting on the track "I-E-A-I-A-I-O", drummer John Dolmayan said it was inspired by an encounter he had with '']''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s actor ] in a liquor store in Los Angeles when he was around 12.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Hartmann|first1=Graham|title=System of a Down's John Dolmayan Reveals Lyrical Inspiration for 'I-E-A-I-A-I-O'|url=http://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-john-dolmayan-lyrical-inspiration-i-e-a-i-a-i-o/|magazine=]|publisher=]|access-date=August 2, 2014|date=July 14, 2014|archive-date=July 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721043444/http://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-john-dolmayan-lyrical-inspiration-i-e-a-i-a-i-o/|url-status=live}}</ref> On '']'', "Cigaro" makes explicit references to ]<ref name="ewmezmerize" /> and ]<ref name=popmattersmezmerize/> while "Violent Pornography" harshly views television<ref name=ewmezmerize>{{cite magazine |last=Sinclair |first=Tom |url=https://ew.com/article/2005/05/16/mezmerize/ |title=Mezmerize |magazine=EW.com |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=October 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019102759/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1060789,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and degradation of women.<ref name=pitchforkmezmerize>{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11839-mezmerize-hypnotize/ |title=System of a Down: Mezmerize / Hypnotize | Album Reviews |publisher=Pitchfork.com |date=November 21, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=March 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319043055/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11839-mezmerize-hypnotize/ |url-status=live }}</ref> System of a Down's discontent toward the controversial ] arises in "B.Y.O.B.",<ref name=popmattersmezmerize>{{cite web |last=Begrand |first=Adrien |url=https://www.popmatters.com/review/systemofadown-mesmerize/ |title=System of a Down: Mezmerize |date=May 24, 2005 |publisher=PopMatters.com |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=June 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630164102/http://www.popmatters.com/review/systemofadown-mesmerize/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/systemofadown/albums/album/7309436/review/7313411/mezmerize |title=Rolling Stone : System of a Down: Mezmerize : Music Reviews |magazine=] |date=June 2, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423133511/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/systemofadown/albums/album/7309436/review/7313411/mezmerize |archive-date=April 23, 2009 }}</ref> which is a ] reference to beer and bombs,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20147981,00.html |title=Picks and Pans Review: System of a Down |magazine=] |date=June 27, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019112112/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20147981,00.html |archive-date=October 19, 2014 }}</ref> containing the forthright lyric "Why don't presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor?",<ref name=popmattersmezmerize/><ref name=ewmezmerize/><ref name=pitchforkmezmerize/> "Old School Hollywood" describes a celebrity baseball game.<ref name=pitchforkmezmerize/><ref name=popmattershypnotize>{{cite web |last=Begrand |first=Adrien |url=https://www.popmatters.com/review/systemofadown-hypnotize/ |title=System of a Down: Hypnotize |date=November 21, 2005 |publisher=PopMatters.com |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=June 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630164108/http://www.popmatters.com/review/systemofadown-hypnotize/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On their album "Hypnotize", "Tentative" describes ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2005-11-21-listen-up_x.htm |title=USATODAY.com – System of a Down zooms way up with 'Hypnotize' |publisher=Usatoday30.usatoday.com |date=November 21, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=October 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017190609/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2005-11-21-listen-up_x.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=rshypnotize>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/systemofadown/albums/album/7690031/review/8796404/hypnotize |title=System of a Down: Hypnotize : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone |magazine=] |date=November 17, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205091302/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/systemofadown/albums/album/7690031/review/8796404/hypnotize |archive-date=February 5, 2010 }}</ref> "Hypnotize" refers to the ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/system-of-a-down/hypnotize.htm |title=System Of A Down – Hypnotize – Review |work=Stylusmagazine.com |access-date=March 29, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106202445/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/system-of-a-down/hypnotize.htm |archive-date=November 6, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.popmatters.com/systemofadown-hypnotize-2496074979.html|title=System of a Down: Hypnotize|date=November 21, 2005|work=PopMatters|access-date=March 5, 2018|language=en|archive-date=June 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620233911/https://www.popmatters.com/systemofadown-hypnotize-2496074979.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and "Lonely Day" describes ].<ref name=popmattershypnotize/> The album title '']'' is a play on the book '']'' by ] ].<ref name=nmestealthisalbum/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1458163/systems-stolen-tracks-compiled-on-steal-this-album/ |title=System's Stolen Tracks Compiled On Steal This Album |publisher=MTV.com |date=October 16, 2002 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=July 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717092106/http://www.mtv.com/news/1458163/systems-stolen-tracks-compiled-on-steal-this-album/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Milner |first=Greg |url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/system-down-steal-album-american-recordingscolumbia/ |title=System of a Down, 'Steal This Album!' Review |publisher=Spin.com |date=June 20, 2003 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=June 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620140356/http://www.spin.com/reviews/system-down-steal-album-american-recordingscolumbia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> System of a Down's firm commitment for the ] to be recognized appears in two songs: "P.L.U.C.K." and "Holy Mountains", which rank among the band's most political songs.<ref name=rshypnotize/> | |||
=== Music === | |||
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of ] stated "Like many late-'90s ] bands System of a Down struck a balance between '80s underground ] and metallic early-'90s ]ers like ]".<ref name="Erlewine"/> System of a Down's music is influenced by elements of numerous styles, including ],<ref name="newstead">{{cite news |last1=Newstead |first1=Al |title=A beginner's guide to System Of A Down |url=https://www.abc.net.au/listen/doublej/music-reads/features/system-of-a-down-beginners-guide-j-files-songs-biography-guide/102854586 |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=Double J |date=14 September 2023}}</ref> ], ],<ref name="revolver7things" /> ],<ref name="spinmilner">{{cite news |last1=Milner |first1=Greg |title=My Life in Music: Serj Tankian |work=SPIN Magazine |date=23 June 2003}}</ref> ],<ref name="ls22">{{cite news |last1=Everley |first1=Dave |title="Public Enemy was a bad-ass thing": these are the 11 albums that changed SOAD bassist Shavo Odadjian's life |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/system-of-a-downs-shavo-odadjian-10-albums-that-changed-my-life |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=LouderSound |date=24 May 2022}}</ref> ],<ref name="revolver7things" /> various genres of ] including ] and even ],<ref name="newstead" /><ref name="revolver7things" /> and ].<ref name="interview_nalbandian">{{cite web| last= Nalbandian| first= Bob| title= Interview with System of a Down| work= Shockwaves Online| url= http://www.hardradio.com/hr3.html?http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hardradio.com%2Fshockwaves%2Fsystem1.php3| access-date= July 21, 2007| archive-date= July 19, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110719185417/http://www.hardradio.com/hr3.html?http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hardradio.com%2Fshockwaves%2Fsystem1.php3| url-status= live}}</ref> System of a Down's music has variously been termed ],<ref name="Erlewine">{{cite web | first = Stephen Thomas | last = Erlewine | title = Biography of System of a Down | website = Allmusic | url = https://allmusic.com/artist/system-of-a-down-p302874/biography | access-date = July 11, 2015 | archive-date = January 14, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110114000226/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/system-of-a-down-p302874/biography | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title= Choose System of a Down's Set List This Summer |date= April 8, 2011 |magazine= ] |url= http://www.revolvermag.com/news/choose-system-of-a-downs-set-list-this-summer.html |access-date= February 14, 2016 |archive-date= June 13, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170613111356/http://www.revolvermag.com/news/choose-system-of-a-downs-set-list-this-summer.html |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |first= Jason |last= Lipshutz |title= System Of A Down, Deftones Team For Summer Tour |date= April 8, 2011 |magazine= ] |url= https://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/491431/system-of-a-down-deftones-team-for-summer-tour |access-date= February 14, 2016 |archive-date= February 3, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160203023142/http://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/491431/system-of-a-down-deftones-team-for-summer-tour |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first= Tim |last= Grierson |title= Top 10 Rock Albums of the '00s |publisher= ] |url= http://rock.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/BestRockAlbums2000s.htm |access-date= February 14, 2016 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160217043131/http://rock.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/BestRockAlbums2000s.htm |archive-date= February 17, 2016 |df= mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |first= Amy |last= Sciaretto |title= Loud Rock |journal= ] |date= July 28, 2003 |issue= 824 |page= 23 |issn= 0006-2510 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=yTx2g_J6SHoC&q=%22system+of+a+down%22&pg=PA23 |access-date= November 7, 2020 |archive-date= March 23, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230323113306/https://books.google.com/books?id=yTx2g_J6SHoC&q=%22system+of+a+down%22&pg=PA23 |url-status= live }}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite book|first=Tommy|last=Udo|title=Brave Nu World|year=2002|publisher=Sanctuary Publishing|isbn=1-86074-415-X|pages=|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/bravenuworld00tomm/page/183}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|editor-first=Eric|editor-last=Weisbard|title=This is Pop: in Search of the Elusive at Experience Music Project|url=https://archive.org/details/thisispopinsearc00weis|url-access=registration|year=2004|publisher=]|isbn=0-674-01344-1|page=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://stylusmagazine.com/articles/staff_top_10/top-ten-nu-metal-bands.htm |title=Top Ten Nu-Metal Bands |work=] |date=September 10, 2004 |last=Unterberger |first=Andrew |access-date=September 25, 2014 |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614171513/http://stylusmagazine.com/articles/staff_top_10/top-ten-nu-metal-bands.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |first= James |last= Grebey |title= Watch System of a Down's Full First-Ever Concert in Armenia |journal= ] |date= April 23, 2015 |access-date= December 11, 2015 |url= http://www.spin.com/2015/04/system-of-a-down-armenia-armenian-genocide-concert-watch-stream/ |archive-date= March 20, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170320112522/http://www.spin.com/2015/04/system-of-a-down-armenia-armenian-genocide-concert-watch-stream/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |first= Sarah |last= Bella |title= Serj Tankian Nixes Talk of New System of a Down Album |journal= ] |date= August 1, 2013 |url= http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/serj-tankian-nixes-talk-of-new-system-of-a-down-album/ |access-date= December 11, 2015 |archive-date= June 22, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170622122928/http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/serj-tankian-nixes-talk-of-new-system-of-a-down-album/ |url-status= live }}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.spin.com/2013/07/system-of-a-down-new-album-drama/ |title= System of a Down Hint at New Album After Denying Internal Drama |first= Marc |last= Hogan |magazine= Spin |date= July 31, 2013 |access-date= February 14, 2016 |archive-date= March 3, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303191609/http://www.spin.com/2013/07/system-of-a-down-new-album-drama/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76980/system-of-a-down-to-headline-ozzfest |title= System Of A Down To Headline Ozzfest |magazine= Billboard |date= January 29, 2002 |access-date= February 14, 2016 |archive-date= March 6, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160306054109/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76980/system-of-a-down-to-headline-ozzfest |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Lullaby Versions Of SYSTEM OF A DOWN Due This Week |url= http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/lullaby-versions-of-system-of-a-down-due-this-week/ |work= ] |date= October 21, 2013 |access-date= February 14, 2016 |archive-date= March 3, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203943/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/lullaby-versions-of-system-of-a-down-due-this-week/ |url-status= live }}</ref> ],<ref name="rollstone">{{cite magazine|last=Serpick |first=Evan |title=System of a Down — Prog-metal Radicals |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=December 15, 2005 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/8957307/system_of_a_down |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029235443/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/8957307/system_of_a_down |archive-date=October 29, 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date =August 22, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first= Jay |last= Cridlin |title= System of a Down's Serj Tankian coming to the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg |date= June 24, 2010 |newspaper= ] |url= http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/soundcheck/content/system-downs-serj-tankian-coming-mahaffey-theater-st-petersburg |access-date= February 14, 2016 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160217004937/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/soundcheck/content/system-downs-serj-tankian-coming-mahaffey-theater-st-petersburg |archive-date= February 17, 2016 |df= mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first= Chris |last= Harris |title= System Of A Down Top ''Billboard'' With ''Mezmerize'' |date= May 25, 2005 |publisher= ] |url= http://www.mtv.com/news/1502898/system-of-a-down-top-billboard-with-mezmerize/ |access-date= February 14, 2016 |archive-date= March 2, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160302111130/http://www.mtv.com/news/1502898/system-of-a-down-top-billboard-with-mezmerize/ |url-status= dead }}</ref> ],<ref name="Erlewine"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Jessiva|last=Gelt|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-ca-cm-serj-tankian-snap-20161101-story.html|title=System of a Down's Serj Tankian goes classical with symphonic concerts in Northridge|website=]|date=November 6, 2016|access-date=August 29, 2019|url-access=limited|archive-date=August 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829053101/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-ca-cm-serj-tankian-snap-20161101-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10761508|title=System of a Down set for NZ show|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=November 2, 2012|date=October 25, 2011|archive-date=December 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202130436/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10761508|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title= System of a Down |date= December 2015 |magazine= Guitar Techniques |url= https://archive.org/stream/Guitar_Techniques_December_2015/Guitar_Techniques_December_2015_djvu.txt |access-date= February 14, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first= Brendan |last= Boughen |title= Serart |date= August 31, 2003 |publisher= The Phantom Tollbooth |url= http://www.tollbooth.org/2003/reviews/serj.html |access-date= February 14, 2016 |archive-date= March 28, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160328154028/http://www.tollbooth.org/2003/reviews/serj.html |url-status= live }}</ref> ],<ref name="Archive Biography" /><ref>{{cite web | last=Christgau | first=Robert | title=Reviews of System of a Down | url=http://robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=system+of+a+down | access-date=April 2, 2009 | archive-date=June 29, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629173114/http://robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=system+of+a+down | url-status=live }}</ref> and ].<ref name="mtv1">{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Chris|title=System Of A Down Mezmerize NYC With Crushing 90-Minute Gig|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1501594/system-down-mezmerize-nyc-crowd.jhtml|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=May 10, 2012|date=May 10, 2005|archive-date=November 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108174450/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1501594/system-down-mezmerize-nyc-crowd.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Archive Biography">{{cite web|title=Archive Biography|url=http://rock.about.com/od/systemofadown/p/soad.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707075217/http://rock.about.com/od/systemofadown/p/soad.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2011}}</ref> | |||
Malakian has stated that "We don't belong to any one scene"<ref name="Morse">{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Morse |title=''Pounding out a blistering attack: System of a Down lashes out at Hollywood, war, and hypocrisy'' |url=https://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2005/08/26/pounding_out_a_blistering_attack/ |work=The Boston Globe |date=August 26, 2005 |access-date=April 5, 2009 |archive-date=July 5, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705052346/http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2005/08/26/pounding_out_a_blistering_attack/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and that "I don't like the nu-metal ] ] sound; it is not my thing, at least not yet."<ref name="Perry">{{cite book |last1=Perry |first1=Megan |title=Wired: musicians' home studios : tools & techniques of the musical mavericks |year=2004 |publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation |isbn=0-87930-794-3 |page= |chapter=Daron's Guitar Tunings |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/wiredmusiciansho0000perr/page/79 |chapter-url-access=registration}}</ref> In interview with Mike Lancaster, he also said, "People always seem to feel the need to put us into a category, but we just don't fit into any category."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.glendalehigh.com/malakian.html |title=The Daron Malakian Interview |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415015217/http://www.glendalehigh.com/malakian.html |archive-date=15 April 2009 |orig-date=28 March 2003 |access-date=12 October 2021 |work=Glendale High School Newspaper |first=Mike |last=Lancaster}}</ref> According to Tankian, "As far as arrangement and everything, is pretty much ]. To me, System of a Down isn't a progressive band. But it's not a typical pop project, obviously. We definitely pay attention to the music to make sure that it's not something someone's heard before."<ref name="DeRogatis">{{Cite news|first=Jim|last=DeRogatis|title=''They're an Armenian band''|url=http://www.jimdero.com/News2001/Sept14SOAD.htm|work=The Chicago Tribune|date=September 14, 2001|access-date=April 4, 2009|archive-date=April 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410065131/http://www.jimdero.com/News2001/Sept14SOAD.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Malakian once described their music "as if ] and ] had a baby."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Revolver |title=System of a Down's Daron Malakian: Why I Love Slayer's 'Show No Mercy' |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/system-downs-daron-malakian-why-i-love-slayers-show-no-mercy |website=Revolver |date=December 3, 2021 |access-date=6 January 2023 |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106032702/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/system-downs-daron-malakian-why-i-love-slayers-show-no-mercy |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
The band has used a wide range of instruments, such as ]s, ], ]s, ]s, ]s, and ]s.<ref name="8notes">{{cite web| title = System of a Down biography| work = 8notes.com| url = http://www.8notes.com/biographies/system_of_a_down.asp#History.2C_style_and_influences| access-date = June 26, 2006| archive-date = January 25, 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120125233557/http://www.8notes.com/biographies/system_of_a_down.asp#History.2C_style_and_influences| url-status = live}}</ref> According to Malakian, he would often write songs in ], which would later be changed to ] in order to be performed by the band.<ref name="Perry" /> Malakian states that "For me, the drop-C tuning is right down the center. It has enough of the clarity and the crisp sound—most of our riffy stuff is done on the top two strings, anyway—but it's also thicker and ballsier."<ref name="Perry" /> | |||
=== Influences and comparison to other artists === | |||
System of a Down's influences include ],<ref name="interview_nalbandian"/> ],<ref>{{cite web |last=Rockingham |first=Graham |url=http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/20130413hamiltonspectator.htm |title=Graciously BITTER |work=] |date=April 13, 2013 |access-date=May 18, 2024}}</ref> ],<ref name="Morse" /><ref name="interview_nalbandian" /> ],<ref name=FBPO/> ],<ref name=FBPO/> ],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> ],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> ],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> ],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> ],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> ],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> ],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> ],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> ],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> ],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> ],<ref name=DaronAlbums>{{cite web |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/system-down-and-scars-broadways-daron-malakian-albums-made-me |title=System of a Down and Scars on Broadway's Daron Malakian: The Albums That Made Me |work=] |date=July 25, 2018 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |last=Appleford |first=Steve |archive-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810010857/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/system-down-and-scars-broadways-daron-malakian-albums-made-me |url-status=live }}</ref> ],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> ],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> ],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/daron_malakian_there_is_no_new_system_of_a_down_album_planned.html |title=Daron Malakian: There Is No New System of a Down Album Planned |publisher=] |last=Rosen |first=Steven |date=July 6, 2018 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930231301/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/daron_malakian_there_is_no_new_system_of_a_down_album_planned.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ],<ref name=FBPO>{{cite web |url=http://forbassplayersonly.com/shavo-odadjian/ |title=Shavarsh "Shavo" Odadjian opens up about System Of A Down |work=For Bass Plays Only |last=Liebman |first=Jon |date=January 1, 2018 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930231954/http://forbassplayersonly.com/shavo-odadjian/ |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ],<ref name=NYRock/> ],<ref name="Collins">{{cite web |author1=Dillon Collins |title=SERJ TANKIAN Discusses His Varied Solo Career, Not Being Tied To One Genre Anymore |url=https://metalinjection.net/interviews/serj-tankian-discusses-his-varied-solo-career-not-being-tied-to-one-genre-anymore |website=Metal Injection |access-date=23 November 2022 |date=November 21, 2022 |quote=From Depeche Mode to Radiohead, Tankian's tastes and influences on Perplex Cities venture into areas far removed from his heavy metal roots." Serj Tankian: "Yeah, definitely, I was into Depeche Mode and New Order and a lot of the kind of goth bands, goth pop type of bands as well Bauhaus. It definitely has all those elements that I like, and even Radiohead. Kind of a little of the Kid A starting Radiohead moments. There's a lot of that, but it's mostly experimentation and kind of this brooding attitude, but it becomes more intimate. Like there's something more intimate and something deeper about it than a lot of the rock songs that are very kind of upbeat and sung high and, you know, mighty and epic. There's kind of like the opposite effect here. And that's what I liked about it." |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123171129/https://metalinjection.net/interviews/serj-tankian-discusses-his-varied-solo-career-not-being-tied-to-one-genre-anymore |url-status=live }}</ref> ],<ref name="Collins" /> ],<ref name="Collins" /> ],<ref name="Collins" /> ],<ref name=TankianAlbums>{{cite web |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/system-of-a-down-serj-tankian-the-10-albums-that-changed-my-life |title=Serj Tankian: The 10 albums that changed my life |last=Alderslade |first=Merlin |work=] |date=September 4, 2016 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729200620/https://www.loudersound.com/features/system-of-a-down-serj-tankian-the-10-albums-that-changed-my-life |url-status=live }}</ref> ],<ref name=TankianAlbums/> ],<ref name="Eakin">{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/serj-tankian-on-his-musical-firsts-and-learning-to-love-1798233456 |title=Serj Tankian on his musical firsts and learning to love Iron Maiden |work=] |last=Eakin |first=Marah |date=September 18, 2012 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930231715/https://music.avclub.com/serj-tankian-on-his-musical-firsts-and-learning-to-love-1798233456 |url-status=live }}</ref> ],<ref name="Eakin"/> ],<ref name=NYRock>{{cite web |url=http://76.12.46.30/interviews/2000/system.asp |title=Interview with System of a Down |work=NY Rock |author=Gabriella |date=November 2000 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930232022/http://76.12.46.30/interviews/2000/system.asp |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ],<ref name="interview_nalbandian" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/system-downs-daron-malakian-slayers-influence-farewell-tour |title=System of a Down's Daron Malakian on Slayer's Influence, Farewell Tour |work=] |date=June 6, 2018 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930231534/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/system-downs-daron-malakian-slayers-influence-farewell-tour |url-status=live }}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/daron-malakian-on-system-of-a-down-as-bandmembers-we-tend-to-have-different-ways-of-wanting-to-do-things | title=DARON MALAKIAN on SYSTEM OF a DOWN: 'As Bandmembers, We Tend to Have Different Ways of Wanting to do Things' | date=April 30, 2019 | access-date=November 15, 2022 | archive-date=November 15, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115171301/https://blabbermouth.net/news/daron-malakian-on-system-of-a-down-as-bandmembers-we-tend-to-have-different-ways-of-wanting-to-do-things | url-status=live }}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/serj-tankian-says-system-of-a-down-bandmate-daron-malakian-first-turned-him-on-to-metal/ |title=Serj Tankian Says System of a Down Bandmate Daron Malakian First Turned Him on to Metal |first=Chad |last=Childers |date=May 11, 2012 |website=] |access-date=June 11, 2015 |archive-date=June 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612161614/http://loudwire.com/serj-tankian-says-system-of-a-down-bandmate-daron-malakian-first-turned-him-on-to-metal/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One reviewer claimed that their music encompasses different sounds, from sounding like "] playing Rush" to sometimes "tread close to ] territory."<ref name="Sinclair">{{cite magazine | last=Sinclair | first=Tom | title=Review of ''Toxicity'' | url=https://ew.com/article/2001/09/03/system-down/ | date=September 3, 2001 | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | access-date=April 2, 2009 | archive-date=October 19, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019101653/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,173181,00.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Malakian has stated that "I'm a fan of music. I'm not necessarily a fan of any one band."<ref>{{Cite news |title=''Many musical influences in System of a Down'' |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LB&p_theme=lb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10FB700A80EB8CC8&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |work=] |date=August 3, 2005 |access-date=April 5, 2009 |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018025813/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LB&p_theme=lb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10FB700A80EB8CC8&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-status=live }}</ref> Dolmayan stated "I don't think we sound like anybody else. I consider us System of a Down."<ref name="soad_myspace" /> Odadjian stated "You can compare us to whoever you want. I don't care. Comparisons and labels have no effect on this band. Fact is fact: We are who we are and they are who they are."<ref name="soad_myspace">{{cite web| title= Official System of a Down MySpace| work= myspace.com/soad| url= http://myspace.com/soad| access-date= July 21, 2007| archive-date= August 20, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110820055807/http://www.myspace.com/soad| url-status= live}}</ref> | |||
==Band members== | |||
] | |||
'''Current members''' | |||
<!-- THE FOUR MEMBERS ARE LISTED HOW THEY ARE IN THE CREDITS OF THEIR STUDIO ALBUMS. PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE LISTED. DO NOT ADD OR REMOVE INSTRUMENTS WITHOUT A SOURCE --> | |||
* ] – lead vocals, keyboards, samples <small>(1994–2006, 2010–present)</small>, rhythm guitar <small>(2001–2006, 2010–present)</small> | |||
* ] – lead guitar, backing vocals <small>(1994–2006, 2010–present)</small>, co-lead vocals <small>(2004–2006, 2010–present)</small>, rhythm guitar <small>(1994–2001)</small> | |||
* ] – bass, backing vocals <small>(1994–2006, 2010–present)</small> | |||
* ] – drums, percussion <small>(1997–2006, 2010–present)</small> | |||
'''Former members''' | |||
<!-- DO NOT ADD SOIL MEMBERS HERE--> | |||
* ] – drums <small>(1994–1997)</small> | |||
'''Timeline''' | |||
{{#tag:timeline| | |||
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:30 | |||
PlotArea = left:110 bottom:80 top:0 right:10 | |||
Alignbars = justify | |||
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy | |||
Period = from:01/01/1994 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}} | |||
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy | |||
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4 | |||
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1994 | |||
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1994 | |||
Colors = | |||
id:Lvocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals | |||
id:Lguitar value:teal legend:Lead_guitar,_backing_vocals | |||
id:Rguitar value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar | |||
id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass,_backing_vocals | |||
id:Keyboards value:purple legend:Keyboards,_samples | |||
id:Drums value:orange legend:Drums,_percussion | |||
id:Studio value:black legend:Studio_album | |||
id:Demos value:gray(0.5) legend:Demo/EP | |||
id:bars value:gray(0.95) | |||
BackgroundColors = bars:bars | |||
LineData = | |||
layer:back | |||
color:Studio | |||
at:06/30/1998 | |||
at:09/04/2001 | |||
at:11/26/2002 | |||
at:05/17/2005 | |||
at:11/22/2005 | |||
color:Demos | |||
at:01/20/1995 | |||
at:05/01/1995 | |||
at:02/01/1996 | |||
at:06/01/1996 | |||
at:10/01/1997 | |||
at:11/06/2020 | |||
BarData = | |||
bar:Tankian text:"Serj Tankian" | |||
bar:Malakian text:"Daron Malakian" | |||
bar:Odadjian text:"Shavo Odadjian" | |||
bar:Khachaturian text:"Andy Khachaturian" | |||
bar:Dolmayan text:"John Dolmayan" | |||
PlotData= | |||
width:11 | |||
bar:Tankian from:01/01/1994 till:07/13/2006 color:Lvocals | |||
bar:Tankian from:01/01/1994 till:07/13/2006 color:Keyboards width:3 | |||
bar:Tankian from:02/14/2001 till:07/13/2006 color:Rguitar width:7 | |||
bar:Tankian from:11/29/2010 till:end color:Lvocals | |||
bar:Tankian from:11/29/2010 till:end color:Keyboards width:3 | |||
bar:Tankian from:11/29/2010 till:end color:Rguitar width:7 | |||
bar:Malakian from:01/01/1994 till:07/13/2006 color:Lguitar | |||
bar:Malakian from:01/01/1994 till:02/14/2001 color:Rguitar width:3 | |||
bar:Malakian from:01/01/2005 till:07/13/2006 color:Lvocals width:3 | |||
bar:Malakian from:11/29/2010 till:end color:Lguitar | |||
bar:Malakian from:11/29/2010 till:end color:Lvocals width:3 | |||
bar:Odadjian from:01/01/1994 till:07/13/2006 color:Bass | |||
bar:Odadjian from:11/29/2010 till:end color:Bass | |||
bar:Dolmayan from:06/02/1997 till:07/13/2006 color:Drums | |||
bar:Dolmayan from:11/29/2010 till:end color:Drums | |||
bar:Khachaturian from:01/01/1994 till:06/01/1997 color:Drums | |||
}} | |||
==Discography== | |||
{{Main|System of a Down discography}} | |||
<!-- This section is for studio albums only. All other releases (EPs, singles, etc.) are covered in the discography article and are not to be listed in this section. See http://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians/Article_guidelines#Discography_section--> | |||
* '']'' (1998) | |||
* '']'' (2001) | |||
* '']'' (2002) | |||
* '']'' (2005) | |||
* '']'' (2005) | |||
== Awards and nominations == | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
|- | |||
! Year | |||
! Awards | |||
! Category | |||
! Work | |||
! Result | |||
|- | |||
|1999 | |||
|]<ref>{{cite news|title=The Winner takes it all|publisher=Intro.de|url=http://www.intro.de/news/newsfeatures/23000291/the-winner-takes-it-all-kerrang-awards-gewinner#|date=August 17, 1999|access-date=May 2, 2012|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105114532/http://www.intro.de/news/newsfeatures/23000291/the-winner-takes-it-all-kerrang-awards-gewinner|archive-date=November 5, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
|Best International Live Act | |||
|{{N/a}} | |||
|{{won}} | |||
|- | |||
|rowspan="6"|2002 | |||
|]<ref name="grammy.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/system-down/6694|title=System Of A Down|work=]|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=November 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105084226/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/system-down/6694|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|] | |||
|rowspan="3"|"]" | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|rowspan="2"|]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/74973/2002-mtv-video-music-award-nominees|title=2002 MTV Video Music Award nominees|magazine=Billboard|date=July 25, 2002|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=August 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825153253/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/74973/2002-mtv-video-music-award-nominees|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|] | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
|Modern Rock Artist of the Year | |||
|rowspan="3" {{N/A}} | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|rowspan="2"|] | |||
|Best International Rock Artist | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|Best International New Artist | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|rowspan="5"|2003 | |||
|]<ref name="grammy.com" /> | |||
|] | |||
|"]" | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70812/2003-muchmusic-video-awards-nominees|title=2003 MuchMusic Video Awards Nominees|magazine=Billboard|date=May 30, 2003|access-date=November 14, 2020|archive-date=April 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405035106/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70812/2003-muchmusic-video-awards-nominees|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|Best International Video – Group | |||
|"]" | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|California Music Awards | |||
|Outstanding Group | |||
|rowspan="3" {{N/a}} | |||
|{{won}} | |||
|- | |||
|]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/2003/1/10/19698067/american-music-awards-and-the-nominees-are|title=American Music Awards: And the nominees are . . .|work=]|date=January 10, 2003|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127124317/https://www.deseret.com/2003/1/10/19698067/american-music-awards-and-the-nominees-are|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|] | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|Kerrang! Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/music/newsid_3129000/3129045.stm|title=Kerrang! awards 2003: The nominations|work=BBC|date=August 6, 2003|access-date=November 14, 2020|archive-date=November 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130123554/http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/music/newsid_3129000/3129045.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|Best International Band | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|rowspan="9" |2005 | |||
|rowspan="5" |Kerrang! Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=14928|title=System Of A Down Lead Kerrang Awards Nominations|work=metalunderground.com|date=August 9, 2005|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=October 31, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071031164123/http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=14928|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|] | |||
|rowspan="2"|"]" | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|Best Video | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|Best Album | |||
|''Mezmerize'' | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|Best Live Band | |||
|rowspan="3" {{N/a}} | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|Best Band on the Planet | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/61394/2005-american-music-awards-nominees/|title=2005 American Music Awards Nominees|magazine=Billboard|date=September 20, 2005|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127205240/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/61394/2005-american-music-awards-nominees/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|Favorite Alternative Artist | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
|Best Alternative Metal Album | |||
|''Mezmerize'' | |||
|{{won}} | |||
|- | |||
|]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/amp/channel/music/featuresinterviews/MTV-Music-Video-Awards-2005-Nominees-of-note-20081201|title=MTV Music Video Awards 2005 – Nominees of note|work=Channel 24|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> | |||
|] | |||
|"B.Y.O.B." | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4405254.stm|title=MTV Europe awards 2005: The winners|work=BBC|date=November 3, 2005|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=September 5, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070905210700/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4405254.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|Best Alternative | |||
|{{N/a}} | |||
|{{won}} | |||
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|rowspan="4"|2006 | |||
|]<ref name="grammy.com" /> | |||
|Best Hard Rock Performance | |||
|"B.Y.O.B." | |||
|{{won}} | |||
|- | |||
|]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/justin-timberlake-128-1354258|title=Nominations for MTV Europe Music Awards announced|work=NME|date=September 19, 2006|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=August 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811060538/https://www.nme.com/news/music/justin-timberlake-128-1354258|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|] | |||
|{{N/a}} | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|] | |||
|Best International Rock/Alternative Group | |||
|''Mezmerize'' | |||
|{{won}} | |||
|- | |||
|]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/56842/angels-airwaves-gnarls-barkley-lead-woodie-winners|title=Angels & Airwaves, Gnarls Barkley Lead Woodie Winners|magazine=Billboard|date=October 26, 2006|access-date=November 14, 2020|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127085340/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/56842/angels-airwaves-gnarls-barkley-lead-woodie-winners|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|Greatest Social Impact | |||
|"]" | |||
|{{won}} | |||
|- | |||
|2007 | |||
|]<ref name="grammy.com" /> | |||
|Best Hard Rock Performance | |||
|"]" | |||
|{{nom}} | |||
|- | |||
|2015 | |||
|]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/francis-ford-coppola-system-of-down-parajanov-vartanov-institute-833184|title=System of a Down to receive 2015 Parajanov-Vartanov Institute Award|work=Hollywood Reporter|date=October 20, 2015|access-date=November 14, 2020|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213180252/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/francis-ford-coppola-system-of-down-parajanov-vartanov-institute-833184|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://parajanov.com/systemofadown/|title=System Of A Down|website=Parajanov.com|date=April 24, 2017|access-date=December 1, 2020|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201174934/https://parajanov.com/systemofadown/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|Best Film | |||
|] | |||
|{{won}} | |||
|} | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External links== |
==External links== | ||
{{Commons |
{{Commons category|System of a Down}} | ||
*{{Official website}} | |||
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*{{discogs artist}} | |||
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*{{dmoz|Arts/Music/Bands_and_Artists/S/Sy/System_of_a_Down/|System of a Down}} | |||
{{System of a Down}} | |||
{{System of a Down|state=expanded}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 01:31, 18 December 2024
Armenian-American metal band For the eponymous album from this band, see System of a Down (album). "Soad" redirects here. For other uses, see Soad (disambiguation).
System of a Down | |
---|---|
System of a Down performing in Wantagh, New York, in 2012. From left to right: Daron Malakian, John Dolmayan, Serj Tankian, and Shavo Odadjian. | |
Background information | |
Origin | Glendale, California, U.S. |
Genres | |
Discography | System of a Down discography |
Years active |
|
Labels | |
Spinoffs | Scars on Broadway |
Members | |
Past members | Andy Khachaturian |
Website | systemofadown |
System of a Down is an Armenian-American heavy metal band formed in Glendale, California, in 1994. Since 1997, the band has consisted of founding members Serj Tankian (lead vocals, keyboards); Daron Malakian (guitar, vocals); Shavo Odadjian (bass, backing vocals); along with John Dolmayan (drums), who replaced original drummer Andy Khachaturian in 1997.
The band achieved commercial success with the release of five studio albums, three of which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. System of a Down has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, and their song "B.Y.O.B." won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2006. The band went on hiatus in 2006 and reunited in 2010. Other than two new songs in 2020 ("Protect the Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz"), System of a Down has not released any new material since the Mezmerize and Hypnotize albums in 2005. The band has sold over 12 million records worldwide, while two of their singles, "Aerials" and "Hypnotize", reached number one on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart.
All members of System of a Down are of Armenian descent, either born to Armenian immigrants or immigrants themselves.
History
Soil (1992–1994)
Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian attended Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School as children. Due to their eight-year age difference, they did not meet until 1992 while working on separate projects at the same recording studio. They formed a band named Soil with Tankian on vocals and keyboards, Malakian on vocals and guitar, Dave Hakopyan (who later played in the band The Apex Theory/Mt. Helium) on bass and Domingo "Dingo" Laranio on drums. The band hired Shavo Odadjian (another Rose and Alex Pilibos alumnus) as manager, although he eventually joined Soil on second guitar. In 1994, after only one live show at the Roxy and one jam session recording, Hakopyan and Laranio left the band.
Demo tapes and signing (1994–1997)
After Soil split up, Tankian, Odadjian, and Malakian formed a new band, System of a Down. The group took its name from a poem that Malakian had written titled "Victims of a Down". The word "victims" was changed to "system" because Odadjian believed that it would appeal to a much wider audience and also because the group wanted their records to be alphabetically shelved closer to their musical heroes, Slayer. Odadjian switched from guitar to bass and passed on his managerial duties to Velvet Hammer Music and Management Group and its founder David "Beno" Benveniste. The band recruited drummer Ontronik "Andy" Khachaturian, an old school friend of Malakian and Odadjian who had played with Malakian in a band called Snowblind during their teens.
In early 1995, System of a Down performed under the name Soil at the Cafe Club Fais Do-Do, a nightclub in Los Angeles. Shortly after the event, System of a Down made what is known as Untitled 1995 Demo Tape, which was not commercially released, but eventually appeared on file-sharing networks around the time of the band's success with Toxicity about six years later. Demo Tape 2 was released in 1996. At the beginning of 1997, System of a Down recorded their final publicly released demo tape, Demo Tape 3. In mid-1997, drummer Khachaturian left the band because of a hand injury (he subsequently co-founded The Apex Theory, which included former Soil bassist Dave Hakopyan). Khachaturian was replaced by John Dolmayan.
The band's first official and professionally recorded song was on a collection called Hay Enk ("We're Armenian" in English), an Armenian genocide recognition compilation in 1997. After playing at notable Hollywood clubs such as the Whisky a Go Go and Viper Room, the band caught attention of producer Rick Rubin, who asked them to keep in touch. Showing great interest, the group recorded Demo Tape 4 near the end of 1997, specifically to be sent to record companies. Rubin signed the group to his American/Columbia Records, with the band celebrating the signing with a performance at The Roxy Theatre with Human Waste Project on September 12, 1997. Afterward, System began laying down tracks that would eventually be released on their debut album with engineer Sylvia Massy. "I loved them," Rubin recalled. "They were my favorite band, but I didn't think anyone was going to like them apart from a small, likeminded group of people like me who were crazy. No one was waiting for an Armenian heavy metal band. It had to be so good that it transcended all of that."
In 1997, the group won the Best Signed Band Award from the Rock City Awards.
Self-titled album (1998–2000)
In June 1998, System of a Down released their debut album, System of a Down. They enjoyed moderate success as their first singles "Sugar" and "Spiders" became radio favorites and the music videos for both songs were frequently aired on MTV. After the release of the album, the band toured extensively, opening for Slayer on the Diabolus in Musica tour, behind Clutch, before making their way to the second stage of Ozzfest. Following Ozzfest, they toured with Fear Factory and Incubus before headlining the Sno-Core Tour with Puya, Mr. Bungle, The Cat and Incubus providing support.
In November 1998, System of a Down appeared on South Park's Chef Aid album, providing the music for the song "Will They Die 4 You?" Near the end of the song, Tankian can be heard saying, "Why must we kill our own kind?" a line that would later be used in the song "Boom!" Although System of a Down is credited on the album, South Park character Chef does not introduce them as he does most of the other artists featured on the record.
Toxicity and Steal This Album! (2001–2003)
On September 3, 2001, System of a Down planned to launch their second album at a free concert in Hollywood as a "thank you" to fans. To a parking lot built for 3,500 people, about 10,000 more came, prompting the fire marshal to cancel without notice at the last minute. Fans waited for more than an hour for the group to appear, but when a banner hanging at the back of the stage that read "System of a Down" was removed by security, the audience rushed the stage, destroying all the band's touring gear (approximately $30,000 worth of equipment) and began to riot, throwing rocks at police, breaking windows, and knocking over portable toilets. The riot lasted six hours, during which six arrests were made. The band's manager, David "Beno" Benveniste, later said that the riot could have been avoided if the group had been permitted to perform or had they been allowed to make a statement at the concert regarding the cancellation. System of a Down's scheduled in-store performance the next day was cancelled to prevent a similar riot.
The group's big break arrived when their second album, Toxicity, debuted at No. 1 on the American and Canadian charts. The album has eventually achieved 3x multi-platinum certification in the United States. It was still on top in America during the week of the 9/11 attacks and the political environment caused by the attacks added to the controversy surrounding the album's hit single "Chop Suey!"; the song was taken off the radio as it contained politically sensitive lyrics according to the 2001 Clear Channel memorandum at the time such as "I don't think you trust in my self-righteous suicide". Regardless, the video gained constant play on MTV as did the album's second single, "Toxicity". Even with the controversy surrounding "Chop Suey!" (which earned a Grammy nomination), System of a Down still received constant airplay in the United States throughout late 2001 and 2002 with "Toxicity" and "Aerials". In May 2006, VH1 listed "Toxicity" in the number 14 slot in the 40 Greatest Metal Songs.
In 2001, the band went on tour with Slipknot throughout the United States. Following a performance in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Odadjian was allegedly harassed, ethnically intimidated, and was physically assaulted by security guards backstage, who then dragged him out of the venue. Odadjian received medical attention from police and later filed a suit against the security company. Despite the incident, the tour was a success and System of a Down and Slipknot went on the Pledge of Allegiance Tour together with Rammstein in 2001.
In late 2001, unreleased tracks from the Toxicity sessions made their way onto the Internet. This collection of tracks was dubbed Toxicity II by fans. The group released a statement that the tracks were unfinished material and subsequently released the final versions of the songs as their third album, Steal This Album!, which was released in November 2002. Steal This Album! resembled a burnable CD that was marked with a felt-tip marker. About 50,000 special copies of the album with different CD designs were also released, each designed by a different member of the band. The name of the album is a reference to Abbie Hoffman's counter-culture book, Steal This Book, as well as a message to those who leaked the songs onto the Internet. The song "Innervision" was released as a promo single and received constant airplay on alternative radio. A video for "Boom!" was filmed with director Michael Moore as a protest against the War in Iraq.
Mezmerize, Hypnotize, band hiatus and side projects (2004–2008)
In 2004, the group recorded the follow-up to Steal This Album! a double album, which they released in separate installments six months apart. The releases notably included album cover artwork by Malakian's father, Vartan Malakian, and were designed to connect the two separate album covers. The first album, Mezmerize, was released on May 17, 2005, to favorable reviews by critics. It debuted at No. 1 in the United States, Canada, Australia and all around the world, making it System of a Down's second No. 1 album. First-week sales exceeded 800,000 copies worldwide. The lead single "B.Y.O.B.", which questions the integrity of military recruiting in America, worked its way up the Billboard Modern Rock and Mainstream Rock charts, and would go on to win the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. "Question!" was released as the next single, with Shavo Odadjian co-directing the music video. Following the album's release, the band toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada with The Mars Volta and Bad Acid Trip supporting.
The second part of the double album, Hypnotize, was released on November 22, 2005. Like Mezmerize, it debuted at No. 1 in the US. With this release, System of a Down joined The Beatles and rappers 2Pac and DMX as the fourth artist ever to have two studio albums debut at No. 1 in the same year. "Hypnotize" was released as the lead single and was followed by "Lonely Day" and "Vicinity of Obscenity", all three of which were also released as EPs, including several B-sides from 1999–2000, such as a collaboration with the Wu-Tang Clan, titled "Shame". "Kill Rock 'N Roll" was released as the final promotional single.
Whereas on System of a Down's previous albums, most of the lyrics were written and sung by Tankian and the music was co-written by Tankian and Malakian (and sometimes Odadjian), much of the music and lyrics on Mezmerize/Hypnotize were written by Malakian, who also took on a much more dominant role as vocalist on both albums, often leaving Tankian providing keyboards and backing vocals.
System of a Down's song "Lonely Day" was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance in the 49th Grammy Awards in 2007 but lost to "Woman" by Wolfmother.
A biography of the band entitled System of a Down: Right Here in Hollywood, written by Ben Myers, was published in May 2006, later being published in the U.S. in 2007 through The Disinformation Company. Additionally in 2006, concert footage and interviews with the band concerning the importance of helping create awareness and recognition of the Armenian genocide were featured in the film Screamers, directed by Carla Garapedian. An interview with Tankian's grandfather, a survivor of the genocide, was also included in the film as well as Tankian's and Dolmayan's meeting with then-Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert during which the two musicians campaigned for the United States government's official recognition of the genocide. Footage of Tankian and Dolmayan marching with protesters outside the Turkish embassy in Washington, D.C., was also used in Screamers.
In May 2006, the band announced they were going on hiatus. Malakian confirmed the break would probably last a few years, which Odadjian specified as a minimum of three years in an interview with Guitar magazine. He told MTV, "We're not breaking up. If that was the case, we wouldn't be doing this Ozzfest. We're going to take a very long break after Ozzfest and do our own things. We've done System for over ten years, and I think it's healthy to take some rest." System of a Down's final performance before their separation took place on August 13, 2006, in West Palm Beach, Florida. "Tonight will be the last show we play for a long time together," Malakian told the crowd during Sunday's last performance. "We'll be back. We just don't know when."
The band members continued with their own projects; Malakian formed a band called Scars on Broadway, which was joined by Dolmayan. After one self-titled album, the project became dormant and Dolmayan left the band. It released the long-awaited sophomore album in 2018, titled Dictator, under the name "Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway". Dolmayan, alongside working with Scars on Broadway, formed his own band, Indicator. Dolmayan has also opened Torpedo Comics, an online comic bookstore. Odadjian pursued his project with RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, a hip-hop group named AcHoZeN, worked on his urSESSION website/record label and performed as a member of funk legend George Clinton's backing band. Meanwhile, Tankian opted for a solo career and released his debut solo album Elect the Dead in the autumn of 2007. He has continued releasing solo albums, recording them almost entirely by himself even after System of a Down had begun to reunite for tours.
Reunion and touring (2010–2020)
On November 29, 2010, following several weeks of Internet rumors, System of a Down officially announced that they would be reuniting for a string of large European festival dates in June 2011. Among the announced tour dates included UK's Download Festival, Switzerland's Greenfield Festival, Germany's Rock am Ring/Rock im Park, Sweden's Metaltown, Austria's Nova Rock Festival and Finland's Provinssirock. The reunion tour commenced on May 10, 2011, in Edmonton, Alberta. System's first tour through Mexico and South America began on September 28, 2011, in Mexico City, ending in Santiago, Chile on October 7, 2011. From late February to early March 2012, they headlined five dates at Soundwave festival. The band have continued playing around the world. On August 11 and 12, 2012, they played the Heavy MTL and Heavy T.O. music festivals in Montreal and Toronto respectively. In August 2013, System of a Down played at the UK's Reading and Leeds Festivals, among other festivals and venues that year.
System of a Down played their only 2013 U.S. performance at the Hollywood Bowl on July 29; tickets sold out hours after going on sale on March 22. On November 23, 2014, System of a Down announced the Wake Up The Souls Tour to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. The tour included a free concert in Republic Square in Yerevan, Armenia, on April 23, 2015, their first show in the country.
In a November 2016 interview with Kerrang!, drummer John Dolmayan revealed that System of a Down was working on more than a dozen songs for their follow-up to the Mezmerize and Hypnotize albums. Although he stated that the band does not know when the album will be released, he added that, "I want everyone on board and feeling good about it. That's what we're trying to accomplish right now. There's a tremendous amount of pressure on us, though, because it's been 11 years—at least 12 by the time it comes out."
In a video Q&A session with fans on July 2, 2017, Shavo Odadjian was asked about the status of the next album and he responded, "I'm waiting for a new album too. It's not happening. I don't know. I don't know when it's gonna be. Not right now." In a December 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Serj Tankian said that System of a Down wrote some new material but was uncertain of what to do with it. He then said that he doesn't want to commit to a new album due to the lack of committing to longform touring.
Malakian singled Tankian out as the reason no new album had yet been released. Tankian detailed his view of the band's past and present conflicts and their overall situation, saying, "As we couldn't see eye to eye on all these points we decided to put aside the idea of a record altogether for the time being." Dolmayan blamed all of the members due to the personal and creative differences that have been preventing them from recording a new studio album. Tankian also expressed uncertainty on whether the new album would be made or not but did not rule out the possibility. He went on to describe how he imagined the album sounding: "It's gotta be organic, it's gotta feel right in every way."
Odadjian said that the band has material written from "like the last 10, 12 years", but expressed uncertainty on if it would form into a System of a Down album or not. He also said that Malakian and Tankian have visual differences on what the album should sound like, and that the band's inner tension had been building far longer than fans would be aware, despite having love and respect for one another nonetheless. He would later say that there was no extant conflict between the members, expressing confidence that System of a Down would eventually record a new album and claimed that they have material written that would be their best to date. Tankian denied any talk of the band recording a new album.
Malakian explained that there was a mixture between the matter of different creative perspectives for the band's hesitation to record a new studio album and the lack of desire to tour. He did not dismiss a possible new album in the more distant future. He felt that the fans don't care that the band wasn't making an album, "but I think a lot of the fans just want an album." He expressed hopes that the members would get together and record new music but was content with the direction of his band Scars on Broadway, noting the members' good friendship, "But at the same time, I don't see that happening anytime soon that we're all going to get together and make a new System of a Down album." Malakian said that Tankian and the rest of the band members have been unable to come to an agreement over how to go about making new music, but insisted that there was no negativity between them.
Despite System of a Down's ability to perform live, Odadjian expressed disappointment at their inability to record new music, explaining that there has been new material written by the other members in the form of a possible new album. Without Tankian's presence, no recordings had been made. He questioned why the band still has not made an album, citing creative differences as the problem. With the lack of commitment to record new music, Tankian was open to releasing a collection of previously unreleased System of a Down songs from past recording sessions if his bandmates agreed.
Dolmayan had started in 2014 a Kickstarter to fund a cover project, titled "These Grey Men", alongside friend James Hazley. In 2020, he released the first single, a cover of Radiohead's "Street Spirit", on January 23. Avenged Sevenfold singer M. Shadows contributes vocals to the track; Tom Morello contributes the guitar solo at the song's close. The second single features System of a Down bandmate Serj Tankian in a cover of David Bowie's "Starman". The album, titled These Grey Men, was released on February 28, 2020. It consists of covers/reimaginations of other songs by artists such as Radiohead, AFI, Madonna, and Talking Heads, among others.
With the differences concerning the band members, Dolmayan became uncertain in wanting to make new music anymore. Although he did not want to put Tankian and Malakian at fault for the band's inability to record a new album, he said, "It takes four people to make this band, and it takes four people to unmake it. I think that we're all to blame. I could just blame Daron and Serj, because, quite frankly, they're the primary songwriters, so it's easy to blame them. But it's not just their fault. A lot of it is their fault, but it's not just their fault." In an interview, Dolmayan exclaimed that putting the band on hiatus was a grave mistake: "I never wanted System to take a hiatus. I think it was a disastrous move for us because we never reached our peak." Dolmayan believed that the band could have risen through the charts if they had just kept going. On December 17, 2020, Serj Tankian announced in a Rolling Stone interview that he would release an EP by the name of Elasticity under his own name. Tankian had planned to release the EP in October. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he released it in February 2021 instead. In the interview, he explained that the EP contains songs he had written for System of a Down that the band ultimately opted not to record.
Artsakh benefit singles and possible sixth studio album (2020–present)
On November 5, 2020, in response to the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, System of a Down released their first songs in 15 years, "Protect the Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz", both of which "speak of a dire and serious war being perpetrated upon our cultural homelands of Artsakh and Armenia." Music videos were made for both singles, and "Protect the Land" marks the band's first music video in 14 years, since "Lonely Day". Proceeds from the songs were to help Armenia Fund and for humanitarian needs of displaced families from the war.
As for a possible new album, Dolmayan told Rolling Stone, "If it was up to me, we'd have a new album every three years. But things aren't up to me. I'm at the mercy of my team, and although I fought for it for many years with band members, I've accepted that it is what it is. We do have five albums and two songs. We've accomplished a lot in our careers. If it ends at that, so be it." In the same interview, Malakian claimed that "Protect the Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz" were originally going to be released under his own band Scars on Broadway. As the conflict came to fruition, System of a Down came back to release them instead. Malakian also said he does not see the band making new music anytime soon, saying that the singles were a "one-off kind of thing". Shavo Odadjian spoke with Wall of Sound in a follow-up interview discussing the conception of the songs, stating, "It was amazing... Even though we have had our differences, when we're in there it's just like brothers making music together, like it all started." When asked if the two songs had inspired a new era of creativity for System of a Down, Tankian said to Triple J in December 2020, "I don't know, because right now we're focused on what's going on in Armenia. There's a huge humanitarian catastrophe. We're still focused on raising funds, raising awareness about this. Time will tell whether this leads to something else or not."
In January 2023, Dolmayan claimed that Tankian "hasn't really wanted to be in a band for a long time and quite frankly, we probably should have parted ways around 2006. We tried to get together multiple times to make an album, but there were certain rules set in place that made it difficult to do so and maintain the integrity of what System of a Down stood for." Despite the major setback, he said the chemistry to play live together as a band is still great. On May 14 of the same year, System of a Down hosted their only live performance of 2023 as co-headliners of the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas.
In 2024, the band performed two gigs: in the former case, they made their second headline appearance in a row at Sick New World on April 27; in the latter one, they co-headlined (together with Deftones) a standalone concert at the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, making it the first-ever ticketed concert to take place at the venue.
Artistry
Lyrical themes
System of a Down's lyrics are often oblique or dadaist and have discussed topics such as drug abuse, politics and suicide. "Prison Song" criticizes the War on Drugs whereas Rolling Stone describes "Roulette" as a "scared, wounded love letter". "Boom!", among the band's most straightforward and unambiguous songs, lambasts globalization and spending on bombs and armament. Commenting on the track "I-E-A-I-A-I-O", drummer John Dolmayan said it was inspired by an encounter he had with Knight Rider's actor David Hasselhoff in a liquor store in Los Angeles when he was around 12. On Mezmerize, "Cigaro" makes explicit references to phallic imagery and bureaucracy while "Violent Pornography" harshly views television and degradation of women. System of a Down's discontent toward the controversial Iraq War arises in "B.Y.O.B.", which is a double entendre reference to beer and bombs, containing the forthright lyric "Why don't presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor?", "Old School Hollywood" describes a celebrity baseball game. On their album "Hypnotize", "Tentative" describes war, "Hypnotize" refers to the Tiananmen Square events, and "Lonely Day" describes angst. The album title Steal This Album! is a play on the book Steal This Book by left-wing political activist Abbie Hoffman. System of a Down's firm commitment for the Armenian genocide to be recognized appears in two songs: "P.L.U.C.K." and "Holy Mountains", which rank among the band's most political songs.
Music
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic stated "Like many late-'90s metal bands System of a Down struck a balance between '80s underground thrash metal and metallic early-'90s alternative rockers like Jane's Addiction". System of a Down's music is influenced by elements of numerous styles, including alternative rock, art rock, classic rock, gothic rock, hip hop, jazz, various genres of metal including thrash metal and even Norwegian black metal, and Middle Eastern music. System of a Down's music has variously been termed alternative metal, nu metal, hard rock, progressive metal, heavy metal, thrash metal, art rock, and avant-garde metal. Malakian has stated that "We don't belong to any one scene" and that "I don't like the nu-metal drop-A 7-string guitar sound; it is not my thing, at least not yet." In interview with Mike Lancaster, he also said, "People always seem to feel the need to put us into a category, but we just don't fit into any category." According to Tankian, "As far as arrangement and everything, is pretty much pop. To me, System of a Down isn't a progressive band. But it's not a typical pop project, obviously. We definitely pay attention to the music to make sure that it's not something someone's heard before." Malakian once described their music "as if Slayer and the Beatles had a baby."
The band has used a wide range of instruments, such as electric mandolins, baritone electric guitars, acoustic guitars, ouds, sitars, and twelve string guitars. According to Malakian, he would often write songs in E♭ tuning, which would later be changed to drop C tuning in order to be performed by the band. Malakian states that "For me, the drop-C tuning is right down the center. It has enough of the clarity and the crisp sound—most of our riffy stuff is done on the top two strings, anyway—but it's also thicker and ballsier."
Influences and comparison to other artists
System of a Down's influences include Middle Eastern music, Rush, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Def Leppard, Scorpions, Morbid Angel, Death, Obituary, Eazy-E, N.W.A, Run-DMC, Umm Kulthum, Abdel Halim Hafez, The Kinks, the Bee Gees, Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dead Kennedys, Bauhaus, Depeche Mode, New Order, Radiohead, Metallica, Miles Davis, Alice in Chains, Iron Maiden, Bad Brains, Slayer, Van Halen, and Kiss. One reviewer claimed that their music encompasses different sounds, from sounding like "Fugazi playing Rush" to sometimes "tread close to Frank Zappa territory." Malakian has stated that "I'm a fan of music. I'm not necessarily a fan of any one band." Dolmayan stated "I don't think we sound like anybody else. I consider us System of a Down." Odadjian stated "You can compare us to whoever you want. I don't care. Comparisons and labels have no effect on this band. Fact is fact: We are who we are and they are who they are."
Band members
Current members
- Serj Tankian – lead vocals, keyboards, samples (1994–2006, 2010–present), rhythm guitar (2001–2006, 2010–present)
- Daron Malakian – lead guitar, backing vocals (1994–2006, 2010–present), co-lead vocals (2004–2006, 2010–present), rhythm guitar (1994–2001)
- Shavo Odadjian – bass, backing vocals (1994–2006, 2010–present)
- John Dolmayan – drums, percussion (1997–2006, 2010–present)
Former members
- Andy Khachaturian – drums (1994–1997)
Timeline
Discography
Main article: System of a Down discography- System of a Down (1998)
- Toxicity (2001)
- Steal This Album! (2002)
- Mezmerize (2005)
- Hypnotize (2005)
Awards and nominations
Year | Awards | Category | Work | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
1999 | Kerrang! Awards | Best International Live Act | — | Won |
2002 | Grammy Awards | Best Metal Performance | "Chop Suey!" | Nominated |
MTV Video Music Awards | Best Rock Video | Nominated | ||
Best Editing | Nominated | |||
Billboard Music Awards | Modern Rock Artist of the Year | — | Nominated | |
MTV Video Music Awards Latinoamérica | Best International Rock Artist | Nominated | ||
Best International New Artist | Nominated | |||
2003 | Grammy Awards | Best Hard Rock Performance | "Aerials" | Nominated |
MuchMusic Video Awards | Best International Video – Group | "Boom!" | Nominated | |
California Music Awards | Outstanding Group | — | Won | |
American Music Awards | Favorite Alternative Artist | Nominated | ||
Kerrang! Awards | Best International Band | Nominated | ||
2005 | Kerrang! Awards | Best Single | "B.Y.O.B" | Nominated |
Best Video | Nominated | |||
Best Album | Mezmerize | Nominated | ||
Best Live Band | — | Nominated | ||
Best Band on the Planet | Nominated | |||
American Music Awards | Favorite Alternative Artist | Nominated | ||
Metal Storm Awards | Best Alternative Metal Album | Mezmerize | Won | |
MTV Video Music Awards | Best Art Direction | "B.Y.O.B." | Nominated | |
MTV Europe Music Awards | Best Alternative | — | Won | |
2006 | Grammy Awards | Best Hard Rock Performance | "B.Y.O.B." | Won |
MTV Europe Music Awards | Best Alternative | — | Nominated | |
ECHO Awards | Best International Rock/Alternative Group | Mezmerize | Won | |
mtvU Woodie Awards | Greatest Social Impact | "Question!" | Won | |
2007 | Grammy Awards | Best Hard Rock Performance | "Lonely Day" | Nominated |
2015 | Parajanov-Vartanov Institute Awards | Best Film | Wake Up The Souls Tour | Won |
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- "Angels & Airwaves, Gnarls Barkley Lead Woodie Winners". Billboard. October 26, 2006. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
- "System of a Down to receive 2015 Parajanov-Vartanov Institute Award". Hollywood Reporter. October 20, 2015. Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
- "System Of A Down". Parajanov.com. April 24, 2017. Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
External links
- Official website
- System of a Down discography at Discogs
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Singles |
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Europe Music Award for Best Alternative | |
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- System of a Down
- Musical groups disestablished in 2006
- Musical groups reestablished in 2010
- 1994 establishments in California
- American alternative metal musical groups
- American Recordings (record label) artists
- Columbia Records artists
- Grammy Award winners
- Kerrang! Awards winners
- Political music groups
- Musical groups established in 1994
- Musical groups from Los Angeles
- Musical quartets from California
- Musicians from Glendale, California
- Nu metal musical groups from California
- American progressive metal musical groups
- MTV Europe Music Award winners
- Hard rock musical groups from California
- Armenian-American culture in California