History of System of a Down

The History of System of a Down

System of a Down, often referred to simply as SOAD, is an influential Armenian-American rock band that emerged in the late 1990s and quickly became one of the defining acts in the alternative metal scene. Their unique sound blends heavy metal, punk, progressive rock, and traditional Armenian music with sharp, politically charged lyrics. The band's rise to prominence, musical evolution, and social activism have left a lasting mark on both the music industry and the cultural landscape.

Formation and Early Days (1992–1997)

The origins of System of a Down date back to 1992 when lead vocalist Serj Tankian and guitarist Daron Malakian first met at a recording studio in Los Angeles. Both musicians, who were of Armenian descent, shared a passion for politically conscious music and quickly realized their synergy. They initially formed a band called Soil, which included future SOAD drummer John Dolmayan. After Soil disbanded, Tankian, Malakian, Dolmayan, and bassist Shavo Odadjian formed System of a Down in 1994, named after a poem Malakian had written titled "Victims of a Down." The band ultimately chose "System" to reflect their desire for broader appeal while still retaining their political message.

The band spent their formative years playing in small venues around Los Angeles, where their eclectic sound and intense performances attracted a loyal underground following. They released a series of demo tapes, which were eventually noticed by producer Rick Rubin, one of the most respected figures in the music industry. Rubin signed SOAD to his American Recordings label in 1997, marking the beginning of their rapid ascent to mainstream success.

Breakthrough with Debut Album (1998–2000)

System of a Down's self-titled debut album was released in 1998 and immediately stood out for its unconventional sound. Produced by Rick Rubin, *System of a Down* combined heavy guitar riffs, erratic tempo changes, and Serj Tankian’s distinctive vocal delivery, which ranged from melodic singing to operatic and even guttural growls. Songs like "Sugar" and "Spiders" gained significant radio play and established SOAD as a band that defied categorization.

The album's success set the stage for System of a Down to become a prominent figure in the late-1990s alternative metal scene, alongside acts like Korn, Deftones, and Slipknot. However, SOAD differentiated themselves with their overtly political lyrics, often addressing themes like war, human rights, and social injustice—subjects that would become hallmarks of their music.

Global Fame with *Toxicity* (2001–2003)

The band’s second album, *Toxicity*, released in 2001, catapulted them into global stardom. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and received widespread critical acclaim for its intricate arrangements and lyrical depth. Songs like "Chop Suey!," "Toxicity," and "Aerials" became massive hits, with "Chop Suey!" receiving a Grammy nomination.

The release of *Toxicity* coincided with the tragic events of 9/11, and some of the band’s politically charged lyrics were considered controversial at the time. Despite this, the album resonated deeply with listeners, many of whom connected with the band’s critiques of government and societal systems. *Toxicity* remains one of the defining albums of the early 2000s and solidified System of a Down as a global force in music.

Steal This Album! and Creative Evolution (2002–2004)

In 2002, System of a Down released *Steal This Album!*, a collection of B-sides and unreleased tracks from the *Toxicity* sessions. The album’s title was a nod to activist Abbie Hoffman’s book *Steal This Book* and was another example of the band's rebellious spirit. Despite being a compilation of outtakes, the album was well-received and included fan favorites like "Innervision" and "Boom!," a protest song about war and militarism.

During this period, the band continued to evolve their sound and explore different musical textures. Their concerts became known for their high-energy performances, and they developed a reputation for pushing creative boundaries, blending humor and darkness in their lyrics and instrumentation.

The Ambitious Double Album: Mezmerize and Hypnotize (2005)

In 2005, System of a Down released two companion albums, *Mezmerize* and *Hypnotize*, which were separated by a six-month gap. Both albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, an unprecedented achievement for a band of their genre. These albums marked a creative peak for SOAD, with each member contributing significantly to the songwriting process. Daron Malakian took on a more prominent role as co-lead vocalist, and the albums’ sound was more melodic and progressive than their previous work.

The albums produced several successful singles, including "B.Y.O.B." (Bring Your Own Bombs), a scathing critique of the Iraq War that won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance, as well as "Question!" and "Hypnotize." The two albums were praised for their complexity, blending genres as diverse as progressive metal, folk, and psychedelic rock, while still maintaining SOAD’s signature intensity and political edge.

Hiatus and Solo Projects (2006–2010)

In 2006, after a whirlwind of success, System of a Down announced that they would be going on an indefinite hiatus. The members expressed a desire to explore individual creative endeavors. Serj Tankian pursued a solo career and released his debut album, *Elect the Dead*, in 2007. Daron Malakian formed the band Scars on Broadway with SOAD drummer John Dolmayan, releasing a self-titled album in 2008.

During this time, the band members remained tight-lipped about the future of SOAD. Rumors of a reunion circulated, but it wasn't until 2010 that System of a Down confirmed they would reunite for live performances.

Reunion and Return to Activism (2011–Present)

System of a Down officially reunited in 2011 for a series of live shows, including headline performances at festivals like Download and Rock in Rio. While fans eagerly anticipated new music, the band focused primarily on touring. Despite a few teases about working on new material, no new album has been released as of 2024.

Even without new studio albums, the band remains politically active, often using their platform to raise awareness about issues such as the Armenian Genocide and global conflicts. In 2020, in response to the Nagorno-Karabakh war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, SOAD released two new songs, "Protect the Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz," marking their first new music in 15 years.

Legacy and Influence

System of a Down’s influence on heavy music is undeniable. Their ability to fuse disparate musical genres with politically charged lyrics has inspired countless artists in the metal, punk, and alternative rock scenes. SOAD’s uncompromising stance on social and political issues has made them a band that resonates deeply with fans who seek both artistic innovation and meaningful messages in their music.

From their humble beginnings in the Los Angeles underground to becoming one of the most important bands in modern rock, System of a Down has left a lasting legacy. Their dedication to activism, combined with their boundary-pushing music, ensures that their influence will continue to be felt for years to come.