System of a Down

System of a Down are an Armenian-American heavy metal band from Glendale, California, formed in 1994. All four members – vocalist Serj Tankian, guitarist and chief songwriter Daron Malakian, bassist Shavo Odadjian, and drummer John Dolmayan – are of Armenian heritage, several having attended the Pilibos Armenian School in Los Angeles together. After early club shows at the Roxy and Troubadour, they signed to American Recordings and released their self-titled debut in 1998, landing opening slots on Slayer and Ozzfest tours. „Toxicity" (2001) broke them commercially; „Steal This Album!" (2002) and the two-part „Mezmerize" / „Hypnotize" (both 2005) followed, with both 2005 records debuting at number one on the Billboard 200. They won the Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance for „B.Y.O.B." in 2006. Their sound fuses thrash and alternative metal with progressive structures, folk-influenced instrumentation – including electric mandolins and sitars – and politically charged lyrics addressing the Armenian Genocide, war, and social injustice. After a hiatus from 2006 to 2010 they have remained active, releasing the singles „Protect the Land" and „Genocidal Humanoidz" in 2020. Total album sales exceed 40 million worldwide.