50 Facts About System Of A Down

Formation and Early Days

System of a Down, often abbreviated as SOAD, is an Armenian-American alternative metal band that has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Let's dive into their origins and early years.

1. Formation: System of a Down was formed in 1994 by Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian, and Andy Khachaturian.
2. Members: The band consists of Serj Tankian (vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Daron Malakian (lead guitar, vocals), Shavo Odadjian (bass, backing vocals), and John Dolmayan (drums, percussion).
3. Armenian Heritage: All four members are of Armenian descent, which heavily influences their music and lyrics.
4. Early Beginnings: The roots of System of a Down lie in the band Soil, which included Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian. After Soil disbanded, they formed System of a Down.
5. Band Name: The name "System of a Down" was inspired by a poem titled "Victims of the Down" written by Daron Malakian. Shavo Odadjian suggested changing "Victims" to "System" for better sound.
6. Managerial Duties: Shavo Odadjian initially managed the band but later handed over managerial duties to the Velvet Hammer Music and Management Group, founded by David "Beno" Benveniste.
7. Early Recordings: The band created an early demo tape in 1995, which included songs like "Mr. Jack," "Flake," "Toast," and an early recording of "The Metro," a cover of the Berlin song.
8. Lineup Changes: Andy Khachaturian was the original drummer but left the band in 1997. He was replaced by John Dolmayan.

Breakthrough and Success

System of a Down's rise to fame was marked by several key albums and hit singles. Here's how they made their mark.

9. Breakthrough Album: Their debut album, "System of a Down," was released in 1998 and received moderate success but laid the groundwork for their future success.
10. Toxicity: Released in 2001, "Toxicity" was a major breakthrough for the band, featuring hits like "Chop Suey!" and "B.Y.O.B." It peaked at number one in several countries and was certified triple platinum in Canada.
11. Steal This Album: Released in 2002, this album was less successful than "Toxicity" but still managed to reach the top 20 in the US and Australia.
12. Mezmerize and Hypnotize: In 2005, System of a Down released a double album, with "Mezmerize" and "Hypnotize." Both albums reached number one in several countries and were certified platinum in the US and Australia.
13. Chart-Topping Success: System of a Down is the first band since The Beatles to release two chart-topping albums in the same year with "Mezmerize" and "Hypnotize."

Lyrics and Themes

The band's lyrics are known for their depth and social consciousness. Let's explore some of the themes they tackle.

14. Lyrics and Themes: The band is known for its socially conscious and often provocative lyrics, which address topics like the Armenian Genocide, War on Terror, and personal struggles.
15. Musical Style: System of a Down blends heavy metal, nu metal, and progressive rock to create a unique sound that has influenced many other bands.
16. Live Performances: Known for their energetic live performances, the band has toured extensively throughout their career, often incorporating complex stage sets and visual effects.
17. Breakup and Reunion: System of a Down went on hiatus from 2006 to 2010 but reunited in 2010 and have since performed sporadically, with no official announcement of a permanent breakup.
18. Discography: The band has released five studio albums, nineteen singles (including promotional releases), and thirteen music videos.
19. Limited Edition Releases: They have also released several limited edition EPs and albums, such as "More Toxicity," "Toxicity II," and "Hypnotize Value Added."
20. Box Set Release: In 2011, System of a Down released a box set containing all five of their studio albums.
21. Non-Album Singles: The band has released several non-album singles, including "Protect the Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz."
22. Awards and Recognition: System of a Down has been nominated for several awards, including a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance for "B.Y.O.B."

Influence and Impact

System of a Down has had a significant impact on the music industry and beyond. Here’s how they’ve influenced others.

23. Influence on Music Industry: The band's unique sound and style have influenced many other metal and rock bands, contributing to the evolution of alternative metal.
24. Cultural Impact: System of a Down's music and lyrics have had a significant cultural impact, particularly among Armenian communities and fans of heavy metal music.
25. Philanthropy: The band members have been involved in various philanthropic activities, including supporting Armenian causes and advocating for social justice.
26. Serj Tankian’s Solo Career: Serj Tankian has pursued a successful solo career, releasing several albums that explore different musical styles and themes.
27. Daron Malakian’s Solo Career: Daron Malakian has also released solo material, including albums with his side project Scars on Broadway.
28. Shavo Odadjian’s Solo Career: Shavo Odadjian has been involved in various side projects, including the band Scars on Broadway and the production company Serjical Strike Records.
29. John Dolmayan’s Solo Career: John Dolmayan has also been involved in side projects, including the band Scars on Broadway and the drumming for the band Goatsnake.
30. Band Dynamics: Despite their hiatus, the members of System of a Down have always maintained a strong bond and respect for each other, which is evident in their continued collaboration and mutual support.
31. Shavo Odadjian on Band Dynamics: In an interview, Shavo Odadjian emphasized that despite not being as active, the members still "love each other" and will always be together.

Musical Evolution and Legacy

The band's musical journey has been marked by constant evolution and experimentation. Here’s a look at their legacy.

32. Musical Evolution: System of a Down has undergone significant musical evolution over the years, experimenting with different styles and incorporating various influences into their sound.
33. Influence on Armenian Culture: The band's music and lyrics have played a significant role in promoting Armenian culture and awareness about the Armenian Genocide.
34. Impact on Heavy Metal Genre: System of a Down has contributed significantly to the heavy metal genre, pushing boundaries and influencing other bands to explore more complex and socially conscious themes.
35. Live Shows: Known for their high-energy live performances, System of a Down often incorporates complex stage sets and visual effects to create an immersive experience for their fans.
36. Fan Base: The band has a dedicated and passionate fan base, often referred to as "SOAD Army," which has been instrumental in their success and continued popularity.
37. Merchandise and Collectibles: System of a Down merchandise, including T-shirts, posters, and vinyl records, is highly sought after by fans and collectors.
38. Documentaries and Interviews: The band has been featured in several documentaries and interviews, providing insights into their creative process, personal struggles, and musical evolution.
39. Collaborations: System of a Down has collaborated with other artists, including Serj Tankian’s solo work and Daron Malakian’s project Scars on Broadway.
40. Impact on Social Issues: The band’s lyrics often address social issues such as war, politics, and personal struggles, making them a voice for many who feel marginalized or oppressed.
41. Armenian Genocide Awareness: System of a Down has been vocal about the Armenian Genocide, using their platform to raise awareness and promote recognition of this historical event.
42. War on Terror Critique: The band’s song "B.Y.O.B." is a critique of the War on Terror, reflecting their stance against war and military aggression.
43. Personal Struggles: Many of their songs address personal struggles, including mental health issues, relationships, and existential crises.
44. Musical Influences: System of a Down draws influences from various genres, including heavy metal, nu metal, progressive rock, and even classical music.
45. Complex Song Structures: The band is known for their complex song structures, often featuring intricate guitar work, polyrhythmic drumming, and layered vocal harmonies.
46. Lyrical Depth: System of a Down’s lyrics are often praised for their depth and complexity, addressing a wide range of themes from politics to personal relationships.
47. Cultural Significance: The band has become a cultural phenomenon, transcending the metal genre to appeal to a broader audience interested in socially conscious music.
48. Impact on Armenian Community: System of a Down has had a profound impact on the Armenian community worldwide, providing a voice for Armenian culture and history.
49. Legacy in Music Industry: System of a Down’s legacy extends beyond their own music, influencing future generations of metal and rock bands to explore more complex and socially conscious themes.
50. Enduring Popularity: Despite their hiatus and sporadic activity, System of a Down remains an enduringly popular band, with a dedicated fan base and continued relevance in the music industry.

The Legacy of System of a Down

System of a Down has left an indelible mark on the music world. Their unique blend of heavy metal, nu metal, and progressive rock, combined with socially conscious lyrics, has set them apart. From their early beginnings in Los Angeles to their chart-topping albums like "Toxicity" and "Mezmerize," they've consistently pushed musical boundaries. The band's Armenian heritage and advocacy for causes like the recognition of the Armenian Genocide have added depth to their work. Despite hiatuses and solo projects, the bond between Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian, and John Dolmayan remains strong. Their energetic live performances and dedicated fan base, known as the "SOAD Army," ensure their continued relevance. System of a Down's influence on both the heavy metal genre and cultural conversations makes them a true phenomenon in the music industry.