System of a Down Biography

System of a Down (also referred to as SOAD or System) is a four-piece alternative metal band that formed in 1995.

Their name was inspired by a poem written by band member Daron Malakian entitled "Victims of a Down" (commonly mistaken for what is written on the back of their first album). Fellow band member Serj Tankian felt that "System" was a much stronger word.

All four members are of Armenian ethnicity and are widely known for their outspoken social and political views found in many of their songs. System of a Down is a part of the Axis of Justice, a non-profit organization formed by Tankian and Tom Morello that is dedicated to bringing together musicians, music fans and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice. Major hits include "Chop Suey", "Toxicity", "Aerials", "B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bombs)", "Question!", "Lonely Day", "Sugar", and "Hypnotize".

System of a Down’s main influence is mostly from early alternative rock bands, as well as from heavy metal, punk rock, jazz, fusion, Armenian folk music (Harout, Paul, Armik), classic rock, blues, industrial genres, and definitely Middle Eastern music from Lebanon (Dolmayan and Tankian were born there). The band has used a wide range of instruments, including baritone electric guitars, electric mandolins, sitars, 12-string guitars and Middle Eastern ouds. Daron has stated on several accounts that his songwriting is inspired heavily by The Beatles. Shavo's and Daron's first influences were KISS.

All four of the band members are of Armenian ancestry, and they have pursued U.S. and Turkish government recognition of the Armenian Genocide through both music and political action. The lyrics of many of the band's songs deal with this issue. "P.L.U.C.K." (Politically Lying Unholy Cowardly Killers) is a song about the Genocide and was used in the movie "Ararat". In the album booklet, the band dedicates "this song to the memory of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide, perpetrated by the Turkish Government in 1915." The song "Holy Mountains" was also revealed to regard to the Armenian Genocide by Tankian on the Axis of Justice radio network. Another song thought to be about the Armenian Genocide is "X". The Armenian Genocide is still a highly sensitive issue in certain communities.