System of a Down (sometimes referred to as SOAD or simply System) was formed in 1995 in Hollywood, California (USA).

The band consists of Serj Tankian (lead vocals, keyboard, rhythm guitar), Daron Malakian (lead guitar, vocals), John Dolmayan (drums) and Shavo Odadjian (bass). Former drummer Andy Khachaturian left the band in 1997.

Malakian and Tankian were together in an earlier incarnation of the band, called Soil, which Odadjian managed. They are all from Armenian families.

System of a Down’s lyrics are often politicized and/or abstract. System of a Down is a part of the Axis of Justice, a non-profit organization formed by Tankian and Tom Morello of Audioslave and Rage Against the Machine. Their claimed purpose is to bring together musicians, music fans and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice.

In May 2006, the band announced they were going on hiatus, stating “we’ve done System for over 10 years, and I think it’s ... read more »