System of a Down

System of a Down (sometimes referred to as S.O.A.D., or System) is an alternative metal band from Hollywood, California that formed in 1995. The band consists of Serj Tankian (vocals, keyboard), John Dolmayan (drums), Daron Malakian (guitar, vocals) and Shavo Odadjian (bass). more...

The members are well known for the outspoken social and political views found in their songs. All four members are of Armenian ancestry. The band is also a part of the Axis of Justice, which is a non-profit organization formed by Tankian and Tom Morello of Audioslave and Rage Against the Machine. Its purpose is to bring together musicians, fans of music, and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice together.

History, style and influences

System of A Down use a wide range of instruments, including baritone electric guitars, electric mandolins, sitars, 12-string classical guitars, middle eastern ouds, and many other West Asian instruments. Even though Dolmayan and Tankian were born in Lebanon, and Daron has family in Iraq, their main influences are mostly from earlier alternative rock bands. They also draw influence from the heavy metal, punk rock, jazz, fusion, Armenian folk music, classic rock, blues, and industrial genres. When he was asked whether or not Middle Eastern or Armenian music influenced the band's music, Daron became frustrated, and claimed that any middle eastern beats in his songs are influenced by the English band Iron Maiden, and told the interviewer that he had obviously never heard Arabic or Armenian music.

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