Los Angeles, USA
- Serj Tankian - Vocals/ Guitar
- Shavo Odadjian - Bass / Vocals
- Daron Malakian - Guitar / Vocals
- John Dolmayan- Drums
Biography
Vocalist Serj Tankian, guitarist Daron Malakian, bassist Shavo Odadjian, and drummer John Dolmayan formed SYSTEM OF A DOWN in Southern California in the mid-'90s. They quickly earned a strong following in Los Angeles, largely based on strong word of mouth. A three-song demo began circulating through metal collectors, and their fan base soon spread throughout not only America, but Europe and New Zealand.
Like many late-'90s metal bands, SYSTEM OF A DOWN struck a balance between '80s underground thrash metal and metallic early-'90s alternative rockers like Jane's Addiction. Their dark, neo-gothic alternative metal earned a cult following in the wake of the popularity of such likeminded bands as Korn and the Deftones.
