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.

Did you know?

System of A Down along with The Beatles, Guns ā€˜N’ Roses, and rappers 2Pac and DMX to ever have two studio albums debut at number 1 in the same year in the USA.