System Of A Down

System Of A Down

http://www.systemofadown.com
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Biography

"Our heritage, our politics are really important but our musical vibe together is the thing. Our live performances speak for themselves"

Serj Tankian - vocals
Daron Malankian - guitars
Shavo Odadjian - bass
John Dolmayan - drums

System of a Down fit somewhere inbetween 80's thrash and 90's alternative like Jane's Addiction but of course they do have that bit of Armenian magic embedded into the mix.

System picked up a strong following in LA from the word go. A three song demo didn't seem to be officially released but somehow spread not only to the far reaches of the US but onto Europe and New Zealand. Serj, born in Lebanon but moved to the States at an early age and similarly the same story as John but he came to the States via Toronto, Canada. Serj met Daron through the band Soil but decided to form their own band with a more politically motivated edge.

The band first got their break when they played the Viper rooms in Hollywood. Guy Oseary from Maverick Records had brought a long one of his friends Rick Rubin. Rubin loved them and signed them to his American/Columbia label (American and Columbia had only recently joined at that point) in September 1997. He produced their first self titled label debut, incorporating the help of Sylvia Massey (Tool) to engineer the record and Barkmarket's vocalist/mixer to mix it. Tracking was done in Sound City Studios and Serj's vocals were done at Rubin's house. Rubin even appeared on the piano in the album.

System of a Down were named after one of Daron's poems entitled 'Victims of a Down'. The band felt 'System' was a stronger word as it encorporated a whole rather than just a human side. SOAD are against any form of oppression and aggression carried out in the name of religion, democracy, security, corporate interests and against the probing of government into bodies, minds and lives. One of the tracks on the debut album 'P.L.U.C.K.' stands for Politically Lying Unholy Cowardly Killers, it is a revolutionary song and refers to the Armenian genocide. Serj has always been a strong political activist and has worked alongside Tom Morello of Audioslave (ex Rage Against The Machine) on many projects, mainly the setting up of Axis Of Justice fighting for positive political change.

The debut album was released in the summer of 1998 and System promoted it through opening spots on label mates Slayer's tour and the Ozzfest tour. Their next album 'Toxicity' was released in September 2001 and went multi-platinum although America was in turmoil after 9/11. 'Steal This Album' was released in November of 2002.

Malkian started the eatURmusic imprint (record label) and Serj followed suit starting his label Serjikal Strike. One of his first releases was Serart a side project he worked on with Armenian avant-garde folk musician Arto Tuncboyaciyon called 'Serart'.

Their current album that is to be released in two parts was started back in 2004 when they went back into the studio with Rick Rubin. 'Mezmerize/Hypnotize' first part will be released in May this year and the second to follow in November. Touring to promote the album has already begun throughout the UK and europe with Mars Volta in tow. read less

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