Rise and Fall of System of a Down

Introduction

• System of a Down: Armenian American heavy metal band from Glendale, California.
• Known for eccentric sound and political lyrics.
• Achieved Platinum certification for every album.
• Highest-selling album: Toxicity (triple platinum).
• Went on hiatus at peak popularity, leading to internal struggles and fractured relationships.

Formation and Early Years

• Beginnings at Rose and Alex Pilos Armenian School in Los Angeles.
• 1994: Serge Tankian and Darren Malakian formed band Soil.
  • Shavo Odadjian started as manager, later took up bass.
  • Soil broke up after one live show due to member departures.
• Victims of a Down formed from the ashes of Soil, inspired by a Malakian poem.
  • Changed name to System of a Down to align with musical heroes (alphabetically).

Lineup Changes

• Andy Kachaturian initially joined as drummer but left due to injury.
• Replaced by John Dolmayan.

Early Releases

• 1997: Released first EP Hee No K ("We're Armenian").
  • Recognized the Armenian Genocide.
• Built fanbase playing iconic Los Angeles clubs.

Breakthrough and Success

• 1997: Rick Rubin signed the band to Columbia Records.
• June 1998: Released debut album System of a Down, certified gold by 2000.
• September 2001: Released second album Toxicity.
  • Debuted at number one in the US and Canada.
  • Controversial due to timing with 9/11 attacks.
  • Hit single "Chop Suey!" received Grammy nomination, later became a massive success.
  • Achieved triple platinum certification.

Subsequent Releases and Hiatus

• November 2002: Released Steal This Album, least recognized hits but favored by band members.
• 2004: Began recording double album Mesmerize and Hypnotize.
• 2005: Released Mesmerize (May) and Hypnotize (November), both debuted at number one.
  • Noted departure in sound, Malakian took more vocal prominence.
• May 2006: Announced extended hiatus after a final show in August.

Post-Hiatus and Internal Conflicts

• 2011: Returned for reunion shows in Europe.
• Lack of new music for over a decade led to questioning from fans.
• 2018: Malakian cited creative differences and issues with Tankian as reasons for no new music.
• Tankian accused Malakian of attempting to control the band's creative direction.

Armenian Genocide and Social Issues

• September 2020: Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh mobilized Armenian communities.
• Released Protect the Land to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian efforts.
• Malakian later revealed song was written earlier and meant for his own band, but adapted for System of a Down due to the conflict.

Current Status and Future

• Last album possibly Protect the Land, initiated by social issues rather than internal dynamics.
• April 2021: President Biden recognized the Armenian Genocide, a significant milestone for the Armenian community.
• System of a Down's legacy remains uncertain regarding future music.