Rise and Fall of System of a Down

Introduction

• Band Overview: System of a Down is an Armenian-American heavy metal band from Glendale, California.
• Commercial Success: Each album achieved Platinum certification; highest-selling album, Toxicity, reached triple Platinum.
• Hiatus: Went on hiatus at peak popularity, leading to internal conflicts and a fractured band dynamic.

Origins of the Band

• Early Formation:
  • Began at Rose and Alex Pilos Armenian school in Los Angeles.
  • Serge Tankian and Darren Malakian formed a band called Soil in 1994.
  • Shavo Odadjian was initially the manager before becoming the bassist.
  • Soil broke up after one show due to member departures.
• New Formation (Victims of a Down):
  • Band named inspired by a poem by Malakian.
  • Changed to System of a Down to alphabetically align with their heroes, Slayer.
  • Completed lineup with drummer John Dolmayan after Andy Kachaturian's injury.

Early Releases and Recognition

• First EP - We’re Armenian:
  • Released in 1997, recognized Armenian Genocide.
  • Important cause for the Armenian community.
• Building a Fan Base:
  • Played iconic venues like the Whiskey a Go Go and The Viper Room.
• Discovery by Rick Rubin:
  • In 1997, Rick Rubin signed the band to Columbia Records.

Breakthrough and Success

• Debut Album - System of a Down:
  • Released in June 1998, certified gold by 2000.
• Second Album - Toxicity:
  • Released on September 3, 2001, debuted at number one in the US and Canada.
  • Controversial due to timing with 9/11; hit single “Chop Suey!” faced radio censorship but became a success.
  • Achieved triple Platinum certification.
• Third Album - Steal This Album:
  • Released in November 2002; featured unreleased tracks from Toxicity.
  • Members noted it as their favorite album.
• Double Album - Mesmerize and Hypnotize:
  • Recorded in 2004, released in 2005.
  • Both albums debuted at number one; notable songs include “B.Y.O.B.” which won a Grammy.

Hiatus and Fragmentation

• Announcement of Hiatus:
  • In May 2006, band announced extended hiatus after a successful period.
  • Last show before hiatus on August 13, 2006.
• Individual Projects:
  • Members pursued solo careers during the hiatus.
• Return in 2011:
  • The band returned for reunion performances in Europe but lacked consistency.

Internal Conflicts

• Lack of New Music:
  • Darren Malakian blamed Serge Tankian's differing vision for the lack of new music.
  • Tankian accused Malakian of attempting a creative takeover.
• 2020 Conflict:
  • The 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War prompted the band to release “Protect the Land,” their first new song in 15 years.
  • Proceeds donated to humanitarian efforts in Armenia.
  • Malakian revealed the song's original intent for his band, not System of a Down.

Recognition of Armenian Genocide

• President Biden's Declaration:
  • On April 24, 2021, Biden formally recognized the Armenian Genocide.
  • Celebrated by the Armenian American community, including the band members.

Conclusion

• Future of the Band:
  • Fans pessimistic about new music following statements made by Malakian.
  • If “Protect the Land” is the last collaboration, it symbolizes the band's legacy in a meaningful way.