System of a Down Lecture Notes

Overview

• System of a Down (SOAD) is an Armenian-American heavy metal band formed in 1994 in Glendale, California.
• Known for political lyrics and diverse musical influences, the band gained significant commercial success and critical acclaim.
• The band members include Serj Tankian (lead vocals, keyboards), Daron Malakian (guitar, vocals), Shavo Odadjian (bass, backing vocals), and John Dolmayan (drums).

Musical Style and Influences

• Genres: Alternative metal, nu metal, hard rock, progressive metal.
• Influences: Middle Eastern music, thrash metal, alternative rock.
• Unique sound blending heavy metal with various musical elements such as jazz, hip hop, and Armenian music.

Career Milestones

Formation and Early Years (1992-1997)

• Formed after Tankian and Malakian met in 1992.
• Initial band name was Soil; later changed to System of a Down.
• Signed by Rick Rubin to American/Columbia Records in 1997.

Commercial Success (1998-2006)

• Debut Album (1998): 'System of a Down' received moderate success with singles "Sugar" and "Spiders."
• Toxicity (2001): Reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200; included hit singles "Chop Suey!," "Toxicity," and "Aerials."
• Steal This Album! (2002): Released following internet leaks; track "Innervision" gained radio play.
• Mezmerize/Hypnotize (2005): Both albums debuted at No. 1, featuring singles "B.Y.O.B." and "Hypnotize."
• Grammy Awards: Won Best Hard Rock Performance for "B.Y.O.B." in 2006.

Hiatus and Side Projects (2006-2010)

• The band announced a hiatus in 2006.
• Members pursued individual projects:
  • Serj Tankian released solo music.
  • Daron Malakian formed Scars on Broadway.
  • Shavo Odadjian collaborated with RZA of Wu-Tang Clan.
  • John Dolmayan worked on a comic book business.

Reunion and Recent Activities (2010-Present)

• Reunited in 2010, toured extensively but released limited new material.
• Released singles "Protect the Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz" in 2020 in response to the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War.
• Ongoing discussions about producing a new album amid creative and personal differences.

Lyrical Themes

• Topics include drug abuse, political issues, war, and Armenian genocide.
• Known for oblique and dadaist lyrics; songs often contain social commentary.
• Notable songs with political themes: "B.Y.O.B.", "Boom!", "P.L.U.C.K.", and "Holy Mountains."

Legacy and Influence

• Influential in the heavy metal and alternative metal scenes.
• Recognized for their unique sound and political activism.
• Received numerous awards, including a Grammy and MTV Europe Music Awards.
• Influenced many modern metal and rock bands.

Discography

1. System of a Down (1998)
2. Toxicity (2001)
3. Steal This Album! (2002)
4. Mezmerize (2005)
5. Hypnotize (2005)

Awards and Recognition

• Multiple Grammy nominations and one win.
• Various international music awards for live performances and albums.

Conclusion

• System of a Down remains a significant force in metal music, known for their powerful lyrics, diverse sound, and cultural influence.