All of Armenian decent, Daron Malakian on guitar, John Dolmayan on drums, Shavo Odadjian on bass, and Serj Tankian on vocals started something that no one else could have possibly created; music so unique that people have trouble throwing them into some kind of rock genre.
Their music can be described as "alternative/experimental" rock with Armenian roots. To a first time listener, this music can be a bit overwhelming. With heavy music and powerful vocals and lyrics, the average listener might be a bit lost at first, thus the "experimental" part of the music. But along with strange melodies and various key signatures, there arises great vocal harmonies that uncover the vast talent that is Tankian.
Starting out in 1994, they got their band name from a poem that Malakian wrote entitled "Victims Of A Down" but changed "victims" to "system" to appeal to a wider audience. They started out with the "Untitled 1995 Demo Tape" and went on to create demo tapes "2" and "3" later on. Soon after, they played a few clubs and caught the attention of producer Rick Rubin and got signed onto Columbia Records.
In 1998 they released their first record self-titled "System Of A Down' and became radio hits with their songs "sugar" and "spider". Then it was time to hit the road. They went on a big tour opening for Metallica and Slayer, then got bumped up to second stage for Ozzfest. Afterward, they toured with Incubus and Fear Factory, then finally headlined with support from Incubus along with Quay, Mr. Bungle and The Cat for the Sno-Core Tour.
Mid 01' System was set to take stage for a free concert in Hollywood to thank the fans for all the support. It was meant to hold 3,500 people but almost 10,000 showed up. Due to the grand number of fans united, the show was cancelled which caused a six hour riot and also cost the band about $30,000 in damaged tour gear.
For the tour of 2001, they traveled with Slipknot through the U.S. and Mexico. An incident in Michigan arose against Odadjian to where he needed medical care due to verbal and physical harassment. A suit was then filed against those responsible.
In 05' the band released a double album, one entitled "Mezmerize", and the other "Hypnotize". They had the singles "B.Y.O.B." and "Question!" for "Mezmerize" and "Lonely Day", "Kill Rock 'N Roll" and "Vicinity of Obscenity" for "Hypnotize".
The band toured with the amazing The Mars Volta and Bad Acid Trip for the first of the two records, and headlined Ozzfest 06' for the second of the two records.
Late November of 2010, the band announced a reunion to go on a lengthy European tour, then toured through Mexico and South America starting September 2011. After, they went to Australia on February 2012 for a few shows. Later, they headed to Canada on August 2012, then headed back to England on February 2013 and continued on other festivals in August 2013.
For the past couple of years, various members of System have been inquired upon any word of a new record, though, some members have various comments and disagreements on the matter.
We here at The Skeptics Review are hopeful and eagerly await for new "System" material and ask the band to take their time to create the best System Of A Down record ever created.
-Cerpin Taxt