System of a Down

System of a Down is an Armenian-American heavy metal band formed in Glendale, California, in 1994. Their sound is characterized by a fusion of styles blending alternative metal and hard rock, with lyrics that tackle social and political issues head-on. Since 1997, the lineup has consisted of Serj Tankian (lead vocals and keyboards), Daron Malakian (guitar and vocals), Shavo Odadjian (bass), and John Dolmayan (drums), who joined after the departure of the original drummer, Andy Khachaturian.

The band achieved commercial success with five studio albums, three of which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in the United States. Their music is known for its political edge, reflected in songs like "B.Y.O.B.", which criticizes war, and "Prison Song", which addresses the prison-industrial complex. After a hiatus in 2006, they reunited in 2010, and though they released two songs in 2020, they have not released new material since the albums Mezmerize and Hypnotize, both from 2005. Throughout their career, they have sold over 12 million records worldwide, and their singles "Aerials" and "Hypnotize" reached number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.