General Information and a bit of bias overtone...

It has been just over seven years since the release of "System Of A Down". Even with three album releases prior to the self titled cd, I feel that it is the one that defines their sound. When I think System, I think Sugar, War?, and Peephole. Before the debut hit record store shelves, SOAD already held a firm fan base throughout California, and with good reason. They have a sound that has never been hear before, with a balanced mixture of polka, Armenian folk music, metal, and even a little punk SOAD is just what we needed during the rise of the "nu metal" era.

Daron Malakian...

Few guitarists have the ability to play the quick melodies and blistering rhythms with such accuracy and precision as he. Coupled with appropriate back-up vocals, Daron Malakian is the keystone to System Of A Down's unique sound.

Serj Tankian...

With a pleasent yet angry voice, Serj Tankian has a vocal range and style that will appeal to even those who are not metal fans. No gratuative screaming and growling here. His smooth clean voice can rapidly and without warning turn to a high pitched, almost comical vocalization. A perfect example of this is in Suggestions.

Shavo Odadjian...

Polka just isn't polka without the repetative and circus-like bass lines. It's strange to think of this fitting in to a "nu metal" band, But Shavo pulls it off keenly.

John Dolmayan...

As much stamina as any drummer in his field. With quick 24th note choruses and sudden tempo changes, John Dolmayan is a drummer that will be thought of as one of the greats for years to come.



Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Listening