System of a Down

System of a Down (sometimes referred to as S.O.A.D. or System) is an alternative metal band from Los Angeles, California. The band consists of Serj Tankian (vocals, keyboards),

System of a Down (sometimes referred to as S.O.A.D. or System) is an alternative metal band from Los Angeles, California. The band consists of Serj Tankian (vocals, keyboards), John Dolmayan (drums), Daron Malakian (guitar, vocals) and Shavo Odadjian (bass), who are known more for the outspoken social and political views found in their songs than for their distinctive dress styles and goatees. All four members are of Armenian ancestry. The band also has no piercings or tattoos.

System of a Down uses a wide range of instruments, including baritone electric guitars, electric mandolins, sitars, 12-string classical guitars and many other East Asian instruments. Their main influences are most noticeably from earlier alternative rock bands, but they also draw influence from the heavy metal, punk rock, jazz, fusion, Armenian folk music, classic rock, blues, and industrial genres.