Feature Photo: Stuart Sevastos, CC BY 2.0
System Of A Down was formed in Glendale, California, in 1994, by vocalist Serj Tankian, guitarist Daron Malakian, bassist Shavo Odadjian, and drummer John Dolmayan. The band quickly stood out for their fiercely original sound, combining elements of heavy metal, punk, progressive rock, and Armenian folk music. They gained their first significant exposure by performing relentlessly throughout Southern California, building a loyal local fanbase and capturing the attention of producer Rick Rubin, who signed them to his American Recordings label in 1997.
Their self-titled debut album, System Of A Down, released in 1998, laid the groundwork for their future success, introducing listeners to their explosive style and politically charged lyrics. However, it was their second album, Toxicity (2001), that catapulted them to international fame, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album’s singles, “Chop Suey!,” “Toxicity,” and “Aerials,” became iconic tracks, showcasing the band’s complex musicality and potent social commentary, significantly increasing their global fanbase.
System Of A Down has released five studio albums in total: System Of A Down (1998), Toxicity (2001), Steal This Album! (2002), and the double-album project, Mezmerize and Hypnotize (2005). Both Mezmerize and Hypnotize debuted at number one, making System Of A Down one of the few bands to achieve such a feat in the same year. The albums produced additional memorable singles, including “B.Y.O.B.,” “Question!,” “Hypnotize,” and “Lonely Day,” each strengthening their reputation as innovative musical artists.
Throughout their career, System Of A Down earned significant recognition and numerous awards, reflecting their profound impact on music. The band won a Grammy Award in 2006 for Best Hard Rock Performance for their song “B.Y.O.B.” They received four Grammy nominations in total, emphasizing their consistent artistic excellence and critical acclaim. Furthermore, their albums have achieved multi-platinum status worldwide, underlining their immense commercial appeal.
Fans and critics alike have embraced System Of A Down not only for their musical creativity but also for their unapologetic activism and outspoken stance on global and political issues. Their Armenian heritage deeply informs their lyrical content, particularly regarding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, human rights, war, and political injustice. This commitment to raising awareness through their music has profoundly resonated with their audience, adding a powerful depth to their artistic legacy.
Outside of their musical careers, band members have significantly engaged in activism and humanitarian efforts. Vocalist Serj Tankian co-founded Axis of Justice alongside guitarist Tom Morello, an organization committed to promoting social justice and grassroots activism. Members have also publicly supported and organized benefit concerts and campaigns aimed at raising awareness and funds for human rights, disaster relief, and social justice initiatives worldwide, showcasing their deep commitment to activism.
Despite periods of hiatus, System Of A Down remains one of the most beloved and respected bands in heavy music due to their distinctive sound, authentic activism, and genuine connection with fans. Their fearless approach to confronting controversial topics through powerful music continues to influence and inspire audiences and artists worldwide.
Complete List Of System Of A Down Songs From A to Z
- 36 – Steal This Album! – 2002
- A.D.D. (American Dream Denial) – Steal This Album! – 2002
- Aerials – Toxicity – 2001
- Attack – Hypnotize – 2005
- ATWA (Air Trees Water Animals) – Toxicity – 2001
- Arto (featuring Arto Tunçboyacıyan) – Toxicity – 2001
- B.Y.O.B. – Mezmerize – 2005
- Boom! – Steal This Album! – 2002
- Bounce – Toxicity – 2001
- Bubbles – Steal This Album! – 2002
- Chic ‘n’ Stu – Steal This Album! – 2002
- Chop Suey! – Toxicity – 2001
- Cigaro – Mezmerize – 2005
- CUBErt – System of a Down – 1998
- Darts – System of a Down – 1998
- DDevil – System of a Down – 1998
- Deer Dance – Toxicity – 2001
- Dreaming – Hypnotize – 2005
- Ego Brain – Steal This Album! – 2002
- Forest – Toxicity – 2001
- Fuck the System – Steal This Album! – 2002
- Genocidal Humanoidz – Non-album single – 2020
- Highway Song – Steal This Album! – 2002
- Holy Mountains – Hypnotize – 2005
- Hypnotize – Hypnotize – 2005
- I-E-A-I-A-I-O – Steal This Album! – 2002
- Innervision – Steal This Album! – 2002
- Jet Pilot – Toxicity – 2001
- Johnny – Toxicity (Japanese/French special editions) – 2001
- Kill Rock ‘n Roll – Hypnotize – 2005
- Know – System of a Down – 1998
- Know (Live from Irving Plaza, New York, Jan 19, 1999) – System of a Down (Limited edition bonus CD) – 1998
- Lonely Day – Hypnotize – 2005
- Lost in Hollywood – Mezmerize – 2005
- Marmalade – System of a Down (Japanese edition) – 1998
- Mind – System of a Down – 1998
- Mr. Jack – Steal This Album! – 2002
- Needles – Toxicity – 2001
- Nüguns – Steal This Album! – 2002
- Old School Hollywood – Mezmerize – 2005
- P.L.U.C.K. (Politically Lying, Unholy, Cowardly Killers) – System of a Down – 1998
- Peephole – System of a Down – 1998
- Pictures – Steal This Album! – 2002
- Prison Song – Toxicity – 2001
- Protect the Land – Non-album single – 2020
- Psycho – Toxicity – 2001
- Question! – Mezmerize – 2005
- Radio/Video – Mezmerize – 2005
- Revenga – Mezmerize – 2005
- Roulette – Steal This Album! – 2002
- Sad Statue – Mezmerize – 2005
- Science – Toxicity – 2001
- She’s Like Heroin – Hypnotize – 2005
- Shimmy – Toxicity – 2001
- Soil – System of a Down – 1998
- Soldier Side – Hypnotize – 2005
- Soldier Side – Intro – Mezmerize – 2005
- Spiders – System of a Down – 1998
- Stealing Society – Hypnotize – 2005
- Störagéd – System of a Down (Japanese edition) – 1998
- Streamline – Steal This Album! – 2002
- Sugar – System of a Down – 1998
- Sugar (Live from Irving Plaza, New York, Jan 19, 1999) – System of a Down (Limited edition bonus CD) – 1998
- Suggestions – System of a Down – 1998
- Suite-Pee – System of a Down – 1998
- Suite-Pee (Live from Irving Plaza, New York, Jan 19, 1999) – System of a Down (Limited edition bonus CD) – 1998
- Tentative – Hypnotize – 2005
- Thetawaves – Steal This Album! – 2002
- This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I’m on This Song – Mezmerize – 2005
- Toxicity – Toxicity – 2001
- U-Fig – Hypnotize – 2005
- Vicinity of Obscenity – Hypnotize – 2005
- Violent Pornography – Mezmerize – 2005
- War? – System of a Down – 1998
- War? (Live from Irving Plaza, New York, Jan 19, 1999) – System of a Down (Limited edition bonus CD) – 1998
- X – Toxicity – 2001
Albums
System of a Down (1998): 19 songs
Toxicity (2001): 16 songs
Steal This Album! (2002): 16 songs
Mezmerize (2005): 11 songs
Hypnotize (2005): 12 songs
Check out our fantastic and entertaining System Of A Down articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Complete List Of System Of A Down Band Members
Top 10 System Of A Down Songs
System of a Down Toxicity : Album Review
Complete List Of System Of A Down Albums And Songs
Read More: Artists’ Interviews Directory At ClassicRockHistory.com
Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory
Complete List Of System Of A Down Songs From A to Z article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2025