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{{Short description|Armenian-American metal band}}
{{For|the eponymous album from this band|System of a Down (album){{!}}''System of a Down'' (album)}}
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{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name              = System of a Down
| background        = group_or_band
| image             = SOADJONESBEACH.jpg
| landscape         = yes
| caption           = System of a Down performing in [[Wantagh, New York]], in 2012. From left to right: [[Daron Malakian]], [[John Dolmayan]], [[Serj Tankian]], and [[Shavo Odadjian]].
| alias             = <!--Soil is NOT SOAD. Please do NOT add Soil!-->
| origin            = [[Glendale, California]], U.S.
| genre             = {{flatlist|
* [[Alternative metal]]
* [[nu metal]]
* [[hard rock]]
* [[progressive metal]]
<!-- only main genres -->
}}
| discography       = [[System of a Down discography|Discography]]
| years_active      = <!--The band has stated that they did not form until 1994/1995-->{{flatlist|
* 1994–2006
* 2010–present
}}
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[American Recordings (record label)|American]]
* [[Columbia Records|Columbia]]
}}
| spinoff_of        = Soil (1992–1994)
| spinoffs          = [[Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway]]
| website           = {{URL|systemofadown.com}}
| current_members   = <!--The current members are listed in correspondence with Wikipedia Infobox Guidelines. These can be found at the page: "Template:Infobox Musical Artist#current members" for additional reference.-->
* [[Serj Tankian]]
* [[Daron Malakian]]
* [[Shavo Odadjian]]
* [[John Dolmayan]]
| past_members      = [[Ontronik|Andy Khachaturian]]<!--Do not add Domingo Laranio OR Dave Hakopyan--Although they were members of Soil, neither were members of SOAD-->
}}

'''System of a Down''' is an Armenian-American [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band formed in [[Glendale, California]], in 1994.<!-- Soil was formed in 1992/1993, SOAD wasn't formed until circa 1994 --> Since 1997, the band has consisted of founding members [[Serj Tankian]] (lead vocals, keyboards), [[Daron Malakian]] (guitar, vocals), and [[Shavo Odadjian]] (bass, backing vocals); along with [[John Dolmayan]] (drums), who replaced original drummer [[Andy Khachaturian]].<ref>{{cite news|last=McKenna|first=Dave|title=System of a Down: Some Very Heavy Metal|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/12/AR2005051201773.html|access-date=November 11, 2013|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=May 13, 2005|archive-date=February 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202174922/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/12/AR2005051201773.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The band achieved commercial success with the release of five studio albums, three of which debuted at number one on the [[Billboard 200|US ''Billboard'' 200]]. System of a Down has been nominated for four [[Grammy Awards]], and their song "[[B.Y.O.B. (song)|B.Y.O.B.]]" won a [[Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance]] in 2006. Known for their politically charged lyrics, many of their songs address social and political issues, such as the [[Anti-war movement|anti-war]] message in "B.Y.O.B." and criticism of the [[Prison–industrial complex|prison industrial complex]] and the [[war on drugs]] in "Prison Song."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Stone |first=Rolling |date=2025-01-27 |title=The 100 Best Protest Songs of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-protest-songs-1235154848/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-06-12 |title=How System of a Down Radicalised a Generation of Metal Fans |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/system-of-a-down-radicalise-metal-fans-politics/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=VICE |language=en-US}}</ref> The band went on hiatus in 2006 and reunited in 2010. Other than two new songs in 2020 ("[[Protect the Land]]" and "[[Genocidal Humanoidz]]"),<ref name="rollingstone2020">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/system-of-a-down-new-songs-protect-the-land-genocidal-humanoidz-1085942/|author=Grow, Kory|title=Hear System of a Down's First New Music in 15 Years, 'Protect the Land' and 'Genocidal Humanoidz'|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=November 5, 2020|archive-date=November 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106051040/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/system-of-a-down-new-songs-protect-the-land-genocidal-humanoidz-1085942/|url-status=live}}</ref> System of a Down has not released any new material since the ''[[Mezmerize]]'' and ''[[Hypnotize (album)|Hypnotize]]'' albums in 2005. The band has sold over 12 million records worldwide, while two of their singles, "[[Aerials (song)|Aerials]]" and "[[Hypnotize (System of a Down song)|Hypnotize]]", reached number one on ''Billboard''{{'}}s [[Alternative Songs]] chart.

All members of System of a Down are of [[Armenians|Armenian]] descent, either born to [[Armenian-American|Armenian immigrants]] or immigrants themselves.

== History ==
=== Soil (1992–1994) ===
Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian attended [[Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School]] as children. Due to their eight-year age difference, they did not meet until 1992 while working on separate projects at the same recording studio.<ref>Meyers, Ben. ''System Of A Down: Right Here In Hollywood'' (2007), p.&nbsp;14.</ref> They formed a band named Soil with Tankian on vocals and keyboards, Malakian on vocals and guitar, Dave Hakopyan (who later played in the band [[The Apex Theory]]/[[Mt. Helium]]) on bass and Domingo "Dingo" Laranio on drums. The band hired Shavo Odadjian (another Rose and Alex Pilibos alumnus) as manager, although he eventually joined Soil on second guitar. In 1994, after only one live show at the Roxy and one jam session recording, Hakopyan and Laranio left the band.

=== Demo tapes and signing (1994–1997) ===
After Soil split up, Tankian, Odadjian, and Malakian formed a new band, System of a Down. The group took its name from a poem that Malakian had written titled "Victims of a Down".<ref name="blogs.myspace.com">{{cite web |title=OnTroniK: System of a Down Information |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=512654515&blogId=526325472 |access-date=July 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220180824/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=512654515&blogId=526325472 |archive-date=February 20, 2010}}</ref> The word "victims" was changed to "system" because Odadjian believed that it would appeal to a much wider audience and also because the group wanted their records to be alphabetically shelved closer to their musical heroes, [[Slayer]].<ref name="revolver7things">{{Cite web|date=June 30, 2018|title=7 Things You Didn't Know About System of a Down's Self-Titled Album|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-system-downs-self-titled-album|access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Revolver|language=en|archive-date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930064541/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-system-downs-self-titled-album|url-status=live}}</ref> Odadjian switched from guitar to bass and passed on his managerial duties to Velvet Hammer Music and Management Group and its founder David "Beno" Benveniste.<ref>{{cite web |title=Interview With David 'Beno' Benveniste |work=lamusicblog.com |date=March 13, 2011 |url=http://lamusicblog.com/2011/03/industry-profile/interview-with-beno-of-velvet-hammer |access-date=August 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731110059/http://lamusicblog.com/2011/03/industry-profile/interview-with-beno-of-velvet-hammer/ |archive-date=July 31, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The band recruited drummer [[Ontronik "Andy" Khachaturian]], an old school friend of Malakian and Odadjian who had played with Malakian in a band called Snowblind during their teens.<ref name="blogs.myspace.com" />

In early 1995, System of a Down performed under the name Soil at the Cafe Club Fais Do-Do, a nightclub in [[Los Angeles]]. Shortly after the event, System of a Down made what is known as ''Untitled 1995 Demo Tape'', which was not commercially released, but eventually appeared on file-sharing networks around the time of the band's success with ''[[Toxicity (album)|Toxicity]]'' about six years later. ''Demo Tape 2'' was released in 1996. At the beginning of 1997, System of a Down recorded their final publicly released demo tape, ''Demo Tape 3''. In mid-1997, drummer Khachaturian left the band because of a hand injury (he subsequently co-founded The Apex Theory, which included former Soil bassist Dave Hakopyan).<ref name="blogs.myspace.com" /> Khachaturian was replaced by [[John Dolmayan]].

The band's first official and professionally recorded song was on a collection called ''Hay Enk'' ("We're Armenian" in English), an [[Armenian genocide]] recognition compilation in 1997. After playing at notable Hollywood clubs such as the [[Whisky a Go Go]] and [[Viper Room]], the band caught attention of producer [[Rick Rubin]], who asked them to keep in touch. Showing great interest, the group recorded ''Demo Tape 4'' near the end of 1997, specifically to be sent to [[record companies]]. Rubin signed the group to his [[American Recordings (record label)|American]]/[[Columbia Records]], with the band celebrating the signing with a performance at [[The Roxy Theatre]] with [[Human Waste Project]] on September 12, 1997.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-10-28 |title=human waste project news |url=http://www.geocities.com/~humanwaste/news2.htm |access-date=2022-06-23 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028094447/http://www.geocities.com/~humanwaste/news2.htm |archive-date=28 October 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Afterward, System began laying down tracks that would eventually be released on their debut album with engineer [[Sylvia Massy]]. "I loved them," Rubin recalled. "They were my favorite band, but I didn't think anyone was going to like them apart from a small, likeminded group of people like me who were crazy. No one was waiting for an Armenian heavy metal band. It had to be so good that it transcended all of that."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Paul|last=Rees|title=The Q Interview: Rick Rubin|magazine=[[Q (magazine)|Q]]|date=October 2009|page=98}}</ref>

In 1997, the group won the Best Signed Band Award from the Rock City Awards.<ref name="rc_awards_97">{{cite web |title=Rock City Awards 1997 |work=rockcitynews.com |url=http://www.rockcitynews.com/awards/ballot97.html |access-date=July 25, 2007 |archive-date=December 5, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001205000000/http://www.rockcitynews.com/awards/ballot97.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Self-titled album (1998–2000) ===
In June 1998, System of a Down released their debut album, ''[[System of a Down (album)|System of a Down]]''. They enjoyed moderate success as their first singles "[[Sugar (System of a Down song)|Sugar]]" and "[[Spiders (System of a Down song)|Spiders]]" became radio favorites and the music videos for both songs were frequently aired on [[MTV]]. After the release of the album, the band toured extensively, opening for [[Slayer]] on the [[Diabolus in Musica]] tour, behind [[Clutch (band)|Clutch]], before making their way to the second stage of [[Ozzfest]]. Following Ozzfest, they toured with [[Fear Factory]] and [[Incubus (band)|Incubus]] before headlining the [[Sno-Core Tour]] with [[Puya (band)|Puya]], [[Mr. Bungle]], The Cat and [[Incubus (band)|Incubus]] providing support.

In November 1998, System of a Down appeared on ''[[South Park]]'''s ''[[Chef Aid: The South Park Album|Chef Aid]]'' album, providing the music for the song "Will They Die 4 You?" Near the end of the song, Tankian can be heard saying, "Why must we kill our own kind?" a line that would later be used in the song "Boom!" Although System of a Down is credited on the album, ''South Park'' character [[Chef (South Park)|Chef]] does not introduce them as he does most of the other artists featured on the record.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chef Aid: The South Park Album |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/chef-aid-the-south-park-album-mw0000601245 |website=Allmusic |access-date=July 9, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308120244/https://www.allmusic.com/album/chef-aid-the-south-park-album-mw0000601245 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''Toxicity'' and ''Steal This Album!'' (2001–2003) ===
[[File:Daron Malakian 1.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Guitarist [[Daron Malakian]] met [[Serj Tankian]] for the first time in 1992 before forming the band a couple of years later.]]
On September 3, 2001, System of a Down planned to launch their second album at a free concert in Hollywood as a "thank you" to fans. To a parking lot built for 3,500 people, about 10,000 more came, prompting the [[fire marshal]] to cancel without notice at the last minute. Fans waited for more than an hour for the group to appear, but when a banner hanging at the back of the stage that read "System of a Down" was removed by security, the audience rushed the stage, destroying all the band's touring gear (approximately $30,000 worth of equipment) and began to riot, throwing rocks at police, breaking windows, and knocking over portable toilets. The riot lasted six hours, during which six arrests were made. The band's manager, David "Beno" Benveniste, later said that the riot could have been avoided if the group had been permitted to perform or had they been allowed to make a statement at the concert regarding the cancellation. System of a Down's scheduled in-store performance the next day was cancelled to prevent a similar riot.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/the-wraiths-dark-punk-isnt-all-doom-and-gloom-9209187|title=The Wraith's Dark Punk Isn't All Doom and Gloom|last=Rogers|first=Paul|date=March 2, 2018|work=L.A. Weekly|access-date=March 5, 2018|archive-date=May 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521071058/https://www.laweekly.com/music/the-wraiths-dark-punk-isnt-all-doom-and-gloom-9209187|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-sep-05-me-42235-story.html|title=Police Blame Promoter for Riot at Concert|last1=RAMOS|first1=GEORGE|date=September 5, 2001|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=March 5, 2018|last2=BOUCHER|first2=GEOFF|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035|url-access=subscription|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201112958/http://articles.latimes.com/2001/sep/05/local/me-42235|url-status=live}}</ref>

The group's big break arrived when their second album, ''[[Toxicity (album)|Toxicity]]'', debuted at No. 1 on the American and Canadian charts. The album has eventually achieved 3x [[multi-platinum]] certification in the United States.<ref name=RIAAcert>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=toxicity#search_section|title=RIAA album certifications: System of a Down – Toxicity|website=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]|access-date=January 24, 2018|archive-date=September 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917200340/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=toxicity#search_section|url-status=live}}</ref> It was still on top in America during the week of the [[9/11 attacks]] and the political environment caused by the attacks added to the controversy surrounding the album's hit single "[[Chop Suey!]]"; the song was taken off the radio as it contained politically sensitive lyrics according to the [[2001 Clear Channel memorandum]] at the time such as "I don't think you trust in my self-righteous suicide". Regardless, the video gained constant play on MTV as did the album's second single, "[[Toxicity (song)|Toxicity]]". Even with the controversy surrounding "Chop Suey!" (which earned a Grammy nomination), System of a Down still received constant airplay in the United States throughout late 2001 and 2002 with "Toxicity" and "[[Aerials (song)|Aerials]]". In May 2006, [[VH1]] listed "Toxicity" in the number 14 slot in the ''40 Greatest Metal Songs''.

In 2001, the band went on tour with [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]] throughout the United States. Following a performance in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Odadjian was allegedly harassed, ethnically intimidated, and was physically assaulted by security guards backstage, who then dragged him out of the venue. Odadjian received medical attention from police and later filed a suit against the security company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1470460/20030310/system_of_a_down.jhtml|title=System Of A Down Bassist Sues Security Team For Humiliating Him In Front Of Fans|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|date=March 10, 2003|publisher=MTV|access-date=July 18, 2010|archive-date=September 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924015700/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1470460/20030310/system_of_a_down.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite the incident, the tour was a success and System of a Down and Slipknot went on the Pledge of Allegiance Tour together with [[Rammstein]] in 2001.

In late 2001, unreleased tracks from the ''Toxicity'' sessions made their way onto the Internet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glendalehigh.com/malakian.html|title=The Daron Malakian Interview|first=Mike|last=Lancaster|date=March 28, 2003|publisher=Glendale High School Newspaper-the Explosion|access-date=July 26, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716081821/http://www.glendalehigh.com/malakian.html|archive-date=July 16, 2011}}</ref> This collection of tracks was dubbed ''Toxicity II'' by fans. The group released a statement that the tracks were unfinished material and subsequently released the final versions of the songs as their third album, ''[[Steal This Album!]]'', which was released in November 2002. ''Steal This Album!'' resembled a burnable CD that was marked with a felt-tip marker. About 50,000 special copies of the album with different CD designs were also released, each designed by a different member of the band. The name of the album is a reference to [[Abbie Hoffman]]'s counter-culture book, ''[[Steal This Book]]'', as well as a message to those who leaked the songs onto the Internet. The song "[[Innervision]]" was released as a promo single and received constant airplay on alternative radio. A video for "Boom!" was filmed with director [[Michael Moore]] as a protest against the [[War in Iraq]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=System Of A Down Goes 'Boom' With Moore |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71955/system-of-a-down-goes-boom-with-moore |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710001240/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71955/system-of-a-down-goes-boom-with-moore |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== ''Mezmerize'', ''Hypnotize'', band hiatus and side projects (2004–2008) ===
[[File:Serj Tankian.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Serj Tankian]] has gained a reputation for his large vocal range along with his unusual delivery.|left]]
In 2004, the group recorded the follow-up to ''Steal This Album!'' a double album, which they released in separate installments six months apart. The releases notably included album cover artwork by Malakian's father, Vartan Malakian, and were designed to connect the two separate album covers. The first album, ''[[Mezmerize]],'' was released on May 17, 2005, to favorable reviews by critics. It debuted at No. 1 in the United States, Canada, Australia and all around the world, making it System of a Down's second No. 1 album.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mezmerize – System of a Down |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/mezmerize-mw0000209577#:~:text=AllMusic%20Review%20by%20Johnny%20Loftus,what's%20essentially%20a%20double%20album. |website=Allmusic |access-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710132717/https://www.allmusic.com/album/mezmerize-mw0000209577#:~:text=AllMusic%20Review%20by%20Johnny%20Loftus,what's%20essentially%20a%20double%20album. |url-status=live}}</ref> First-week sales exceeded 800,000 copies worldwide. The lead single "[[B.Y.O.B. (song)|B.Y.O.B.]]", which questions the integrity of military recruiting in America, worked its way up the Billboard Modern Rock and Mainstream Rock charts, and would go on to win the [[48th Annual Grammy Awards#Rock|2006 Grammy Award]] for Best Hard Rock Performance.<ref>{{cite web |title=System Of A Down Honored With Grammy For 'Best Hard Performance' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-honored-with-grammy-for-best-hard-rock-performance/ |website=Blabbermouth |date=February 8, 2006 |access-date=10 July 2020 |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714112239/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-honored-with-grammy-for-best-hard-rock-performance/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "[[Question!]]" was released as the next single, with Shavo Odadjian co-directing the music video. Following the album's release, the band toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada with [[The Mars Volta]] and [[Bad Acid Trip]] supporting.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=System Of A Down, Mars Volta Plan Summer Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/63107/system-of-a-down-mars-volta-plan-summer-tour |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=July 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714112238/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/63107/system-of-a-down-mars-volta-plan-summer-tour |url-status=live }}</ref>

The second part of the double album, ''[[Hypnotize (album)|Hypnotize]],'' was released on November 22, 2005. Like ''Mezmerize'', it debuted at No. 1 in the US. With this release, System of a Down joined The Beatles and rappers 2Pac and DMX as the fourth artist ever to have two studio albums debut at No. 1 in the same year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1516656/system-of-a-down-make-it-a-double-with-chart-topping-hypnotize/|title=System Of A Down Make It A Double With Chart-Topping Hypnotize|work=MTV News|access-date=March 5, 2018|language=en|archive-date=November 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115055912/http://www.mtv.com/news/1516656/system-of-a-down-make-it-a-double-with-chart-topping-hypnotize/|url-status=dead}}</ref> "[[Hypnotize (System of a Down song)|Hypnotize]]" was released as the lead single and was followed by "[[Lonely Day]]" and "[[Vicinity of Obscenity]]", all three of which were also released as [[EPs]], including several B-sides from 1999 to 2000, such as a collaboration with the [[Wu-Tang Clan]], titled "Shame". "[[Kill Rock 'N Roll]]" was released as the final promotional single.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hypnotize – System of a Down |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/hypnotize-mw0000348196 |website=Allmusic |access-date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209002000/https://www.allmusic.com/album/hypnotize-mw0000348196 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Whereas on System of a Down's previous albums, most of the lyrics were written and sung by Tankian and the music was co-written by Tankian and Malakian (and sometimes Odadjian), much of the music and lyrics on ''Mezmerize''/''Hypnotize'' were written by Malakian, who also took on a much more dominant role as vocalist on both albums, often leaving Tankian providing keyboards and backing vocals.

System of a Down's song "[[Lonely Day]]" was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance in the [[49th Grammy Awards]] in 2007 but lost to "[[Woman (Wolfmother song)|Woman]]" by [[Wolfmother]].

A biography of the band entitled ''System of a Down: Right Here in Hollywood'', written by [[Ben Myers]], was published in May 2006, later being published in the U.S. in 2007 through [[The Disinformation Company]]. Additionally in 2006, concert footage and interviews with the band concerning the importance of helping create awareness and recognition of the [[Armenian genocide]] were featured in the film ''[[Screamers (2006 film)|Screamers]],'' directed by [[Carla Garapedian]]. An interview with Tankian's grandfather, a survivor of the genocide, was also included in the film as well as Tankian's and Dolmayan's meeting with then-Speaker of the House [[Dennis Hastert]] during which the two musicians campaigned for the United States government's official recognition of the genocide. Footage of Tankian and Dolmayan marching with protesters outside the Turkish embassy in Washington, D.C., was also used in ''Screamers''.

In May 2006, the band announced they were going on hiatus. Malakian confirmed the break would probably last a few years, which Odadjian specified as a minimum of three years in an interview with ''Guitar'' magazine. He told MTV, "We're not breaking up. If that was the case, we wouldn't be doing this Ozzfest. We're going to take a very long break after Ozzfest and do our own things. We've done System for over ten years, and I think it's healthy to take some rest."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Chris |date=May 3, 2006 |title=System of a Down Aren't Breaking Up—They're Going on Hiatus |work=MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1530066/20060503/system_of_a_down.jhtml |access-date=February 2, 2009 |archive-date=March 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302163514/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1530066/20060503/system_of_a_down.jhtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> System of a Down's final performance before their separation took place on August 13, 2006, in [[West Palm Beach]], Florida. "Tonight will be the last show we play for a long time together," Malakian told the crowd during Sunday's last performance. "We'll be back. We just don't know when."<ref name="soadfans_last_show">{{cite web |title= West Palm Beach, FL&nbsp;— August 13, 2006 Review |work=soadfans.com |date=July 13, 2006 |url=http://www.soadfans.com/Article427.htm |access-date=July 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515070110/http://www.soadfans.com/Article427.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=May 15, 2007}}</ref>

The band members continued with their own projects; Malakian formed a band called [[Scars on Broadway]], which was joined by Dolmayan. After one [[Scars on Broadway (album)|self-titled album]], the project became dormant and Dolmayan left the band. It released the long-awaited sophomore album in 2018, titled ''[[Dictator (Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway album)|Dictator]]'', under the name "Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway". Dolmayan, alongside working with Scars on Broadway, formed his own band, Indicator.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Indicator – Something Underneath live (John Domayan's new project) – YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ilDTZG-yt0&list=PLxkWmILmSITzbR8HY3RLSaqzTOs60zaxA&ab_channel=Nakao |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/5ilDTZG-yt0| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|access-date=December 17, 2020|website=www.youtube.com| date=December 8, 2009 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> Dolmayan has also opened Torpedo Comics, an online comic bookstore. Odadjian pursued his project with [[RZA]] of [[Wu-Tang Clan]], a hip-hop group named [[AcHoZeN]], worked on his urSESSION website/record label and performed as a member of funk legend [[George Clinton (funk musician)|George Clinton]]'s backing band. Meanwhile, Tankian opted for a solo career and released his debut solo album ''[[Elect the Dead]]'' in the autumn of 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Serj Tankian – Elect The Dead (2xLP – Limited Silver Marbled Vinyl)|url=https://www.fatbeats.com/products/serj-tankian-elect-the-dead-2xlp-limited-us-exclusive-silver-black-marbled-vinyl|access-date=December 19, 2020|website=Fat Beats|language=en|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107235010/https://www.fatbeats.com/products/serj-tankian-elect-the-dead-2xlp-limited-us-exclusive-silver-black-marbled-vinyl|url-status=dead}}</ref> He has continued releasing solo albums, recording them almost entirely by himself even after System of a Down had begun to reunite for tours.

=== Reunion and touring (2010–2020) ===
On November 29, 2010, following several weeks of Internet rumors, System of a Down officially announced that they would be reuniting for a string of large European festival dates in June 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last=Karan |first=Tim |title=System Of A Down to reunite, headline Download Festival |work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]] |date=November 29, 2010 |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/system_of_a_down_to_reunite_co-headline_download_festival_with_avenged_seve/ |access-date=November 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001082758/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/system_of_a_down_to_reunite_co-headline_download_festival_with_avenged_seve/ |archive-date=October 1, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Among the announced tour dates included UK's [[Download Festival]], Switzerland's [[Greenfield Festival]], Germany's [[Rock am Ring and Rock im Park|Rock am Ring/Rock im Park]], Sweden's [[Metaltown]], Austria's [[Nova Rock Festival]] and Finland's [[Provinssirock]]. [[System of a Down Reunion Tour|The reunion tour]] commenced on May 10, 2011, in [[Edmonton]], Alberta.<ref>{{cite web |author=ChartAttack Staff |title=System Of A Down Announce North American Dates With Gogol Bordello |work=[[ChartAttack]] |date=March 1, 2011 |url=http://www.chartattack.com/news/2011/mar/01/system-of-a-down-announce-north-american-dates-with-gogol-bordello |access-date=March 3, 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304160450/http://www.chartattack.com/news/2011/mar/01/system-of-a-down-announce-north-american-dates-with-gogol-bordello |archive-date=March 4, 2011  }}</ref> System's first tour through Mexico and South America began on September 28, 2011, in [[Mexico City]], ending in [[Santiago]], Chile on October 7, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.systemofadown.com/#tour|title=System Of A Down|website=Systemofadown.com|access-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101060216/http://systemofadown.com/#tour|archive-date=January 1, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> From late February to early March 2012, they headlined five dates at [[Soundwave (Australian music festival)|Soundwave]] festival.<ref>{{cite web |title=Soundwave Festival 2012 |publisher=Soundwavefestival.com |url=http://www.soundwavefestival.com/ |access-date=October 11, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812091522/http://www.soundwavefestival.com/ |archive-date=August 12, 2010  }}</ref> The band have continued playing around the world. On August 11 and 12, 2012, they played the [[Heavy MTL]] and [[Heavy T.O.]] music festivals in Montreal and Toronto respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://exclaim.ca/News/heavy_to_heavy_mtl_return_with_system_of_down_slipknot_marilyn_manson_cancer_bats_high_on_fire|title=Heavy TO and Heavy MTL Return with System of a Down, Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, Cancer Bats, High on Fire|website=exclaim.ca|access-date=January 24, 2018|archive-date=July 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728212910/http://exclaim.ca/News/heavy_to_heavy_mtl_return_with_system_of_down_slipknot_marilyn_manson_cancer_bats_high_on_fire|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2013, System of a Down played at the UK's [[Reading and Leeds Festivals]], among other festivals and venues that year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.readingfestival.com/news/system-down-fall-out-boy-foals-and-more-confirmed-2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609192744/http://www.readingfestival.com/news/system-down-fall-out-boy-foals-and-more-confirmed-2013|url-status=dead|title=System Of A Down, Fall Out Boy, Foals and more confirmed for 2013!|archive-date=June 9, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref>

System of a Down played their only 2013 U.S. performance at the Hollywood Bowl on July 29; tickets sold out hours after going on sale on March 22. On November 23, 2014, System of a Down announced the [[Wake Up The Souls Tour]] to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the [[Armenian genocide]]. The tour included a free concert in Republic Square in [[Yerevan]], Armenia, on April 23, 2015, their first show in the country.<ref>{{cite web |last=Young |first=Alex |url=http://consequence.net/2014/11/system-of-a-down-reunite-for-wake-up-the-souls-tour/ |title=System of a Down reunite for "Wake Up the Souls" tour |publisher=Consequence.net |date=November 25, 2014 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927050020/https://consequence.net/2014/11/system-of-a-down-reunite-for-wake-up-the-souls-tour/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:ShavoBass.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Bassist [[Shavo Odadjian]]]]
In a November 2016 interview with ''[[Kerrang!]]'', drummer John Dolmayan revealed that System of a Down was working on more than a dozen songs for their follow-up to the ''[[Mezmerize]]'' and ''[[Hypnotize (album)|Hypnotize]]'' albums. Although he stated that the band does not know when the album will be released, he added that, "I want everyone on board and feeling good about it. That's what we're trying to accomplish right now. There's a tremendous amount of pressure on us, though, because it's been 11 years—at least 12 by the time it comes out."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.laweekly.com/music/serj-tankian-goes-symphonic-then-its-back-to-system-of-a-down-7567799|author=Kissel, Chris|title=Serj Tankian Goes Symphonic — Then It's Back to System of a Down|newspaper=[[LA Weekly]]|access-date=November 8, 2016|archive-date=April 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405115251/https://www.laweekly.com/music/serj-tankian-goes-symphonic-then-its-back-to-system-of-a-down-7567799|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a video Q&A session with fans on July 2, 2017, Shavo Odadjian was asked about the status of the next album and he responded, "I'm waiting for a new album too. It's not happening. I don't know. I don't know when it's gonna be. Not right now."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2017/07/system-of-a-down-bassist-shavo-odadjian-says-a-new-album-is-not-happening/|author=Geslani, Michelle|title=System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian says a new album is "not happening"|date=July 5, 2017|publisher=[[Consequence of Sound]]|access-date=July 5, 2017|archive-date=May 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501145127/https://consequence.net/2017/07/system-of-a-down-bassist-shavo-odadjian-says-a-new-album-is-not-happening/|url-status=live}}</ref> In a December 2017 interview with ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', Serj Tankian said that System of a Down wrote some new material but was uncertain of what to do with it. He then said that he doesn't want to commit to a new album due to the lack of committing to longform touring.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/serj-tankian-on-system-of-a-down-chris-cornell-film-scores-w514439|title=Serj Tankian Talks New Film Scores, Chris Cornell, What's Next For System of a Down|author=Grow, Kory|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=December 20, 2017|archive-date=July 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701194055/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/serj-tankian-on-system-of-a-down-chris-cornell-film-scores-w514439|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Malakian singled Tankian out as the reason no new album had yet been released.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-daron-malakian-frustrating-creative-impasse-with-serj-tankian|author=Wiederhorn, Jon|title=System of a Down's Daron Malakian: Band Remains at Frustrating Creative Impasse With Serj Tankian|magazine=[[Loudwire]]|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=June 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613184601/https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-daron-malakian-frustrating-creative-impasse-with-serj-tankian/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tankian detailed his view of the band's past and present conflicts and their overall situation, saying, "As we couldn't see eye to eye on all these points we decided to put aside the idea of a record altogether for the time being."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-opens-up-about-business-and-creative-differences-that-are-standing-in-way-of-new-system-of-a-down-music/|title=SERJ TANKIAN Opens Up About Business And Creative Differences That Are Standing In Way Of New SYSTEM OF A DOWN Music|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713062604/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-opens-up-about-business-and-creative-differences-that-are-standing-in-way-of-new-system-of-a-down-music/|url-status=live}}</ref> Dolmayan blamed all of the members due to the personal and creative differences that have been preventing them from recording a new studio album.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-drummer-says-all-members-of-band-are-to-blame-for-lack-of-new-music/|title=SYSTEM OF A DOWN Drummer Says All Members Of Band Are To Blame For Lack Of New Music|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=July 13, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418062816/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-drummer-says-all-members-of-band-are-to-blame-for-lack-of-new-music/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tankian also expressed uncertainty on whether the new album would be made or not but did not rule out the possibility. He went on to describe how he imagined the album sounding: "It's gotta be organic, it's gotta feel right in every way."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2018/08/01/incubus-brandon-boyd-and-system-of-a-downs-serj-tankian-open-up-on-fame-music-touring-and-more/#68be145b494f|title=Incubus' Brandon Boyd And System Of A Down's Serj Tankian Open Up On Fame, Music, Touring And More|author=Baltin, Steve|magazine=[[Forbes]]|access-date=August 1, 2018|archive-date=August 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802042122/https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2018/08/01/incubus-brandon-boyd-and-system-of-a-downs-serj-tankian-open-up-on-fame-music-touring-and-more/#68be145b494f|url-status=live}}</ref>

Odadjian said that the band has material written from "like the last 10, 12 years", but expressed uncertainty on if it would form into a System of a Down album or not. He also said that Malakian and Tankian have visual differences on what the album should sound like, and that the band's inner tension had been building far longer than fans would be aware, despite having love and respect for one another nonetheless.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kroq.radio.com/media/audio-channel/tuesday-october-9th-guest-system-downs-shavo-odadjian|title=Tuesday, October 9th with guest: System of A Down's Shavo Odadjian|publisher=[[KROQ-FM]]|access-date=October 9, 2018|archive-date=March 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329125437/https://kroq.radio.com/media/audio-channel/tuesday-october-9th-guest-system-downs-shavo-odadjian|url-status=live}}</ref> He would later say that there was no extant conflict between the members, expressing confidence that System of a Down would eventually record a new album and claimed that they have material written that would be their best to date.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://consequence.net/2018/12/shavo-odadjian-system-of-a-down-interview-part-1/|author=Kaufman, Spencer|title=System of a Down's Shavo Odadjian: "We Have Material That Tops Everything We've Done"|magazine=[[Consequence of Sound]]|access-date=December 19, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418075924/https://consequence.net/2018/12/shavo-odadjian-system-of-a-down-interview-part-1/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tankian denied any talk of the band recording a new album.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/serj-tankian-talks-system-of-a-down-soundtracks-anthony-bourdain-770713/|author=Grow, Kory|title=Serj Tankian on Writing 'Requiem Music,' System of a Down's Creative Stalemate|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=December 20, 2018|archive-date=June 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614012220/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/serj-tankian-talks-system-of-a-down-soundtracks-anthony-bourdain-770713/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Malakian explained that there was a mixture between the matter of different creative perspectives for the band's hesitation to record a new studio album and the lack of desire to tour. He did not dismiss a possible new album in the more distant future.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kroq.radio.com/blogs/stryker-and-klein/daron-malakian-system-down-stryker-and-klein|title=Daron Malakian Talks System Of A Down with Stryker and Klein|author=Stryker and Klein|work=The World Famous KROQ |date=February 20, 2019 |publisher=[[KROQ-FM]]|access-date=February 20, 2019|archive-date=October 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020215012/https://kroq.radio.com/blogs/stryker-and-klein/daron-malakian-system-down-stryker-and-klein|url-status=live}}</ref> He felt that the fans don't care that the band wasn't making an album, "but I think a lot of the fans just want an album." He expressed hopes that the members would get together and record new music but was content with the direction of his band [[Scars on Broadway]], noting the members' good friendship, "But at the same time, I don't see that happening anytime soon that we're all going to get together and make a new System of a Down album."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://consequence.net/2019/04/daron-malakian-scars-on-broadway-system-of-a-down-interview-2019/|author=Kaufman, Spencer|title=Daron Malakian on Scars on Broadway, the State of System of a Down, and More|magazine=[[Consequence of Sound]]|access-date=April 30, 2019|archive-date=May 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501224229/https://consequence.net/2019/04/daron-malakian-scars-on-broadway-system-of-a-down-interview-2019/|url-status=live}}</ref> Malakian said that Tankian and the rest of the band members have been unable to come to an agreement over how to go about making new music, but insisted that there was no negativity between them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://omny.fm/shows/talk-is-jericho/system-of-a-daron-from-chop-suey-to-scars-on-broad|title=System Of A Daron – From Chop Suey to Scars On Broadway – Talk Is Jericho|website=omny.fm|access-date=May 9, 2019|archive-date=May 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515044157/https://omny.fm/shows/talk-is-jericho/system-of-a-daron-from-chop-suey-to-scars-on-broad|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:JohnDolmayanSitting.jpg|thumb|Drummer [[John Dolmayan]]|left]]
Despite System of a Down's ability to perform live, Odadjian expressed disappointment at their inability to record new music, explaining that there has been new material written by the other members in the form of a possible new album. Without Tankian's presence, no recordings had been made. He questioned why the band still has not made an album, citing creative differences as the problem.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/shavo-odadjian-on-possiblity-of-new-music-from-system-of-a-down-why-it-isnt-happening-is-a-big-question/|title=SHAVO ODADJIAN On The {{sic|Possi|blity|nolink=y}} Of New Music From SYSTEM OF A DOWN: 'Why It Isn't Happening Is A Big Question'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=August 13, 2019|access-date=August 13, 2019|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915183526/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/shavo-odadjian-on-possiblity-of-new-music-from-system-of-a-down-why-it-isnt-happening-is-a-big-question/|url-status=live}}</ref> With the lack of commitment to record new music, Tankian was open to releasing a collection of previously unreleased System of a Down songs from past recording sessions if his bandmates agreed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-says-he-is-all-for-system-of-a-down-putting-out-previously-unreleased-material/|title=SERJ TANKIAN Says He Is 'All For' SYSTEM OF A DOWN Putting Out Previously Unreleased Material|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 10, 2019|access-date=December 10, 2019|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915183525/https://blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-says-he-is-all-for-system-of-a-down-putting-out-previously-unreleased-material/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Dolmayan had started in 2014 a Kickstarter to fund a cover project, titled "These Grey Men", alongside friend James Hazley.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bruno |first=Danielle |date=2014-06-17 |title=System Of A Down drummer crowdfunding side project, These Grey Men {{!}} Metal Insider |url=https://metalinsider.net/crowdfunding/system-of-a-down-drummer-crowdfunding-side-project-these-grey-men |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Metal Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420045158/https://metalinsider.net/crowdfunding/system-of-a-down-drummer-crowdfunding-side-project-these-grey-men |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Annunziata |first=Chris |date=2020-01-21 |title=System of a Down's John Dolmayan and Avenged Sevenfold's M. Shadows team up in new project These Grey Men {{!}} Metal Insider |url=https://metalinsider.net/video/system-of-a-downs-john-dolmayan-and-avenged-sevenfolds-m-shadows-team-up-in-new-project-these-grey-men |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Metal Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420045215/https://metalinsider.net/video/system-of-a-downs-john-dolmayan-and-avenged-sevenfolds-m-shadows-team-up-in-new-project-these-grey-men |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, he released the first single, a cover of [[Radiohead]]'s "Street Spirit", on January 23.<ref>{{Cite web |title=These Grey Men website |url=https://www.thesegreymen.com/ |access-date=January 25, 2020 |website=THESE GREY MEN |language=en-US |archive-date=January 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125114230/https://www.thesegreymen.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Avenged Sevenfold]] singer [[M. Shadows]] contributes vocals to the track; [[Tom Morello]] contributes the guitar solo at the song's close.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Childers |first=Chad |date=2020-01-23 |title=System of a Down Drummer Covers Radiohead With Tom Morello + M. Shadows |url=https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-drummer-these-grey-men-radiohead-cover-tom-morello-m-shadows/ |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Loudwire |language=en |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420045200/https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-drummer-these-grey-men-radiohead-cover-tom-morello-m-shadows/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The second single features Tankian in a cover of [[David Bowie]]'s "[[Starman (song)|Starman]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cornell |first=Jeff |date=2019-01-09 |title=Serj Tankian, M Shadows Join SOAD Drummer's These Grey Men Album |url=https://loudwire.com/tom-morello-serj-tankian-m-shadows-featured-john-dolmayan-these-grey-men-album/ |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Loudwire |language=en |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420045203/https://loudwire.com/tom-morello-serj-tankian-m-shadows-featured-john-dolmayan-these-grey-men-album/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album, titled ''These Grey Men'', was released on February 28, 2020.<ref>{{Citation |title=These Grey Men by John Dolmayan, on Apple Music |date=2020-02-28 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/these-grey-men/1494588282 |language=en-US |access-date=2022-04-20 |archive-date=November 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104193633/https://music.apple.com/us/album/these-grey-men/1494588282 |url-status=live }}</ref> It consists of covers/reimaginations of other songs by artists such as Radiohead, AFI, Madonna, and Talking Heads, among others.

With the differences concerning the band members, Dolmayan became uncertain in wanting to make new music anymore. Although he did not want to put Tankian and Malakian at fault for the band's inability to record a new album, he said, "It takes four people to make this band, and it takes four people to unmake it. I think that we're all to blame. I could just blame Daron and Serj, because, quite frankly, they're the primary songwriters, so it's easy to blame them. But it's not just their fault. A lot of it is their fault, but it's not just their fault."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/john-dolmayan-is-not-even-sure-he-wants-to-make-a-new-system-of-a-down-album-anymore-its-just-so-much-drama-and-bullst/|title=JOHN DOLMAYAN Is 'Not Even Sure' He Wants To Make A New SYSTEM OF A DOWN Album Anymore: 'It's Just So Much Drama And Bulls**t'|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=April 20, 2020|access-date=April 20, 2020|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915183526/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/john-dolmayan-is-not-even-sure-he-wants-to-make-a-new-system-of-a-down-album-anymore-its-just-so-much-drama-and-bullst/|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview, Dolmayan exclaimed that putting the band on hiatus was a grave mistake: "I never wanted System to take a hiatus. I think it was a disastrous move for us because we never reached our peak." Dolmayan believed that the band could have risen through the charts if they had just kept going.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Drummer Says Hiatus Was a Huge Mistake for SOAD: We Could've Been the Biggest Band in the World|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/drummer_says_hiatus_was_a_huge_mistake_for_soad_we_couldve_been_the_biggest_band_in_the_world.html|access-date=December 19, 2020|website=www.ultimate-guitar.com|language=en|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915183526/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/drummer_says_hiatus_was_a_huge_mistake_for_soad_we_couldve_been_the_biggest_band_in_the_world.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 17, 2020, Serj Tankian announced in a ''Rolling Stone'' interview that he would release an EP by the name of ''Elasticity'' under his own name. Tankian had planned to release the EP in October. Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], he released it in February 2021 instead. In the interview, he explained that the EP contains songs he had written for System of a Down that the band ultimately opted not to record.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|date=December 17, 2020|title='RS Interview: Special Edition' With Serj Tankian|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/serj-tankian-rs-interview-special-edition-1104974/|access-date=December 19, 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=June 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614173520/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/serj-tankian-rs-interview-special-edition-1104974/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Artsakh benefit singles and possible sixth studio album (2020–present) ===
On November 5, 2020, in response to the [[Second Nagorno-Karabakh War]], System of a Down released their first songs in 15 years, "[[Protect the Land]]" and "[[Genocidal Humanoidz]]", both of which "speak of a dire and serious war being perpetrated upon our cultural homelands of [[Republic of Artsakh|Artsakh]] and [[Armenia]]."<ref name="rollingstone2020" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=brownypaul|date=November 6, 2020|title=WOAHH Two New System Of A Down Songs Outta Nowhere|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/11/06/woahh-two-new-system-of-a-down-songs-outta-nowhere/|access-date=November 6, 2020|website=Wall Of Sound|language=en-US|archive-date=November 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106051444/https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/11/06/woahh-two-new-system-of-a-down-songs-outta-nowhere/|url-status=live}}</ref> Music videos were made for both singles, and "Protect the Land" marks the band's first music video in 14 years, since "[[Lonely Day]]". Proceeds from the songs were to help [[Armenia Fund]] and for humanitarian needs of displaced families from the war.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Chloe|last=Melas|title=System of a Down releases first new music in 15 years|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/entertainment/system-of-a-down-new-music-trnd/index.html|access-date=November 9, 2020|website=CNN|date=November 6, 2020|archive-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711071801/https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/entertainment/system-of-a-down-new-music-trnd/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=System of a Down Detail Why They Decided to Release New Music|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/system-down-detail-why-decided-222111627.html|access-date=November 9, 2020|website=Yahoo.com|date=November 8, 2020 |language=en-US|archive-date=April 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418062939/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/system-down-detail-why-decided-222111627.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

As for a possible new album, Dolmayan told ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', "If it was up to me, we'd have a new album every three years. But things aren't up to me. I'm at the mercy of my team, and although I fought for it for many years with band members, I've accepted that it is what it is. We do have five albums and [now] two songs. We've accomplished a lot in our careers. If it ends at that, so be it."<ref name="rollingstone2020" /> In the same interview, Malakian claimed that "Protect the Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz" were originally going to be released under his own band [[Scars on Broadway]]. As the conflict came to fruition, System of a Down came back to release them instead.<ref name="rollingstone2020" /> Malakian also said he does not see the band making new music anytime soon, saying that the singles were a "one-off kind of thing".<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 16, 2020|title=Daron Malakian Doesn't See SOAD Making More New Music Soon|url=https://loudwire.com/daron-malakian-doesnt-see-system-of-a-down-making-more-music-soon/|access-date=November 17, 2020|website=Loudwire|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126191032/https://loudwire.com/daron-malakian-doesnt-see-system-of-a-down-making-more-music-soon/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Shavo Odadjian]] spoke with ''Wall of Sound'' in a follow-up interview discussing the conception of the songs, stating, "It was amazing... Even though we have had our differences, when we're in there it's just like brothers making music together, like it all started."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aarons|first=Ricky|date=December 17, 2020|title=Shavo Odadjian – 'Introducing North Kingsley and Protecting Armenia with System Of A Down'|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/12/17/shavo-odadjian-introducing-north-kingsley-and-protecting-armenia-with-system-of-a-down/|access-date=December 17, 2020|website=Wall Of Sound|language=en-US|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915184651/https://wallofsoundau.com/2020/12/17/shavo-odadjian-introducing-north-kingsley-and-protecting-armenia-with-system-of-a-down/|url-status=live}}</ref> When asked if the two songs had inspired a new era of creativity for System of a Down, Tankian said to [[Triple J]] in December 2020, "I don't know, because right now we're focused on what's going on in Armenia. There's a huge humanitarian catastrophe. We're still focused on raising funds, raising awareness about this. Time will tell whether this leads to something else or not."<ref>{{Cite web|title=SERJ TANKIAN: 'Time Will Tell' Whether Recording Two New SYSTEM OF A DOWN Songs Will Lead To Something More|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-time-will-tell-whether-recording-two-new-system-of-a-down-songs-will-lead-to-something-more/|access-date=December 19, 2020|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 19, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225023307/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-time-will-tell-whether-recording-two-new-system-of-a-down-songs-will-lead-to-something-more/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2023, Dolmayan claimed that Tankian "hasn't really wanted to be in a band for a long time [...] and quite frankly, we probably should have parted ways around 2006. We tried to get together multiple times to make an album, but there were certain rules set in place that made it difficult to do so and maintain the integrity of what System of a Down stood for." Despite the major setback, he said the chemistry to play live together as a band is still great.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Revolver |title=John Dolmayan: Serj Tankian Hasn't Wanted To Be in System of a Down for a Long Time |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/john-dolmayan-serj-tankian-hasnt-wanted-be-system-down-long-time |website=Revolver |date=January 3, 2023 |access-date=4 January 2023 |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104095946/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/john-dolmayan-serj-tankian-hasnt-wanted-be-system-down-long-time |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 14 of the same year, System of a Down hosted their only live performance of 2023 as co-headliners of the Sick New World festival in [[Las Vegas]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kress |first=Brian |date=May 14, 2023 |title=System of a Down Close Sick New World 2023: Video + Setlist |url=https://consequence.net/2023/05/system-of-a-down-sick-new-world-2023-watch/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2024, the band performed two gigs: in the former case, they made their second headline appearance in a row at Sick New World on April 27;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Childers |first=Chad |date=April 28, 2024 |title=Setlist + Video – System of a Down Headline 2024 Sick New World Festival |url=https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-sick-new-world-2024-setlist-video/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Loudwire]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Emily |date=April 28, 2024 |title=Here's System Of A Down's epic Sick New World setlist |url=https://www.kerrang.com/heres-system-of-a-downs-epic-sick-new-world-setlist/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Kerrang!]] |language=en-US}}</ref> in the latter one, they co-headlined (together with [[Deftones]]) a standalone concert at the [[Golden Gate Park]] in [[San Francisco]], making it the first-ever ticketed concert to take place at the venue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Ariel |date=April 9, 2024 |title=Another Planet Entertainment Announces One-Night Event With System Of A Down & Deftones In Golden Gate Park, Potential For More |url=https://news.pollstar.com/2024/04/09/another-planet-announces-one-night-event-with-system-of-a-down-deftones-in-golden-gate-park-potential-for-more/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Pollstar]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schaffner |first=Lauryn |date=April 9, 2024 |title=System of a Down + Deftones Announce First of Its Kind Show at Historic Venue |url=https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-deftones-first-show-historic-venue-2024/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=[[Loudwire]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

In May 2024, Tankian revealed in his [[memoir]], "Down with the System," that back when System of a Down was on hiatus in 2005, he offered to step down and suggested the band find a new vocalist due to his back injury and disinterest in touring. Although the band did audition an unnamed singer without Tankian's knowledge, they discarded the idea and continued onward with their original vocalist.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Childers |first1=Chad |title=System of a Down Auditioned Vocalist After Serj Tankian Offered to Step Down |url=https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-auditioned-vocalist-serj-tankian-offered-quit |website=LoudWire |date=May 13, 2024 |access-date=25 March 2025}}</ref> In 2025, though, the band launched a tour called "Wake Up!", with  dates in Latin America for the first time in ten years and a few US and Canada shows. They later announced a European Tour for 2026 along two Sick New World shows.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/system-of-a-down-2025-south-american-wake-up-stadium-tour-dates-1235859106/|title=System of a Down Announce Dates for 2025 South American 'Wake Up!' Stadium Tour|magazine=Billboard|date=December 17, 2024|last=Kaufman|first=Gil}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://chaoszine.net/system-of-a-down-shake-things-up-with-their-setlist-with-rarities/|title=System Of A Down shake things up with their setlist with rarities|website=Chaoszine|date=April 29, 2025|last=Baldin|first=Benedetta}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/09/10/system-of-a-down-announce-their-return-to-europe-after-nine-year-absence|title=System Of A Down announce their return to Europe after nine year absence |date=September 10, 2025 }}</ref>

In February 2025, Malakian gave his thoughts about making a new System of a Down album.

{{quotation|"I'm proud of the records. I don't live with any regret of anything like that, but it would have been nice to see where the band would have evolved if we kept putting music out. If we put out an album now, it's just so far away from [''Hypnotize'' and ''Mezmerize''], it doesn't continue the story to me. There was a time that [making a new System Of A Down record] might have been something I wanted. I'm not sure how much I want that anymore — I'm sure people won't be too happy to hear that from me. I'm not at the same place I was maybe 10 years ago."|Daron Malakian (2025)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kennelty |first1=Greg |title=DARON MALAKIAN Isn't Sure He Wants To Write New SYSTEM OF A DOWN Anymore |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/daron-malakian-isnt-sure-he-wants-to-write-new-system-of-a-down-anymore |website=Metal Injection |date=February 6, 2025 |access-date=10 February 2025}}</ref>}}

== Artistry ==
=== Lyrical themes ===
System of a Down's lyrics are often oblique<ref name="AllmusicToxicity">{{cite web |last=Rivadavia |first=Eduardo |url=https://allmusic.com/album/toxicity-r547443/review |title=Toxicity – System of a Down |website=AllMusic |date=September 4, 2001 |access-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-date=April 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429055747/http://allmusic.com/album/toxicity-r547443/review |url-status=live }}</ref> or [[dadaist]]<ref name="AllmusicToxicity" /><ref name=popmattersmezmerize/> and have discussed topics such as drug abuse,<ref name="AllmusicToxicity" /> politics<ref name="AllmusicToxicity" /><ref name="AllmusicMezmerize">{{cite web |last=Loftus |first=Johnny |url=https://allmusic.com/album/mezmerize-r737666/review |title=Mezmerize – System of a Down |website=AllMusic |date=May 17, 2005 |access-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426234223/http://allmusic.com/album/mezmerize-r737666/review |url-status=live }}</ref> and suicide.<ref name="AllmusicToxicity" /> "Prison Song" criticizes the [[war on drugs]]<ref name=":0">{{cite magazine |last=Sinclair |first=Tom |url=https://ew.com/article/2001/09/03/system-down/ |title=System of a Down |magazine=EW.com |date=January 17, 2015 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=October 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019101653/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,173181,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> whereas ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' describes "Roulette" as a "scared, wounded love letter".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/systemofadown/albums/album/272714/review/6067555/steal_this_album |title=Rolling Stone : System of a Down: Steal This Album : Music Reviews |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=November 19, 2002 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410071853/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/systemofadown/albums/album/272714/review/6067555/steal_this_album |archive-date=April 10, 2009 }}</ref> "Boom!", among the band's most straightforward and unambiguous songs, lambasts [[globalization]] and spending on bombs and armament.<ref name="nmestealthisalbum">{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/6887 |title=NME Reviews – System Of A Down : Steal this Album |publisher=Nme.com |date=September 12, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=January 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150126042800/http://www.nme.com/reviews/6887 |url-status=live }}</ref> Commenting on the track "I-E-A-I-A-I-O", drummer John Dolmayan said it was inspired by an encounter he had with ''[[Knight Rider (1982 TV series)|Knight Rider]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s actor [[David Hasselhoff]] in a liquor store in Los Angeles when he was around 12.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Hartmann|first1=Graham|title=System of a Down's John Dolmayan Reveals Lyrical Inspiration for 'I-E-A-I-A-I-O'|url=http://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-john-dolmayan-lyrical-inspiration-i-e-a-i-a-i-o/|magazine=[[Loudwire]]|publisher=[[Townsquare Media]]|access-date=August 2, 2014|date=July 14, 2014|archive-date=July 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721043444/http://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-john-dolmayan-lyrical-inspiration-i-e-a-i-a-i-o/|url-status=live}}</ref> On ''[[Mezmerize]]'', "Cigaro" makes explicit references to [[phalus|phallic imagery]]<ref name="ewmezmerize" /> and [[bureaucracy]]<ref name=popmattersmezmerize/> while "Violent Pornography" harshly views television<ref name=ewmezmerize>{{cite magazine |last=Sinclair |first=Tom |url=https://ew.com/article/2005/05/16/mezmerize/ |title=Mezmerize |magazine=EW.com |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=October 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019102759/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1060789,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and degradation of women.<ref name=pitchforkmezmerize>{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11839-mezmerize-hypnotize/ |title=System of a Down: Mezmerize / Hypnotize &#124; Album Reviews |publisher=Pitchfork.com |date=November 21, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=March 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319043055/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11839-mezmerize-hypnotize/ |url-status=live }}</ref> System of a Down's discontent toward the controversial [[Iraq War]] arises in "B.Y.O.B.",<ref name=popmattersmezmerize>{{cite web |last=Begrand |first=Adrien |url=https://www.popmatters.com/review/systemofadown-mesmerize/ |title=System of a Down: Mezmerize |date=May 24, 2005 |publisher=PopMatters.com |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=June 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630164102/http://www.popmatters.com/review/systemofadown-mesmerize/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/systemofadown/albums/album/7309436/review/7313411/mezmerize |title=Rolling Stone : System of a Down: Mezmerize : Music Reviews |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=June 2, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423133511/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/systemofadown/albums/album/7309436/review/7313411/mezmerize |archive-date=April 23, 2009 }}</ref> which is a [[double entendre]] reference to beer and bombs,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20147981,00.html |title=Picks and Pans Review: System of a Down |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=June 27, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019112112/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20147981,00.html |archive-date=October 19, 2014  }}</ref> containing the forthright lyric "Why don't presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor?",<ref name=popmattersmezmerize/><ref name=ewmezmerize/><ref name=pitchforkmezmerize/> "Old School Hollywood" describes a celebrity baseball game.<ref name=pitchforkmezmerize/><ref name=popmattershypnotize>{{cite web |last=Begrand |first=Adrien |url=https://www.popmatters.com/review/systemofadown-hypnotize/ |title=System of a Down: Hypnotize |date=November 21, 2005 |publisher=PopMatters.com |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=June 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630164108/http://www.popmatters.com/review/systemofadown-hypnotize/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On their album ''[[Hypnotize (album)|Hypnotize]]'', "Tentative" describes [[war]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2005-11-21-listen-up_x.htm |title=USATODAY.com – System of a Down zooms way up with 'Hypnotize' |publisher=Usatoday30.usatoday.com |date=November 21, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=October 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017190609/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2005-11-21-listen-up_x.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=rshypnotize>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/systemofadown/albums/album/7690031/review/8796404/hypnotize |title=System of a Down: Hypnotize : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=November 17, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205091302/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/systemofadown/albums/album/7690031/review/8796404/hypnotize |archive-date=February 5, 2010  }}</ref> "Hypnotize" refers to the [[Tiananmen Square protests of 1989|Tiananmen Square events]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/system-of-a-down/hypnotize.htm |title=System Of A Down – Hypnotize – Review |work=Stylusmagazine.com |access-date=March 29, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106202445/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/system-of-a-down/hypnotize.htm |archive-date=November 6, 2015  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.popmatters.com/systemofadown-hypnotize-2496074979.html|title=System of a Down: Hypnotize|date=November 21, 2005|work=PopMatters|access-date=March 5, 2018|language=en|archive-date=June 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620233911/https://www.popmatters.com/systemofadown-hypnotize-2496074979.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and "Lonely Day" describes [[angst]].<ref name=popmattershypnotize/> The album title ''[[Steal This Album!]]'' is a play on the book ''[[Steal This Book]]'' by [[left-wing politics|left-wing political activist]] [[Abbie Hoffman]].<ref name=nmestealthisalbum/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1458163/systems-stolen-tracks-compiled-on-steal-this-album/ |title=System's Stolen Tracks Compiled On Steal This Album |publisher=MTV.com |date=October 16, 2002 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=July 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717092106/http://www.mtv.com/news/1458163/systems-stolen-tracks-compiled-on-steal-this-album/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Milner |first=Greg |url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/system-down-steal-album-american-recordingscolumbia/ |title=System of a Down, 'Steal This Album!' Review |publisher=Spin.com |date=June 20, 2003 |access-date=March 29, 2015 |archive-date=June 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620140356/http://www.spin.com/reviews/system-down-steal-album-american-recordingscolumbia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> System of a Down's firm commitment for the [[Armenian genocide]] to be recognized appears in two songs: "P.L.U.C.K." and "Holy Mountains", which rank among the band's most political songs.<ref name=rshypnotize/> It is widely accepted that System of a Down is a left wing band, as seen in their lyric choices.

=== Music ===
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of [[AllMusic]] stated "Like many late-'90s [[Heavy metal music|metal]] bands System of a Down struck a balance between '80s underground [[thrash metal]] and metallic early-'90s [[alternative rock]]ers like [[Jane's Addiction]]".<ref name="Erlewine"/> System of a Down's music is influenced by elements of numerous styles, including alternative rock,<ref name="newstead">{{cite news |last1=Newstead |first1=Al |title=A beginner's guide to System Of A Down |url=https://www.abc.net.au/listen/doublej/music-reads/features/system-of-a-down-beginners-guide-j-files-songs-biography-guide/102854586 |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=Double J |date=14 September 2023}}</ref> [[art rock]], [[classic rock]],<ref name="revolver7things" /> [[gothic rock]],<ref name="spinmilner">{{cite news |last1=Milner |first1=Greg |title=My Life in Music: Serj Tankian |work=SPIN Magazine |date=23 June 2003}}</ref> [[hip hop]],<ref name="ls22">{{cite news |last1=Everley |first1=Dave |title="Public Enemy was a bad-ass thing": these are the 11 albums that changed SOAD bassist Shavo Odadjian's life |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/system-of-a-downs-shavo-odadjian-10-albums-that-changed-my-life |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=LouderSound |date=24 May 2022}}</ref> [[jazz]],<ref name="revolver7things" /> various genres of metal including thrash metal and even [[Norwegian black metal]],<ref name="newstead" /><ref name="revolver7things" /> and [[Middle Eastern music]].<ref name="interview_nalbandian">{{cite web| last= Nalbandian| first= Bob| title= Interview with System of a Down| work= Shockwaves Online| url= http://www.hardradio.com/hr3.html?http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hardradio.com%2Fshockwaves%2Fsystem1.php3| access-date= July 21, 2007| archive-date= July 19, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110719185417/http://www.hardradio.com/hr3.html?http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hardradio.com%2Fshockwaves%2Fsystem1.php3| url-status= live}}</ref> System of a Down's music has variously been termed [[alternative metal]],<ref name="Erlewine">{{cite web | first = Stephen Thomas | last = Erlewine | title = Biography of System of a Down | website = Allmusic | url = https://allmusic.com/artist/system-of-a-down-p302874/biography | access-date = July 11, 2015 | archive-date = January 14, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110114000226/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/system-of-a-down-p302874/biography | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title= Choose System of a Down's Set List This Summer |date= April 8, 2011 |magazine= [[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]] |url= http://www.revolvermag.com/news/choose-system-of-a-downs-set-list-this-summer.html |access-date= February 14, 2016 |archive-date= June 13, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170613111356/http://www.revolvermag.com/news/choose-system-of-a-downs-set-list-this-summer.html |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |first= Jason |last= Lipshutz |title= System Of A Down, Deftones Team For Summer Tour |date= April 8, 2011 |magazine= [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |url= https://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/491431/system-of-a-down-deftones-team-for-summer-tour |access-date= February 14, 2016 |archive-date= February 3, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160203023142/http://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/491431/system-of-a-down-deftones-team-for-summer-tour |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first= Tim |last= Grierson |title= Top 10 Rock Albums of the '00s |publisher= [[About.com]] |url= http://rock.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/BestRockAlbums2000s.htm |access-date= February 14, 2016 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160217043131/http://rock.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/BestRockAlbums2000s.htm |archive-date= February 17, 2016 |df= mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |first= Amy |last= Sciaretto |title= Loud Rock |journal= [[CMJ New Music Report]] |date= July 28, 2003 |issue= 824 |page= 23 |issn= 0006-2510 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=yTx2g_J6SHoC&q=%22system+of+a+down%22&pg=PA23 |access-date= November 7, 2020 |archive-date= March 23, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230323113306/https://books.google.com/books?id=yTx2g_J6SHoC&q=%22system+of+a+down%22&pg=PA23 |url-status= live }}</ref> [[nu metal]],<ref>{{cite book|first=Tommy|last=Udo|title=Brave Nu World|year=2002|publisher=Sanctuary Publishing|isbn=1-86074-415-X|pages=[https://archive.org/details/bravenuworld00tomm/page/183 183–185, 242]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/bravenuworld00tomm/page/183}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|editor-first=Eric|editor-last=Weisbard|title=This is Pop: in Search of the Elusive at Experience Music Project|url=https://archive.org/details/thisispopinsearc00weis|url-access=registration|year=2004|publisher=[[Harvard University Press]]|isbn=0-674-01344-1|page=[https://archive.org/details/thisispopinsearc00weis/page/220 220]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://stylusmagazine.com/articles/staff_top_10/top-ten-nu-metal-bands.htm |title=Top Ten Nu-Metal Bands |work=[[Stylus Magazine]] |date=September 10, 2004 |last=Unterberger |first=Andrew |access-date=September 25, 2014 |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614171513/http://stylusmagazine.com/articles/staff_top_10/top-ten-nu-metal-bands.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |first= James |last= Grebey |title= Watch System of a Down's Full First-Ever Concert in Armenia |journal= [[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |date= April 23, 2015 |access-date= December 11, 2015 |url= http://www.spin.com/2015/04/system-of-a-down-armenia-armenian-genocide-concert-watch-stream/ |archive-date= March 20, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170320112522/http://www.spin.com/2015/04/system-of-a-down-armenia-armenian-genocide-concert-watch-stream/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |first= Sarah |last= Bella |title= Serj Tankian Nixes Talk of New System of a Down Album |journal= [[Music Feeds]] |date= August 1, 2013 |url= http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/serj-tankian-nixes-talk-of-new-system-of-a-down-album/ |access-date= December 11, 2015 |archive-date= June 22, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170622122928/http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/serj-tankian-nixes-talk-of-new-system-of-a-down-album/ |url-status= live }}</ref> [[hard rock]],<ref>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.spin.com/2013/07/system-of-a-down-new-album-drama/ |title= System of a Down Hint at New Album After Denying Internal Drama |first= Marc |last= Hogan |magazine= Spin |date= July 31, 2013 |access-date= February 14, 2016 |archive-date= March 3, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303191609/http://www.spin.com/2013/07/system-of-a-down-new-album-drama/ |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76980/system-of-a-down-to-headline-ozzfest |title= System Of A Down To Headline Ozzfest |magazine= Billboard |date= January 29, 2002 |access-date= February 14, 2016 |archive-date= March 6, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160306054109/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76980/system-of-a-down-to-headline-ozzfest |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Lullaby Versions Of SYSTEM OF A DOWN Due This Week |url= http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/lullaby-versions-of-system-of-a-down-due-this-week/ |work= [[Blabbermouth.net]] |date= October 21, 2013 |access-date= February 14, 2016 |archive-date= March 3, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203943/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/lullaby-versions-of-system-of-a-down-due-this-week/ |url-status= live }}</ref> [[progressive metal]],<ref name="rollstone">{{cite magazine|last=Serpick |first=Evan |title=System of a Down&nbsp;— Prog-metal Radicals |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=December 15, 2005 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/8957307/system_of_a_down |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029235443/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/8957307/system_of_a_down |archive-date=October 29, 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date =August 22, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first= Jay |last= Cridlin |title= System of a Down's Serj Tankian coming to the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg |date= June 24, 2010 |newspaper= [[Tampa Bay Times]] |url= http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/soundcheck/content/system-downs-serj-tankian-coming-mahaffey-theater-st-petersburg |access-date= February 14, 2016 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160217004937/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/soundcheck/content/system-downs-serj-tankian-coming-mahaffey-theater-st-petersburg |archive-date= February 17, 2016 |df= mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first= Chris |last= Harris |title= System Of A Down Top ''Billboard'' With ''Mezmerize'' |date= May 25, 2005 |publisher= [[MTV News]] |url= http://www.mtv.com/news/1502898/system-of-a-down-top-billboard-with-mezmerize/ |access-date= February 14, 2016 |archive-date= March 2, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160302111130/http://www.mtv.com/news/1502898/system-of-a-down-top-billboard-with-mezmerize/ |url-status= dead }}</ref> [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]],<ref name="Erlewine"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Jessiva|last=Gelt|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-ca-cm-serj-tankian-snap-20161101-story.html|title=System of a Down's Serj Tankian goes classical with symphonic concerts in Northridge|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=November 6, 2016|access-date=August 29, 2019|url-access=limited|archive-date=August 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829053101/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-ca-cm-serj-tankian-snap-20161101-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> thrash metal,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10761508|title=System of a Down set for NZ show|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=November 2, 2012|date=October 25, 2011|archive-date=December 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202130436/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10761508|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title= System of a Down |date= December 2015 |magazine= Guitar Techniques |url= https://archive.org/stream/Guitar_Techniques_December_2015/Guitar_Techniques_December_2015_djvu.txt |access-date= February 14, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first= Brendan |last= Boughen |title= Serart |date= August 31, 2003 |publisher= The Phantom Tollbooth |url= http://www.tollbooth.org/2003/reviews/serj.html |access-date= February 14, 2016 |archive-date= March 28, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160328154028/http://www.tollbooth.org/2003/reviews/serj.html |url-status= live }}</ref> [[art rock]],<ref name="Archive Biography" /><ref>{{cite web | last=Christgau | first=Robert | title=Reviews of System of a Down | url=http://robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=system+of+a+down | access-date=April 2, 2009 | archive-date=June 29, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629173114/http://robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=system+of+a+down | url-status=live }}</ref> and [[avant-garde metal]].<ref name="mtv1">{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Chris|title=System Of A Down Mezmerize NYC With Crushing 90-Minute Gig|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1501594/system-down-mezmerize-nyc-crowd.jhtml|work=[[MTV]]|publisher=[[Viacom (2005–2019)|Viacom International]]|access-date=May 10, 2012|date=May 10, 2005|archive-date=November 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108174450/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1501594/system-down-mezmerize-nyc-crowd.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Archive Biography">{{cite web|title=Archive Biography|url=http://rock.about.com/od/systemofadown/p/soad.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707075217/http://rock.about.com/od/systemofadown/p/soad.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2011}}</ref>
Malakian has stated that "We don't belong to any one scene"<ref name="Morse">{{cite news |first=Steve |last=Morse |title=''Pounding out a blistering attack: System of a Down lashes out at Hollywood, war, and hypocrisy'' |url=https://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2005/08/26/pounding_out_a_blistering_attack/ |work=The Boston Globe |date=August 26, 2005 |access-date=April 5, 2009 |archive-date=July 5, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705052346/http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2005/08/26/pounding_out_a_blistering_attack/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and that "I don't like the nu-metal [[dropped A tuning|drop-A]] [[7-string guitar]] sound; it is not my thing, at least not yet."<ref name="Perry">{{cite book |last1=Perry |first1=Megan |title=Wired: musicians' home studios : tools & techniques of the musical mavericks |year=2004 |publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation |isbn=0-87930-794-3 |page=[https://archive.org/details/wiredmusiciansho0000perr/page/79 79] |chapter=Daron's Guitar Tunings |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/wiredmusiciansho0000perr/page/79 |chapter-url-access=registration}}</ref> In interview with Mike Lancaster, he also said, "People always seem to feel the need to put us into a category, but we just don't fit into any category."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.glendalehigh.com/malakian.html |title=The Daron Malakian Interview |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415015217/http://www.glendalehigh.com/malakian.html |archive-date=15 April 2009 |orig-date=28 March 2003 |access-date=12 October 2021 |work=Glendale High School Newspaper |first=Mike |last=Lancaster}}</ref> According to Tankian, "As far as arrangement and everything, [our music] is pretty much [[Popular music|pop]]. To me, System of a Down isn't a progressive band. [...] But it's not a typical pop project, obviously. We definitely pay attention to the music to make sure that it's not something someone's heard before."<ref name="DeRogatis">{{Cite news|first=Jim|last=DeRogatis|title=''They're an Armenian band''|url=http://www.jimdero.com/News2001/Sept14SOAD.htm|work=The Chicago Tribune|date=September 14, 2001|access-date=April 4, 2009|archive-date=April 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410065131/http://www.jimdero.com/News2001/Sept14SOAD.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Malakian once described their music "as if [[Slayer]] and [[the Beatles]] had a baby."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Revolver |title=System of a Down's Daron Malakian: Why I Love Slayer's 'Show No Mercy' |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/system-downs-daron-malakian-why-i-love-slayers-show-no-mercy |website=Revolver |date=December 3, 2021 |access-date=6 January 2023 |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106032702/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/system-downs-daron-malakian-why-i-love-slayers-show-no-mercy |url-status=live }}</ref>

The band has used a wide range of instruments, such as [[electric mandolin]]s, [[baritone guitar|baritone electric guitars]], [[acoustic guitar]]s, [[oud]]s, [[sitar]]s, and [[twelve string guitar]]s.<ref name="8notes">{{cite web| title = System of a Down biography| work = 8notes.com| url = http://www.8notes.com/biographies/system_of_a_down.asp#History.2C_style_and_influences| access-date = June 26, 2006| archive-date = January 25, 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120125233557/http://www.8notes.com/biographies/system_of_a_down.asp#History.2C_style_and_influences| url-status = live}}</ref> According to Malakian, he would often write songs in [[E♭ tuning]], which would later be changed to [[drop C tuning]] in order to be performed by the band.<ref name="Perry" /> Malakian states that "For me, the drop-C tuning is right down the center. It has enough of the clarity and the crisp sound—most of our riffy stuff is done on the top two strings, anyway—but it's also thicker and ballsier."<ref name="Perry" />

=== Influences and comparison to other artists ===
System of a Down's influences include [[Middle Eastern music]],<ref name="interview_nalbandian"/> [[Rush (band)|Rush]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Rockingham |first=Graham |url=http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/20130413hamiltonspectator.htm |title=Graciously BITTER |work=[[The Hamilton Spectator]] |date=April 13, 2013 |access-date=May 18, 2024}}</ref> [[Ozzy Osbourne]],<ref name="Morse" /><ref name="interview_nalbandian" /> [[Black Sabbath]],<ref name=FBPO/> [[Led Zeppelin]],<ref name=FBPO/> [[Def Leppard]],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> [[Scorpions (band)|Scorpions]],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> [[Morbid Angel]],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> [[Death (metal band)|Death]],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> [[Obituary (band)|Obituary]],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> [[Eazy-E]],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> [[N.W.A]],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> [[Run-DMC]],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> [[Umm Kulthum]],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> [[Abdel Halim Hafez]],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> [[The Kinks]],<ref name=DaronAlbums>{{cite web |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/system-down-and-scars-broadways-daron-malakian-albums-made-me |title=System of a Down and Scars on Broadway's Daron Malakian: The Albums That Made Me |work=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]] |date=July 25, 2018 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |last=Appleford |first=Steve |archive-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810010857/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/system-down-and-scars-broadways-daron-malakian-albums-made-me |url-status=live }}</ref> [[the Bee Gees]],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> [[Grateful Dead]],<ref name=DaronAlbums/> [[The Beatles]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/daron_malakian_there_is_no_new_system_of_a_down_album_planned.html |title=Daron Malakian: There Is No New System of a Down Album Planned |publisher=[[Ultimate-Guitar.com]] |last=Rosen |first=Steven |date=July 6, 2018 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930231301/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/daron_malakian_there_is_no_new_system_of_a_down_album_planned.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Red Hot Chili Peppers]],<ref name=FBPO>{{cite web |url=http://forbassplayersonly.com/shavo-odadjian/ |title=Shavarsh "Shavo" Odadjian opens up about System Of A Down |work=For Bass Plays Only |last=Liebman |first=Jon |date=January 1, 2018 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930231954/http://forbassplayersonly.com/shavo-odadjian/ |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Dead Kennedys]],<ref name=NYRock/> [[Bauhaus (band)|Bauhaus]],<ref name="Collins">{{cite web |author1=Dillon Collins |title=SERJ TANKIAN Discusses His Varied Solo Career, Not Being Tied To One Genre Anymore |url=https://metalinjection.net/interviews/serj-tankian-discusses-his-varied-solo-career-not-being-tied-to-one-genre-anymore |website=Metal Injection |access-date=23 November 2022 |date=November 21, 2022 |quote=From Depeche Mode to Radiohead, Tankian's tastes and influences on Perplex Cities venture into areas far removed from his heavy metal roots." Serj Tankian: "Yeah, definitely, I was into Depeche Mode and New Order and a lot of the kind of goth bands, goth pop type of bands as well Bauhaus. It definitely has all those elements that I like, and even Radiohead. Kind of a little of the Kid A starting Radiohead moments. There's a lot of that, but it's mostly experimentation and kind of this brooding attitude, but it becomes more intimate. Like there's something more intimate and something deeper about it than a lot of the rock songs that are very kind of upbeat and sung high and, you know, mighty and epic. There's kind of like the opposite effect here. And that's what I liked about it." |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123171129/https://metalinjection.net/interviews/serj-tankian-discusses-his-varied-solo-career-not-being-tied-to-one-genre-anymore |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Depeche Mode]],<ref name="Collins" /> [[New Order (band)|New Order]],<ref name="Collins" /> [[Radiohead]],<ref name="Collins" /> [[Metallica]],<ref name=TankianAlbums>{{cite web |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/system-of-a-down-serj-tankian-the-10-albums-that-changed-my-life |title=Serj Tankian: The 10 albums that changed my life |last=Alderslade |first=Merlin |work=[[Metal Hammer]] |date=September 4, 2016 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729200620/https://www.loudersound.com/features/system-of-a-down-serj-tankian-the-10-albums-that-changed-my-life |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Miles Davis]],<ref name=TankianAlbums/> [[Alice in Chains]],<ref name="Eakin">{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/serj-tankian-on-his-musical-firsts-and-learning-to-love-1798233456 |title=Serj Tankian on his musical firsts and learning to love Iron Maiden |work=[[The A.V. Club]] |last=Eakin |first=Marah |date=September 18, 2012 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930231715/https://music.avclub.com/serj-tankian-on-his-musical-firsts-and-learning-to-love-1798233456 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Iron Maiden]],<ref name="Eakin"/> [[Bad Brains]],<ref name=NYRock>{{cite web |url=http://76.12.46.30/interviews/2000/system.asp |title=Interview with System of a Down |work=NY Rock |author=Gabriella |date=November 2000 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930232022/http://76.12.46.30/interviews/2000/system.asp |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Slayer]],<ref name="interview_nalbandian" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/system-downs-daron-malakian-slayers-influence-farewell-tour |title=System of a Down's Daron Malakian on Slayer's Influence, Farewell Tour |work=[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]] |date=June 6, 2018 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930231534/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/system-downs-daron-malakian-slayers-influence-farewell-tour |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Van Halen]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/daron-malakian-on-system-of-a-down-as-bandmembers-we-tend-to-have-different-ways-of-wanting-to-do-things | title=DARON MALAKIAN on SYSTEM OF a DOWN: 'As Bandmembers, We Tend to Have Different Ways of Wanting to do Things' | date=April 30, 2019 | access-date=November 15, 2022 | archive-date=November 15, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115171301/https://blabbermouth.net/news/daron-malakian-on-system-of-a-down-as-bandmembers-we-tend-to-have-different-ways-of-wanting-to-do-things | url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/serj-tankian-says-system-of-a-down-bandmate-daron-malakian-first-turned-him-on-to-metal/ |title=Serj Tankian Says System of a Down Bandmate Daron Malakian First Turned Him on to Metal |first=Chad |last=Childers |date=May 11, 2012 |website=[[Loudwire]] |access-date=June 11, 2015 |archive-date=June 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612161614/http://loudwire.com/serj-tankian-says-system-of-a-down-bandmate-daron-malakian-first-turned-him-on-to-metal/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One reviewer claimed that their music encompasses different sounds, from sounding like "[[Fugazi]] playing Rush" to sometimes "tread[ing] close to [[Frank Zappa]] territory."<ref name=":0" /> Malakian has stated that "I'm a fan of music. I'm not necessarily a fan of any one band."<ref>{{Cite news |title=''Many musical influences in System of a Down'' |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LB&p_theme=lb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10FB700A80EB8CC8&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |work=[[Long Beach Press-Telegram]] |date=August 3, 2005 |access-date=April 5, 2009 |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018025813/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LB&p_theme=lb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10FB700A80EB8CC8&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-status=live }}</ref> Dolmayan stated "I don't think we sound like anybody else. I consider us System of a Down."<ref name="soad_myspace" /> Odadjian stated "You can compare us to whoever you want. I don't care. Comparisons and labels have no effect on this band. Fact is fact: We are who we are and they are who they are."<ref name="soad_myspace">{{cite web| title= Official System of a Down MySpace| work= myspace.com/soad| url= http://myspace.com/soad| access-date= July 21, 2007| archive-date= August 20, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110820055807/http://www.myspace.com/soad| url-status= live}}</ref>

== Legacy and influence ==
Sweden's former Prime Minister, [[Magdalena Andersson]] has stated that she is a fan of the band.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brannigan |first=Paul |date=2022-02-15 |title=Sweden's Prime Minister is a huge fan of System Of A Down |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/swedens-prime-minister-is-a-huge-fan-of-system-of-a-down |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=Louder |language=en}}</ref> In a 2012 interview with ''[[The Village Voice]]'', singer [[Morrissey]] stated that "[[Lonely Day]]" was the last song he absolutely loved.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grow |first=Kory |date=2012-10-10 |title=Morrissey on His Hatred of "Cell Phone Nation," His Skin of "Perished Rubber," and Why He Loves System of a Down |url=https://www.villagevoice.com/morrissey-on-his-hatred-of-cell-phone-nation-his-skin-of-perished-rubber-and-why-he-loves-system-of-a-down/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250213070129/https://www.villagevoice.com/morrissey-on-his-hatred-of-cell-phone-nation-his-skin-of-perished-rubber-and-why-he-loves-system-of-a-down/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 13, 2025 |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=[[The Village Voice]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Rapper [[RZA]], member of [[Wu-Tang Clan]], selected ''[[Mezmerize]]'' as one of his favorite rock albums.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schaffner |first=Lauryn |date=2024-03-25 |title=One of Wu-Tang Clan's RZA's Favorite Albums Is by a Rock Artist |url=https://loudwire.com/one-of-wu-tang-clan-rza-favorite-albums-rock-arctic-monkeys/ |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=[[Loudwire]] |language=en}}</ref> 

In 2002, [[Jack Black]] performed a cover of "[[Chop Suey!]]" on [[Channel V Australia|Channel [V] Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-12 |title=10 Tenacious D Covers That Just Might Be the Greatest Covers in the World |url=https://consequence.net/2022/12/tenacious-d-best-covers-list/3/ |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=[[Consequence (publication)|Consequence]] |language=en}}</ref> In an interview with ''[[Stereogum]]'', Tankian commented on various covers of "Chop Suey!", stating: "One of my favorite ones is Jack Black's, when he just kind of makes shit up, and he's so great."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharples |first=Grant |date=2024-05-14 |title=We've Got A File On You: System Of A Down's Serj Tankian |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2263351/system-of-a-down-serj-tankian/interviews/weve-got-a-file-on-you/ |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=[[Stereogum]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2020, British music magazine ''[[Kerrang!]]'' ranked "Chop Suey!" as the band's greatest song.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Sam |date=2020-11-06 |title=The 20 greatest System Of A Down songs – ranked |url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-20-greatest-system-of-a-down-songs-ranked |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=[[Kerrang!]] |language=en}}</ref> 

In 2021, ''Kerrang!'' listed ten bands that, in their view, would not exist without System of a Down: [[Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes]], [[Maximum the Hormone]], [[Portrayal of Guilt]], [[Beartooth (band)|Beartooth]], [[Bad Acid Trip]], [[AC×DC]], [[American Standards]], [[Avenged Sevenfold]], [[Tesseract (band)|Tesseract]], and [[Viza]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Travers |first=Paul |date=2021-07-22 |title=10 bands who wouldn't be here without System Of A Down |url=https://www.kerrang.com/10-bands-who-wouldnt-be-here-without-system-of-a-down |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=[[Kerrang!]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Band members==
[[File:SoaD-2013-2.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|System of a Down in 2013]]
'''Current'''
<!-- THE FOUR MEMBERS ARE LISTED HOW THEY ARE IN THE CREDITS OF THEIR STUDIO ALBUMS. PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE LISTED. DO NOT ADD OR REMOVE INSTRUMENTS WITHOUT A SOURCE -->
* [[Serj Tankian]]&nbsp;– lead vocals, keyboards, samples <small>(1994–2006, 2010–present)</small>, rhythm guitar <small>(2001–2006, 2010–present)</small>
* [[Daron Malakian]]&nbsp;– lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals <small>(1994–2006, 2010–present)</small>, co-lead vocals <small>(2004–2006, 2010–present)</small>
* [[Shavo Odadjian]]&nbsp;– bass, backing vocals <small>(1994–2006, 2010–present)</small> 
* [[John Dolmayan]]&nbsp;– drums, percussion <small>(1997–2006, 2010–present)</small>

'''Former'''
<!-- DO NOT ADD SOIL MEMBERS HERE-->
* [[Andy Khachaturian]]&nbsp;– drums <small>(1994–1997)</small>

'''Timeline'''
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:30
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Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1994 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}}
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ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1994
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1994

Colors =
  id:Lvocals   value:red         legend:Lead_vocals
  id:Bvocals   value:pink        legend:Backing_vocals
  id:Lguitar   value:teal        legend:Lead_and_rhythm_guitar,_backing_vocals
  id:Rguitar   value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar
  id:Bass      value:blue        legend:Bass,_backing_vocals
  id:Keyboards value:purple      legend:Keyboards,_samples
  id:Drums     value:orange      legend:Drums,_percussion
  id:Studio    value:black       legend:Studio_album
  id:Demos     value:gray(0.5)   legend:Other_release
  id:bars      value:gray(0.95)

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  layer:back
  color:Studio
  at:06/30/1998
  at:09/04/2001
  at:11/26/2002
  at:05/17/2005
  at:11/22/2005

  color:Demos
  at:01/20/1995
  at:05/01/1995
  at:02/01/1996
  at:06/01/1996
  at:10/01/1997
  at:11/06/2020

BarData =
  bar:Tankian      text:"Serj Tankian"
  bar:Malakian     text:"Daron Malakian"
  bar:Odadjian     text:"Shavo Odadjian"
  bar:Khachaturian text:"Andy Khachaturian"
  bar:Dolmayan     text:"John Dolmayan"

PlotData=
  width:11
  bar:Tankian      from:01/01/1994 till:07/13/2006 color:Lvocals
  bar:Tankian      from:01/01/1994 till:07/13/2006 color:Keyboards width:3
  bar:Tankian      from:02/14/2001 till:07/13/2006 color:Rguitar width:7
  bar:Tankian      from:11/29/2010 till:end        color:Lvocals
  bar:Tankian      from:11/29/2010 till:end        color:Keyboards width:3
  bar:Tankian      from:11/29/2010 till:end        color:Rguitar width:7

  bar:Malakian     from:01/01/1994 till:07/13/2006 color:Lguitar
  bar:Malakian     from:01/01/2005 till:07/13/2006 color:Lvocals width:3
  bar:Malakian     from:11/29/2010 till:end        color:Lguitar  
  bar:Malakian     from:11/29/2010 till:end        color:Lvocals width:3

  bar:Odadjian     from:01/01/1994 till:07/13/2006 color:Bass
  bar:Odadjian     from:11/29/2010 till:end        color:Bass

  bar:Dolmayan     from:06/02/1997 till:07/13/2006 color:Drums
  bar:Dolmayan     from:11/29/2010 till:end        color:Drums

  bar:Khachaturian from:01/01/1994 till:06/01/1997 color:Drums
}}

==Discography==
{{Main|System of a Down discography}}
<!-- This section is for studio albums only. All other releases (EPs, singles, etc.) are covered in the discography article and are not to be listed in this section. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians/Article_guidelines#Discography_section-->
* ''[[System of a Down (album)|System of a Down]]'' (1998)
* ''[[Toxicity (album)|Toxicity]]'' (2001)
* ''[[Steal This Album!]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Mezmerize]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Hypnotize (album)|Hypnotize]]'' (2005)

== Awards and nominations ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Awards
! Category
! Work
! Result
|-
|1999
|[[Kerrang! Awards]]<ref>{{cite news|title=The Winner takes it all|publisher=Intro.de|url=http://www.intro.de/news/newsfeatures/23000291/the-winner-takes-it-all-kerrang-awards-gewinner#|date=August 17, 1999|access-date=May 2, 2012|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105114532/http://www.intro.de/news/newsfeatures/23000291/the-winner-takes-it-all-kerrang-awards-gewinner|archive-date=November 5, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|Best International Live Act
|{{N/a}}
|{{won}}
|-
|rowspan="6"|2002
|[[44th Annual Grammy Awards|Grammy Awards]]<ref name="grammy.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/system-down/6694|title=System Of A Down|work=[[The Recording Academy]]|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=November 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105084226/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/system-down/6694|url-status=live}}</ref>
|[[Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance|Best Metal Performance]]
|rowspan="3"|"[[Chop Suey!]]"
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[2002 MTV Video Music Awards|MTV Video Music Awards]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/74973/2002-mtv-video-music-award-nominees|title=2002 MTV Video Music Award nominees|magazine=Billboard|date=July 25, 2002|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=August 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825153253/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/74973/2002-mtv-video-music-award-nominees|url-status=live}}</ref>
|[[Best Rock Video]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[MTV Video Music Award for Best Editing|Best Editing]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[2002 Billboard Music Awards|''Billboard'' Music Awards]]
|Modern Rock Artist of the Year
|rowspan="3" {{N/A}}
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[MTV Video Music Awards Latinoamérica 2002|MTV Video Music Awards Latinoamérica]]
|Best International Rock Artist
|{{nom}}
|-
|Best International New Artist
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan="5"|2003
|[[45th Annual Grammy Awards|Grammy Awards]]<ref name="grammy.com" />
|[[Best Hard Rock Performance]]
|"[[Aerials (song)|Aerials]]"
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[2003 MuchMusic Video Awards|MuchMusic Video Awards]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70812/2003-muchmusic-video-awards-nominees|title=2003 MuchMusic Video Awards Nominees|magazine=Billboard|date=May 30, 2003|access-date=November 14, 2020|archive-date=April 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405035106/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70812/2003-muchmusic-video-awards-nominees|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Best International Video – Group
|"[[Boom! (System of a Down song)|Boom!]]"
|{{nom}}
|-
|California Music Awards
|Outstanding Group
|rowspan="3" {{N/a}}
|{{won}}
|-
|[[American Music Awards of 2003 (November)|American Music Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/2003/1/10/19698067/american-music-awards-and-the-nominees-are|title=American Music Awards: And the nominees are . . .|work=[[Deseret News]]|date=January 10, 2003|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127124317/https://www.deseret.com/2003/1/10/19698067/american-music-awards-and-the-nominees-are|url-status=live}}</ref>
|[[American Music Award for Favorite Alternative Artist|Favorite Alternative Artist]]
|{{nom}}
|-
|Kerrang! Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/music/newsid_3129000/3129045.stm|title=Kerrang! awards 2003: The nominations|work=BBC|date=August 6, 2003|access-date=November 14, 2020|archive-date=November 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130123554/http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/music/newsid_3129000/3129045.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Best International Band
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan="9" |2005
|rowspan="5" |Kerrang! Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=14928|title=System Of A Down Lead Kerrang Awards Nominations|work=metalunderground.com|date=August 9, 2005|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=October 31, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071031164123/http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=14928|url-status=live}}</ref>
|[[Kerrang! Award for Best Single|Best Single]]
|rowspan="2"|"[[B.Y.O.B]]"
|{{nom}}
|-
|Best Video
|{{nom}}
|-
|Best Album
|''Mezmerize''
|{{nom}}
|-
|Best Live Band
|rowspan="3" {{N/a}}
|{{nom}}
|-
|Best Band on the Planet
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[American Music Awards of 2005|American Music Awards]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/61394/2005-american-music-awards-nominees/|title=2005 American Music Awards Nominees|magazine=Billboard|date=September 20, 2005|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127205240/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/61394/2005-american-music-awards-nominees/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Favorite Alternative Artist
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[Metal Storm Awards]]
|Best Alternative Metal Album
|''Mezmerize''
|{{won}}
|-
|[[2005 MTV Video Music Awards|MTV Video Music Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/amp/channel/music/featuresinterviews/MTV-Music-Video-Awards-2005-Nominees-of-note-20081201|title=MTV Music Video Awards 2005 – Nominees of note|work=Channel 24|access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref>
|[[MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction|Best Art Direction]]
|"B.Y.O.B."
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[2005 MTV Europe Music Awards|MTV Europe Music Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4405254.stm|title=MTV Europe awards 2005: The winners|work=BBC|date=November 3, 2005|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=September 5, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070905210700/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4405254.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Best Alternative
|{{N/a}}
|{{won}}
|-
|rowspan="4"|2006
|[[48th Annual Grammy Awards|Grammy Awards]]<ref name="grammy.com" />
|Best Hard Rock Performance
|"B.Y.O.B."
|{{won}}
|-
|[[2006 MTV Europe Music Awards|MTV Europe Music Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/justin-timberlake-128-1354258|title=Nominations for MTV Europe Music Awards announced|work=NME|date=September 19, 2006|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-date=August 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811060538/https://www.nme.com/news/music/justin-timberlake-128-1354258|url-status=live}}</ref>
|[[MTV Europe Music Award for Best Alternative|Best Alternative]]
|{{N/a}}
|{{nom}}
|-
|[[ECHO Awards]]
|Best International Rock/Alternative Group
|''Mezmerize''
|{{won}}
|-
|[[MTV Woodies|mtvU Woodie Awards]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/56842/angels-airwaves-gnarls-barkley-lead-woodie-winners|title=Angels & Airwaves, Gnarls Barkley Lead Woodie Winners|magazine=Billboard|date=October 26, 2006|access-date=November 14, 2020|archive-date=November 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127085340/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/56842/angels-airwaves-gnarls-barkley-lead-woodie-winners|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Greatest Social Impact
|"[[Question!]]"
|{{won}}
|-
|2007
|[[49th Annual Grammy Awards|Grammy Awards]]<ref name="grammy.com" />
|Best Hard Rock Performance
|"[[Lonely Day]]"
|{{nom}}
|-
|2015
|[[Parajanov-Vartanov Institute|Parajanov-Vartanov Institute Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/francis-ford-coppola-system-of-down-parajanov-vartanov-institute-833184|title=System of a Down to receive 2015 Parajanov-Vartanov Institute Award|work=Hollywood Reporter|date=October 20, 2015|access-date=November 14, 2020|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213180252/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/francis-ford-coppola-system-of-down-parajanov-vartanov-institute-833184|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://parajanov.com/systemofadown/|title=System Of A Down|website=Parajanov.com|date=April 24, 2017|access-date=December 1, 2020|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201174934/https://parajanov.com/systemofadown/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Best Film
|[[Wake Up The Souls Tour]]
|{{won}}
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|System of a Down}}
*{{Official website}}
*{{discogs artist}}

{{System of a Down|state=expanded}}
{{MTV Europe Music Award for Best Alternative}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:System of a Down| ]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2006]]
[[Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2010]]
[[Category:1994 establishments in California]]
[[Category:American alternative metal musical groups]]
[[Category:American Recordings (record label) artists]]
[[Category:Columbia Records artists]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Kerrang! Awards winners]]
[[Category:American political music groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1994]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Musical quartets from California]]
[[Category:Musicians from Glendale, California]]
[[Category:Nu metal musical groups from California]]
[[Category:American progressive metal musical groups]]
[[Category:MTV Europe Music Award winners]]
[[Category:Hard rock musical groups from California]]
[[Category:Armenian-American culture in California]]