System of a Down

American rock band formed in Glendale, California in 1994 by four members of Armenian descent: Serj Tankian (vocals), Daron Malakian (guitar/vocals), Shavo Odadjian (bass), and John Dolmayan (drums, since 1997). Distinguished by their fusion of heavy metal, Middle Eastern melodies, and politically charged lyrics — particularly addressing the Armenian Genocide.

Five studio albums in the original 1994-2005 era. Commercial peak: Toxicity (2001, multi-platinum, featuring "Chop Suey!" and "Aerials") and the simultaneously-released double albums Mezmerize and Hypnotize (2005). The band has not released a studio album since Hypnotize, though they released two 2020 singles in support of Armenia during the Nagorno-Karabakh war.