System Of A Down

System of a Down is an Armenian-American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1994. The group rose to prominence in the late 1990s with politically charged lyrics and an eclectic mix of metal, punk, and Armenian folk influences. Their breakthrough albums Toxicity (2001) and Steal This Record (2002) both debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. After releasing Mezmerize and Hypnotize in 2005 the band went on hiatus, returning for festival appearances and new singles in the 2010s. Members Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian and John Dolmayan are known for outspoken activism and support of Armenian causes.