System Of A Down: DYK?

Fun Facts & Lesser-Known Stories About System Of A Down

System of a Down (SOAD) is one of the most influential metal bands of the 2000s, known for their powerful, politically charged lyrics, unique sound, and a fan base that spans the globe. But beyond the hard-hitting music and on-stage energy, there are plenty of fun facts and stories that even die-hard fans might not know. Let’s take a dive into some lesser-known facts about this iconic band.

1. They Were Originally Called “Soil”

Before they became System of a Down, the band’s original name was Soil. Formed in the mid-1990s, the lineup included Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian, and Andy Khachaturian (the original drummer). However, when the group rebranded to better reflect their evolving sound and vision, Khachaturian was replaced by John Dolmayan on drums, and System of a Down was born.

The name change was inspired by a poem written by Malakian called “Victims of a Down”, but Shavo convinced the band to switch "Victims" to "System" to make the name more inclusive and appealing.

2. Their Political Roots Run Deep

System of a Down is known for their politically charged music, but their activism goes beyond just lyrics. All four members are of Armenian descent, and the Armenian Genocide (1915-1917) is a significant issue for the band. They’ve been outspoken advocates for the global recognition of the genocide, even taking time away from music to organize rallies, educate the public, and meet with politicians to discuss the issue.

In 2015, SOAD embarked on their “Wake Up the Souls Tour” to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, performing in cities worldwide and concluding the tour with a historic performance in Armenia.

3. They Almost Didn’t Release “Chop Suey!”

It’s hard to imagine a world without “Chop Suey!,” one of SOAD’s biggest and most iconic songs. However, in the wake of the September 11th attacks, many media outlets and radio stations deemed the song too controversial due to its mention of suicide and its introspective lyrics on death. Columbia Records considered shelving the song, fearing backlash.

Despite these concerns, Serj Tankian convinced the label to release the track, arguing that the song’s meaning was misunderstood, and it went on to become a defining anthem of the early 2000s.

4. Serj Tankian Wasn’t Always the Lead Singer

Though Serj Tankian's powerful voice is one of the most recognizable aspects of SOAD, he wasn’t always the lead singer. In the early days, he started out as the keyboardist while Daron Malakian handled vocal duties. However, as the band evolved, Tankian's vocal talent became undeniable, and he took over as the frontman, with Malakian contributing as a co-vocalist, especially on later albums.

5. They Gained Fame on a Small Budget

One of the most remarkable aspects of SOAD’s rise to fame is how quickly they gained attention with very little financial backing. Their debut self-titled album, System of a Down, was recorded on a shoestring budget, and the band made their name by distributing demo tapes and playing underground venues in Los Angeles. Their performances were so intense and unforgettable that they quickly built a cult following.

Their manager, David “Beno” Benveniste, played a crucial role in helping them secure a deal with Rick Rubin of American Recordings. Rubin was blown away by their unique sound and vision, signing them without hesitation.

6. “Aerials” Was Almost Left Off the Album

“Aerials,” one of SOAD’s most beloved songs, almost didn’t make it onto their second album, Toxicity. While recording the album, the band was going through a creative overload, and they were unsure if “Aerials” fit the overall vibe of the record. Ultimately, producer Rick Rubin insisted the track be included, recognizing its emotional depth and potential.

It turned out to be a great decision, as “Aerials” went on to become a massive hit, earning a Grammy nomination and further cementing the band’s place in rock history.

7. Daron Malakian’s Secret Hip-Hop Side

While System of a Down is known for its metal and rock roots, Daron Malakian has a deep appreciation for hip-hop. In fact, in the early 2000s, he formed a hip-hop side project called Scars on Broadway, blending elements of rap and rock. Though the project eventually evolved into more of a rock band, Malakian’s love for hip-hop remains a hidden influence in SOAD’s music, contributing to their rhythmically complex sound.

8. They Had a Rare Double Release

System of a Down made history when they released two albums in the same year. In 2005, they dropped Mezmerize in May and followed it up with Hypnotize in November. The two albums were recorded at the same time and were intended to be viewed as companion pieces, each reflecting different sides of the band’s complex and genre-defying sound.

This double release was a bold move, but both albums debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart, making System of a Down one of the few bands in history to achieve this feat twice in a single year.

9. Serj Tankian is a Published Poet and Composer

Beyond his role as the frontman of SOAD, Serj Tankian is an accomplished poet and composer. In 2001, he released a collection of poetry titled “Cool Gardens”, which explores themes of love, politics, and existentialism, much like his lyrics for the band.

In addition to poetry, Tankian has worked on film scores and solo albums, showing his versatility as an artist. He collaborated on the score for the 2017 film “Intent to Destroy”, a documentary about the Armenian Genocide, further blending his activism with his creative work.

10. Their Breakup Wasn’t Permanent

In 2006, after years of success, System of a Down went on hiatus, leaving fans wondering if the band would ever return. Members pursued solo projects—Serj Tankian released several solo albums, while Daron Malakian focused on Scars on Broadway.

In 2010, SOAD reunited, much to the delight of their fans. Since then, they’ve performed at major festivals and toured the world, but they have yet to release a new full-length studio album since 2005. However, they did surprise fans with two new singles, “Protect the Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz” in 2020, both raising awareness of the ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

System of a Down’s legacy goes far beyond their aggressive riffs and powerful vocals. From political activism to pushing the boundaries of genre, they’ve remained a band that isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo—both musically and socially. Their deep connection to their Armenian heritage, commitment to activism, and unique ability to blend elements of metal, rock, punk, and even traditional music have made them one of the most innovative and enduring bands in modern rock history. Whether through their electrifying live performances or thought-provoking lyrics, System of a Down continues to inspire fans to think critically and stand up for what they believe in, leaving a lasting imprint on the world of music and beyond. One of the most meaningful lyrics from System of a Down comes from their song "Toxicity":

"You, what do you own the world? How do you own disorder, disorder?"

This lyric is packed with meaning, questioning the power structures that exist in society and our relationship with chaos. It reflects the band’s critique of authority, environmental destruction, and the way disorder is often manipulated or controlled by those in power. The existential question—“How do you own disorder?”—challenges listeners to think about the paradox of trying to control something as unpredictable as chaos, making it one of SOAD’s most thought-provoking lines.