In 1992, lead singer Serj Tankian and guitarist Daron Malakian formed the band Soil (not to be confused with SOiL from Chicago, Illinois), with Domingo Laregno on drums and Dave Hakopian on bass. Around this time they met Shavo Odadjian. About a year later, having had a jam session and one live show to their credit, Dave and Domingo left the band because in their opinion, she has no future (Hakopyan will later create the group The Apex Theory, which in 2007 will change its name to Mt. Helium). Soil subsequently disbanded and Tankian and Malakian formed a new band, System of a Down. The band's name System of a Down comes from the title of a poem written by Daron Malakian called "Victims of a Down". Shavo Odadjian thought that the public would like the word System (system, device) much more than Victims (victims), they also wanted their records to stand on a par with Slayer records. Odadjian was originally the group's manager and promoter, but soon took the place of the bass player, the drummer's vacancy was taken by Andy Khachaturian (also one of the founders of The Apex Theory), who left the band in 1997 due to a hand injury and was replaced by John Dolmayan.
Both "Soil" and "System Of A Down" fought and are still fighting against the denial of the Armenian Genocide by the Turks in 1915, they promote the acceptance of the fact of the genocide by the US and Turkish governments.
In 1995, the musicians received an album contract from the famous music producer Rick Rubin and began recording their first album, System of a Down. This album is presented for the first time at a Slayer concert, where System of a Down are playing as the opening act. The musicians release their next album 3 years after their debut album. Toxicity differs little in style from the first album and continues the band's musical philosophy. Listeners love the contrasting yet harmonic-sounding transitions from fast to slow passages and from loud to quiet melodies. The band's music is based on this - and it becomes the hallmark of System of a Down, which is rapidly gaining new fans both in the US and abroad.
In 2002, the third album Steal This Album! was released, which contains songs originally written for Toxicity, but not published on it. As in previous albums, the lyrics are about the policies of the American government, which is subjected to harsh criticism, as well as about social problems.
In 2003, Tankian collaborated with the Armenian avant-garde folk music artist Arto Tankboyachyan, the result was the SerArt project and the release of the album of the same name.
In 2005, System Of A Down released the album Mezmerize. It enjoys huge commercial success and for a long time takes 1st place in the charts of 11 countries. But Mezmerize is only part of the band's musical project, which consists of two albums. Together with the album Hypnotize, released on November 18, 2005, it forms a single whole, as in musically as well as in terms of content. According to the musicians, they separated the two albums to give listeners time to familiarize themselves with the first part of their songs before releasing the second half.
System of a Down are notorious for not having a specific style. Their music contains elements of various musical styles - metal, heavy metal, nu metal, metalcore, punk rock, and even Armenian folk music. Other distinguishing feature of the Armenian-American collective are their critical texts. Their criticism is directed primarily at American politics, as well as the media. Almost all lyrics are written by the band's guitarist Daron Malakyan. Characteristic for System of a Down is also contrasting vocals. Lead singer Tankian's powerful voice is usually accompanied by loud, fast and aggressive guitar riffs, while backing vocalist Malakian's higher pitched and softer vocals are usually accompanied by slower and more melodic passages. In 2005, System of a Down filmed documentary titled Screamers, which tells about the Armenian genocide. This film is dubbed in English, and subtitles are given in Armenian.
In May 2006, the band announced a "vacation". Malakian stated that the "vacation" would most likely last for several years, while Odadjian, in an interview with Guitar magazine, set more specific terms, at least three years. He told MTV: "We're not breaking up, we're just taking a long break to do our own thing. We've been with System of a Down for over 10 years, it's time to take a break."
And here it is! On October 31, 2009, the long-awaited performance of almost the entire group took place, with the exception of Serge. It is also not known whether Frankie Forelli, the second guitarist of Scars On Broadway, performed as part of the group, or maybe just for the company. Serge has not yet commented on the reunion of System of a Down, but we hope that in the near future the band will play with its former line-up :)
Discography
Albums
* System of a Down (LP, June 30, 1998) platinum
* Toxicity (LP, September 4, 2001) triple platinum
* Steal This Album! (LP, November 26, 2002) platinum
* Mezmerize (LP, May 17, 2005) platinum
* Hypnotize (LP, November 22, 2005) platinum
Singles
* 1999: Sugar E.P.
* 2000: Spiders
* 2001: Johnny
* 2001: Chop Suey!
* 2001: Toxicity
* 2002: Aerials
* 2005: B.Y.O.B.
* 2005: Question!
* 2005: Hypnotize
* 2006: Lonely Day
Official site of the group:
www.systemofadown.com
Russian sites:
AllSOAD.Info - All about System of a down
Tankian.ru - Serj Tankian
www.soadnews.ru - unofficial blog with the latest news
Like many other metal bands of the second half of the 90s, "System Of A Down" resurfaced, striking a balance between the underground thrash of the late 80s and the alternative type of "Jane's Addiction" of the early 90s. Their dark neo-gothic alt metal conquered hearts of many fans against the backdrop of the popularity of "Korn" and "Deftones", but at the same time, thanks to the Armenian roots of the creators of the project, the music of "SOAD" also had an oriental flavor. joint activities Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian and Shavo Odadjian started out in the group "Soil" (not to be confused with the Chicago formation), and when the band broke up, they immediately organized a new metal unit with the participation of drummer Andranik "Andy" Khachaturian. For a couple of years, the team recorded several demos, after which Andy, due to a hand injury, gave way to John Dolmayan.
Meanwhile, "System Of A Down" managed to earn concert popularity, and after performing in Hollywood clubs "Whisky-A-Go-Go" and "Viper Room" got in touch with Rick Rubin. A well-known producer took the group under his wing and signed the musicians to the American Recordings label.
The success of the first album was rather modest (the songs "Sugar" and "Spiders" sounded on the air of radio and television), but the team accompanied the release of the disc with tours with such monsters as "Slayer" and "Metallica", as well as an appearance at "Ozzfest". The breakthrough came three years later when the quartet launched the full-length "Toxicity" on the market. Nu-metal at its core and eclectic in its mix of ingredients (progressive, jazz, thrash, Middle Eastern), this program wowed critics with its groundbreaking sound and climbed to the very top of the Billboard. The album was on many "Best Of" lists, its circulation brought the band triple platinum, and the title track and "Chop Suey!" cracked the top ten. Interest in the work of "SOAD" jumped up sharply, and mp3 files of dubious quality, presented as "Toxicity II", began to walk around the Internet.
In fact, these were various studio imperfections, but the musicians decided to complete the work on the songs and collect them into an official album. The disc was called "Steal This Album!", and its artwork resembled an ordinary pirated CD-R copy with a handwritten inscription on it with a marker.
Interestingly, this release also found a mass audience, collecting a platinum harvest and being in the Top 20 of Billboard. In 2004 "System Of A Down" again went into the studio with Rick Rubin, and their plans were so ambitious that the prepared material was enough for a double concept album. Oriental melodies, progressive structures and modern thrash - all this was easily and beautifully intertwined in "Mesmerize/Hypnotize". It is noteworthy that if earlier Tankian was the lead vocalist, now Malakian has seriously pressed him at the microphone. The release was spread over time, and both parts were released with an interval of six months, but at the same time both "Mesmerize" and "Hypnotize" reached the highest chart position. Although SOAD were at their peak, after headlining at Ozzfest, the band went on an extended hiatus.
The musicians spent the end of the 2000s busy with other projects, but in 2010 the classic line-up returned to the stage. Despite the fact that since then the band's concerts have been held relatively regularly, fans have been waiting in vain for fresh material, and only at the end of 2016, John hinted that perhaps their aspirations would come true.
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System of a Down(S.O.A.D.) is an Armenian-American alternative metal rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1995. All five studio albums released by the group went platinum.
Group history
In 1993, soloist Serj Tankian and guitarist Daron Malakian founded the Soil band. Then Andy Khachaturian played drums, who left the band in 1995 and now plays in group The Apex Theory. Then, in 1995, Shavo Odadjian joined the group. He attended the same private school in California as Tankian and Malakian and was therefore intimately familiar with both musicians. At first he was supposed to become the band's manager, but it turned out that it was he who filled the empty role of the bass player. The drummer was filled by John Dolmayan and System Of A Down was formed.
In the same year, the musicians received a contract for the release of an album from the famous music producer Rick Rubin and began recording their first album, System Of A Down. This album is presented for the first time at a Slayer concert, where System Of A Down are playing as the opening act. The musicians release their next album 3 years after their debut album. "Toxicity" differs little in style from the first album and continues the band's musical philosophy. Listeners love the contrasting yet harmonic-sounding transitions from fast to slow passages and from loud to quiet melodies. The band's music is based on this - and it becomes the hallmark of System Of A Down, who are rapidly gaining new fans both in the US and abroad. In 2002, the third album, Steal This Album!, was released, which contains songs originally written for Toxicity, but not published on it. As in previous albums, the lyrics are about the policies of the American government, which is subjected to harsh criticism, as well as about social problems. Three years have passed since the previous album, after which the next record comes out. In 2005, System Of A Down released the album Mezmerize. It enjoys huge commercial success and for a long time will take 1st place in the charts of 11 countries. But Mezmerize is only part of the band's musical project, which consists of two albums. Together with the album “Hypnotize”, released on November 18, 2005, it forms a single whole, both musically and in terms of content. According to the musicians, they separated the two albums to give listeners time to familiarize themselves with the first part of their songs before releasing the second half.
System Of A Down are notorious for not having a specific style. Their music contains elements of various musical styles - heavy metal, nu metal, metalcore, punk rock, and even Armenian folk music. Another distinguishing feature of the Armenian-American collective is their critical lyrics. Their criticism is directed primarily at American politics, as well as the media. Also in some songs S.O.A.D. draw the attention of listeners to the Armenian genocide.
In addition to political and social lyrics, the group has songs about everyday situations; for example, the song "Kill Rock "N Roll" talks about how guitarist Daron Malakyan ran over a hare. Humor also plays an important role in the work of the group. Vivid examples for this are the compositions" This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I "m On This Song " or "Vicinity Of Obscenity". Almost all lyrics are written by the band's guitarist Daron Malakian and vocalist Serj Tankian.
Characteristic for System Of A Down is also contrasting vocals. Lead singer Tankian's powerful voice is usually accompanied by loud, fast and aggressive guitar riffs, while backing vocalist Malakian's higher pitched and softer vocals are usually accompanied by slower and more melodic passages.
The band's name "System Of A Down" comes from the title of a poem written by Daron Malakian called "Victims of A Down", in which the article "A" is short for "America" (Russian for "Victims of the American Fall"). Therefore, the name System Of A Down can be translated into Russian as "The System of the American Fall". [Source?]
Although the band has songs about drugs, none of the band members are addicted to heroin, cocaine, or any other hard drug. But at the same time, they do not deny that they sometimes smoke marijuana.
Discography
Albums
System of a Down (LP, June 30, 1998) - platinum
Toxicity (LP, September 4, 2001) - triple platinum
Steal This Album! (LP, November 26, 2002) - platinum
Mezmerize (LP, May 17, 2005) - platinum
Hypnotize (LP, November 22, 2005) - Platinum
Singles
1999: Sugar E.P.
2000: Spiders
2001: Johnny
2001: Chop Suey!
2001: Toxicity
2002: Aerials
2005: B.Y.O.B.
2005: Question!
2005: Hypnotize
2006: Lonely Day
Video
1998: War?
1998: Sugar - Director: Nathan Cox
1999: Spiders - Director: Charlie Dew
2001: Chop Suey - Directed by: Marcos Siega / Shavo Odadjian
2002: Toxicity - Directed by: Shavo Odadjian
2002: Aerials - Directed by: Shavo Odadjian
2003: Boom! - Directed by: Michael Moore
2005: B.Y.O.B. - Directed by: Jake Nava
2005: Question! - Directed by: Shavo Odadjian / Howard Greenhal
2005: Hypnotize - Directed by: Shavo Odadjian
2006: Lonely Day - Directed by: Josh Melnick and Xander Charity
Awards
2005: MTV Europe Music Award - Best Alternative Group
2006: Grammy - Best Hard Rock Performance (B.Y.O.B.)
2006: ECHO - Best International Alternative Group
Tankian, Serge
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Real name Serj Tankian
Date of birth August 21, 1967
Place of birth Beirut, Lebanon
Years 1995-
Country: USA
Profession Singer, Keyboards, Guitar
Genre Rock
Serj Tankian (eng. Serj Tankian; August 21, 1967, Beirut, Lebanon) is the vocalist of the American rock band System of a Down. Armenian by origin.
Biography
Serge was born in Lebanon (August 21, 1967), he spent his childhood there. At the age of 8, he moved to Los Angeles with his parents and younger brother Severd. There he began to study music at the Armenian school "Rose & Alex Pilibosl" while studying marketing. Also in Los Angeles, he joined the large Armenian community. He has own label Serjical Strike Records and published his book of poems Cool Gardens. Serge paid for the first editions of the book at the expense of his small production company. software Ultimate Solutions.
In 1994 he met Daron Malakyan, together they organized the group "Soil". The composition also included drummer Andy (AnSovsEm will kill Khachaturian). But then, due to disagreements, he left the group, meanwhile our heroes get to know Shavo Odadjian. At that time, he worked in a bank and studied at the same music school as Serge. He temporarily became their manager, but later quit his job and became the bass player, thereby organizing the band System of A down. In which John Dolmayan, who replaced Andy, also played and still plays.
In 2005 they meet again. But they are already established people, almost everyone has their own business (from a small cafe to a record company). So the album "Mezmerize" is released and then "Hypnotize".
Now Serj Tankian has a solo project. His debut album Elect The Dead, consisting of both old songs, for one reason or another, not included in the repertoire of System Of A Down, and completely new material, is released on October 23. For a concert tour in support of his album, Tankian plans to assemble a line-up that will be called Serj Tankian And The FCC. The tour in support of the album began on October 12 in Chicago. A music video is planned for each of the 12 songs on the album.
01 - Empty Walls
02 - The Unthinking Majority
03 - Money
04 - Feed Us
05 - Saving Us
06 - Sky Is Over
07 - Baby
08-Honking Antelope
09 - Lie Lie Lie
10 - Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition
11 - Beethoven's Cunt
12 - Elect The Dead
There is also a Limited Edition version of the album, which includes 17 songs: 12 of the above
13 - Blue
14 - Empty Walls (Acoustic)
15 - Feed Us (Acoustic)
16 - Falling Stars
17 - The Reverend King
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Like many metal bands of the mid-90s, SYSTEM OF A DOWN strikes a balance between 80s underground thrash and early 90s alternatives, fitting into the nu metal style. The themes of the songs are very different: from politics, social problems and drugs to love and hate. Their dark, neo-gothic alt metal was inspired by the popularity of bands like KORN and DEFTONES. The musicians' work was also significantly influenced by KISS, since Daron (Daron Malakian) and Shavo (Shavo Odadjian) were their ardent fans. The band was founded in Southern California in the mid 90s. Serj Tankian, who played keyboards in a local band, once met guitarist Daron Malakian in a rehearsal studio. Serge and Daron played in different bands, but since both were Armenians, they quickly found a lot in common and decided to stir up their own project.
The newly minted team was named "SOIL". Their old school friend Shavo Odadjian, who worked in a bank at the time and occasionally played guitar and bass in another local band, became the manager. The place behind the drum kit was taken by Andranik "Andy" Khachaturian. In 1995, the line-up changed: Shavo left management and became the band's permanent bassist. At the same time, creative differences arose in the team, and as a result, Khachaturian was replaced by John Dolmayan (John Dolmayan).
At the same time, "SOIL" was renamed "SYSTEM OF A DOWN" (the name comes from one of Daron's songs, "Victims Of A Down"). From that moment on, the group's business went uphill. Their first gig was at the Roxy in Hollywood. Soon "SYSTEM OF A DOWN" gained wide popularity around Los Angeles. Word of this little-known group spread like wildfire thanks to many music magazines. The team played many concerts and always captivated the audience. Their three-song demo circulated first among American metal fans, and then somehow made its way to Europe and even New Zealand. At the end of 1997, the band signed with Columbia's subsidiary American label.
The head of "American" Rick Rubin undertook to produce the first studio work of the team. As a result, in the summer of 1998, the debut album "System Of A Down" appeared on store shelves. After that, the team played as the opening act for SLAYER, and also participated in the Ozzfest festival. Subsequently, "SYSTEM OF A DOWN" appeared on numerous soundtracks, and also made joint recordings with other musicians. The debut album went gold, and by the end of 2001 the band released a second, even more ambitious full-length album, Toxicity, created under the direction of the same producer.
The disc did not refute expectations, becoming platinum several times and receiving numerous awards. The group easily took one of the leading places among nu-metal musicians. In November 2002, the band released a selection of early and unreleased tracks, arranging them into the Steal This Album! The title and the picture on the cover (a handwritten inscription with a marker on a white background "blanks") were not only a PR move - the fact is that some of the songs had been lying on pirated resources on the Internet for some time. The group also remained politically active, filming a video for the song "Boom!" based on street demonstrations. The theme of the struggle with the system is also vigorously revealed in other songs of the album. At the end of 2003, Daron Malakyan took up producing activities and organized the "eatURmusic" label. Serj Tankian, who founded Serjical Strike, followed suit.
By 2004, the guys again gathered in the studio along with the same Rick Rubin. The sessions resulted in a single epic album, which the guys decided to release in two parts. The first part of "Mezmerize" was released in May 2005, and the release of the second part of "Hypnotize" was scheduled for November. The long-awaited release was warmly received by fans. Packed with both SOAD's characteristic wild melodies and passionate, sometimes rather gothic lyrics, the album contained a unique style that some reviewers called "oriental rock".
In May 2006, the group announced a break in their work. Shavo Odadjian, in an interview with Guitar magazine, said that the vacation will last at least three years. In an interview with Chris Hariss (MTV News), Daron Malakian said that the band is not breaking up, because if it was true, then there would be no concert at Ozzfest in 2006. "We're going to go on a long hiatus and do our own solo projects," Daron continued, "We've been in SYSTEM OF A DOWN for over 10 years now and I think it's great to leave the band for a while and come back later." .
System Of A Down is a band that never ceases to delight and amaze its fans for 14 years. One day in 1994, the 26-year-old keyboardist of a little-known group Serj Tankian (Serj Tankian) met the aspiring guitarist Daron "a Malakian" a (Daron Malakian), who was about 18. It turned out that the Daron "a group had to rehearse together at the same studio with the group Serj "a.
They became friends due to the fact that both musicians had common musical tastes and Armenian roots. The result of this was the birth of a new group, which was named Soil.
Soon they are joined by their common school friend Shavarsh "Shavo" Odadjian (Shavarsh "Shavo" Odadjyan), who liked the group Soil very much. Then he took over as the band's manager. At the time, Shavo was doing bank transfers and playing bass in another band. In the future, Andranik "Andy" Khatchadurian took the place behind the drums, but unfortunately not for long.
Having existed in this line-up until 1995, Andy left Soil due to disagreements in the group. His place on drums was taken by John Dolmayan (John Dolmayan). Meanwhile, Shavo quits his job at the bank and changes his job dramatically from manager to bass player. musical group. This is where the story of a band called System Of A Down begins. The title comes from the social poem "Victims Of A Down" written by Daron. The word "system" was taken as more expressive, summarizing everything in itself.
The very first concert of System Of A Down was held at the Roxy club, which is located in Hollywood. Then they participated in a number of mass musical events and gained some fame among the representatives of the music press.
After that, the three-song demo went first among American metal fans, and then somehow made its way to Europe and even New Zealand!
One of the regular performances of System Of A Down was attended by the famous producer Rick Rubin, the head of American Recordings. System made a very strong and lasting impression on him. The band signed with American Recordings in late 1997. A year later, the group released their first self-titled album (1998), which was the result of a collaboration between System Of A Down and Rubin "a.
It was new wave numerous concert performances of the group. They had to perform on the same stage with such famous monsters of rock, alternative and metal as Incubus, Soulfly, Limp Bizkit, Slayer, Metallica and even Black Sabbath. One of the most famous festivals where they participated Ozzfest.
Gradually developing, System Of A Down begin to cooperate with the most famous bands, participate in the recording of various collections, soundtracks. Over the course of three years, SOAD won great prestige not only from the fans, but also from the most famous critics. In 2001, the new second album "Toxicity" was released, which helped to consolidate the success. The disc becomes platinum, occupying the top lines of numerous tops and charts. In the album, the band experiments a lot, using a variety of musical instruments. Serj's friend, multi-instrumentalist Arto Tuncboyaciyan (Arto Tuncboyacian) was invited to record some songs.
Interestingly, when the album "Toxicity" was released, an unpleasant story happened. About 30 tracks were recorded for it (album). The hackers hacked into the recording studio's network and stole them. Soon the tracks appeared on various pirate websites.
After re-recording some stolen songs and recording new ones, System Of A Down released their third album with a loud and quite understandable title "Steal This Album!" ("Steal this album!"), consisting of 16 tracks recorded between 1995 and 2001.
System Of A Down have achieved deafening popularity, having won an audience not only in America, but throughout the world.
Corresponding to their established image and active political and social position, System Of A Down take part in many bright and large actions. At his own recording studio "Serjical Strike" Serj is recording a joint project with his friend, multi-instrumentalist and performer of Armenian folklore Arto Tuncboyaciyan. The disc was released on May 20, 2003 under the name "Serart".
In 2005, the group finally released a double album. In fact, these are still two albums: Mezmerize was released on May 17, and Hypnotize on November 22. The fans were very happy with this gift! However, some fans of the group complained that this is already "a completely different System of a Down". Nevertheless, these two albums received great popularity and love in the world. These albums are especially noteworthy for the backing vocals of Daron that appeared in some songs.
Currently, SOAD members are not involved in creating creativity for the benefit of the entire group. Everyone is minding their own business. Serge Tankian, for example, is releasing a solo album. Some individuals say that the team has completely broken up, but so far these are just rumors and there is no official confirmation. Therefore, we will wait for new works born by the joint efforts of Serge, Daron, Shavo and John.
Style
System of a Down are notorious for not having a specific style. In their music there are elements of various musical directions heavy metal, nu metal, metalcore, punk rock, and even Armenian folk music. Another distinguishing feature of the Armenian-American collective is their critical texts. Their criticism is directed primarily at American politics, as well as the media. Also in some songs S.O.A.D. draw the attention of listeners to the Armenian genocide.
In addition to political and social lyrics, the group has songs about everyday situations; for example, the song "Kill Rock "N Roll" talks about how guitarist Daron Malakian ran over a hare. Humor also plays an important role in the work of the group. Vivid examples for this composition "This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like Im On This Song " or "Vicinity Of Obscenity". Almost all the lyrics are written by the band's guitarist Daron Malakian and vocalist Serj Tankian.
Characteristic for System of a Down is also contrasting vocals. The powerful voice of lead singer Serj Tankian is usually accompanied by loud, fast and aggressive guitar riffs, while backing vocalist Daron Malakian's higher and softer vocals are usually accompanied by slower and more melodic passages.
Although the band has songs about drugs, none of the band members are addicted to heroin, cocaine, or any other hard drug. But at the same time, they do not deny that they sometimes smoke "weed".
