System of a Down is an alternative metal band formed by ethnic Armenians in Glendale, California, in 1995. At first they were called Soil, but then adopted the name System of a Down inspired by the poemVictims of a Down, written by guitarist Daron Malakian. They are famous for performing songs whose lyrics speak out against child abuse, violence, war, genocide, violent pornography and sexism, the predominance of material interests in society, social inequalities, physical and ideological intolerance or discrimination, among others.

In June 1998, the band released her first studio album, System of a Down. The band enjoyed their first success with his first single, Sugar, which became a favorite of U.S. radio, followed by the single, Spiders. System of a Down made ​​a long tour opening concerts for Slayer and Metallica. But in February 2006, System of a Down won the Grammy for "Best hard rock performance'by the simple BYOB. In May of that year, Daron Malakian announced that they will take temporary long break after their participation in the Ozzfest tour. However, this is not a dissolution of the group.

In their five albums released to date, System of a Down uses a wide range of instruments, including baritone electric guitars, to an empty bottle that serves as a too, electric mandolins, zithers, 12-stringclassical guitars and other instruments of Asia. Their most notable influences are from bands beginning with the heavy metal. They also had influences from genres such as jazz fusion, folk, hard rock, psychedelic rock, funk, blues and industrial.

In conclusion this group is has been really important because of their political influence, as reflected in his speeches against the American system, the social unconscious and abuse of power. This social and musical way was reflected since the publication of their first album in 1998, results from the public were really good despite of being a young in terms of time in the musical world, which led ​​System of a Down to achieve a platinum disc. Also they were named best alternative band in 2005 at the MTV Europe Music Awards.