System of a Down
Years Active: 1994–2006, 2010–present
Members’ Current Ages (2025): Serj Tankian: , Daron Malakian: , Shavo Odadjian: , John Dolmayan:
👤 Members & Bio
Serj Tankian: Born August 21, 1967 – Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Daron Malakian: Born July 18, 1975 – Guitar, Vocals
Shavo Odadjian: Born April 22, 1974 – Bass
John Dolmayan: Born July 15, 1973 – Drums
Origin: Glendale, California, USA (all of Armenian descent)
Genres: Alternative Metal, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock
Net Worth: $70M+ combined (2025 estimate)
Businesses: Serj Tankian’s solo career & activism, Daron’s band Scars on Broadway, Shavo’s film & art projects
Total Social Followers: 20M+ across platforms
Notable Works: “Chop Suey!”, “Toxicity”, “B.Y.O.B.”, “Aerials”, “Hypnotize”
Current Status: Active in live performances, limited studio work since 2005
🎓 Early Days & Formation
- Formed in 1994 in Glendale, California, by Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian.
- Band members all share Armenian heritage.
- Known for politically charged lyrics and experimental sound.
🏆 Career Highlights & Timeline
- 1998: Released debut self-titled album.
- 2001: Toxicity debuted at #1 with “Chop Suey!”.
- 2002: Released Steal This Album!.
- 2005: Double release Mezmerize and Hypnotize, both chart-toppers.
- 2006: Announced hiatus, members pursued solo projects.
- 2010: Reunited for tours and activism-related performances.
- 2020: Released political singles “Protect the Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz”.
🏅 Awards & Recognitions
- Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance (“B.Y.O.B.”).
- Kerrang! Awards – Best International Band.
- MTV Europe Music Awards – Best Alternative Act.
- Multiple platinum albums and sold-out tours worldwide.
🧠 Did You Know?
- All members are of Armenian descent.
- “Chop Suey!” is one of the most iconic metal songs of the 2000s.
- The band frequently addresses political issues, including Armenian genocide recognition.
- Serj Tankian is a political activist, writer, and poet.
- Daron Malakian also fronts Scars on Broadway.
- They’ve sold over 40 million records worldwide.
- “B.Y.O.B.” criticized U.S. foreign policy and won a Grammy.
- SOAD’s unique style blends metal, punk, folk, and Armenian music.
- They are one of the first Armenian-American bands to achieve global fame.
- Their live shows often include political messages and activism.
- Shavo Odadjian is also a filmmaker and visual artist.
- The band is highly influential in alternative and nu-metal circles.
- Fans have been waiting since 2005 for a full new album.
- Despite internal creative differences, they remain strong live performers.
- Their music videos often carry symbolic and controversial themes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did System of a Down form?
They formed in 1994 in Glendale, California.
Who are the members?
Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian, John Dolmayan.
How old are the members in 2025?
Serj: , Daron: , Shavo: , John: .
What is their net worth?
Estimated at $70M+ combined (2025).
What are their biggest hits?
“Chop Suey!”, “Toxicity”, “B.Y.O.B.”, “Aerials”.
Are they still active?
Yes, they perform live and occasionally release new singles.
Where are they from?
They are based in Glendale, California, USA.