System of a Down

USA, 1994–now

Armenian-American band formed in Los Angeles in 1994, combining abrupt tempo changes and folk-derived melody with political lyrics. Toxicity (2001) sold widely.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced System of a Down and 0 artists System of a Down influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced System of a Down?

• Black Sabbath — Malakian has named Sabbath the band's heaviness root — 'Sabbath is where the riff comes from'.
• Slayer — Slayer's speed and darkness are a documented touchstone for SOAD's thrash side — the bands later toured together.