System of a Down (sometimes referred to as S.O.A.D., or System) is an alternative metal band that was formed in 1995 in Daron Malakian entitled "Victims of A Down".
The band consists of Serj Tankian (vocals, keyboard), Daron Malakian (guitar, vocals), John Dolmayan (drums) and Shavo Odadjian (bass). All four members are of Armenian ancestry and are widely known for their outspoken social and political views found in the majority of their songs. System of a Down is a part of the Axis of Justice, a non-profit organization formed by Tankian and Tom Morello of Audioslave. Its purpose is to bring together musicians, music fans and grassroots politic al organizations to fight for social justice. Before they had any major albums, they called themselves "Soil".