Question 1

Does System of a Down write their own songs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, entirely. System of a Down are credited on 100% of their catalogue, with no outside writers. Guitarist Daron Malakian writes most of the music and much of the lyrics, alongside singer Serj Tankian. Songs like 'Chop Suey!,' 'Toxicity,' and 'B.Y.O.B.' are all their own work.

Question 2

Who writes System of a Down's songs?

Accepted Answer

Daron Malakian is the main songwriter, writing the bulk of the music and increasingly the lyrics across the catalogue. Serj Tankian, the vocalist, is the other primary writer, and the two share the creative core of the band.

Question 3

Who wrote 'Chop Suey!'?

Accepted Answer

'Chop Suey!,' from Toxicity (2001), was written by Daron Malakian and Serj Tankian and credited to the band. It became their breakthrough hit and remains one of the most recognisable metal songs of its era.

Question 4

Did System of a Down win a Grammy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 'B.Y.O.B.,' a protest song about the Iraq War from Mezmerize (2005), won the Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2006. It reflects the band's habit of pairing heavy music with political lyrics.

Question 5

How many albums has System of a Down released?

Accepted Answer

This catalogue covers five studio albums, from their 1998 self-titled debut through the paired 2005 releases Mezmerize and Hypnotize. The band has not released a new studio album since.

Question 6

What is System of a Down's most famous song?

Accepted Answer

'Chop Suey!' is their signature song and most-streamed track, while 'Toxicity,' 'Aerials,' and 'B.Y.O.B.' are also among their best known. All are written by the band.

Question 7

Why is System of a Down political?

Accepted Answer

All four members are of Armenian descent, and the band uses its music to campaign for recognition of the Armenian genocide and to protest war and injustice. That activism runs through songs like 'B.Y.O.B.' and 'Prison Song.'

Question 8

What genre is System of a Down?

Accepted Answer

System of a Down play alternative metal, nu metal, and heavy metal with unusual time signatures, Armenian folk influences, and swings between chaos and melody on tracks like 'Chop Suey!' and 'Aerials.'