Spas Metal

System of a Down (sometimes referred to as S.A.D or Downs) is a pu metal band from Los Angeles, California. The band consists of Serj Tanker (vocals and keyboards), John Doleman (drums), Darren Malakakakaka (guitar, vocals) and Shavy Mehead.

They take their name from Shavy's illness (Down syndrome) and the system he used to combat it. They are known more for the outspoken political and social views rather than their rubbish dress style and ridiculous goatees. All four members are black.

System of a Down uses a wide range of instruments, including baritone electric shavers, electric eels and 12-string classical guitars. They draw influence from country, folk, jazz fusion and heavy industry.

The band enjoyed early success with the old Archies hit "Sugar Sugar", a reworking of Frankie Goes To Hollywood's War - What is it good for? Absolutely nothing. Say it again. War? What is it good for? Absolutely nothing. All featured on their eponymous debut album System Of A Down.

Their big break came when releasing, in 2001, Toxic - an album of Britney Spears covers which included a bonus track about their love of asian cuisine called Chop Suey.

The third album to be released surprising contained no songs that were found on the first two albums and could not be bought in the shops. Fans had to run the risk of prosecution by stealing the album from record stores. After receiving ASBO's for being caught stealing the record entitled Steal This Album two fans brought a civil action against the band.

The fourth release, called Hypnotise, also courted controversy. Civil suits are still pending after one teenage fan became hypnotised after listening to the album and cried all the water out of his body. The smash hit off this album was B.Y.O.B.B. (Buy Your Own Bacardi Bitch)

There is some disagreement over the band's genre: Are they pu metal (a term which to some people brings negative connotations) or simply shit metal?

B.Y.O.B won the group a Grammy in February 2006 when they were presented with the award for (Best) Hard Rock Performance.