System of a Down

System of a Down may be seen as part and parcel of the nu-metal explosion of the late-'90s, but their style is less akin to the likes of Limp Bizkit and Korn than to vintage thrash from the '80s, spiced with a touch of hardcore punk. The band's sound may be typified by pounding drums and scorched-earth guitar tactics, but these work in the service of a sophisticated, highly politicised lyrical sensibility a la System of a Down's soul brothers in Rage Against the Machine. While the band thrashes through their songs with enough fervour to satisfy the most insatiable metal fiend, there are enough varied dynamics employed to lend a fair amount of grace to the heaviness.

• rock
• pop
• alternative/indie
• nu metal
• 1990s
• 2000s
• hard rock/metal