Down

Chart-topping but challenging alt-metal band that incorporates programmed beats and subtle Eastern European influences.
Like many late-'90s metal bands, System of a Down struck a balance between '80s underground thrash metal and metallic early-'90s alternative rockers like Jane's Addiction. Their dark, neo-gothic alternative metal earned a cult following in the wake of the popularity of such like-minded bands as Korn and the Deftones. Vocalist Serj Tankian, guitarist Daron Malakian, bassist Shavo Odadjian, and drummer John Dolmayan formed System of a Down in Southern California in the mid-'90s. They quickly earned a strong following in Los Angeles, largely based on strong word of mouth…

"Shame," "Snowblind," and "Metro" are covers of a Wu-Tang Clan, Black Sabbath, and Berlin song respectively. "Shame" actually features some members of the Wu-Tang Clan and contains typical System insanity with Serj rapping and a few extremely catchy riffs. In "Snowblind," SOAD makes a decent Black Sabbath song into a fantastic song by speeding up the tempo of the verses and slowing down the bridge, bringing a beauty to it that was never previously there. Then changing speeds again back to the heavy chorus. "Metro" is another classic System-twanged cover with another catchy slow verse that gives way to a hectic chorus then right back to the melodic verse. All three covers display all the things System of a Down fans have come to love about the band…