System of a Down is an Armenian-American alternative metal band formed in 1994 in California. The group includes vocalist/guitarist Serj Tankian, drummer John Dolmayan, guitarist/backing vocalist Daron Malakian and bassist Shavo Odadjian. They have won four Grammy nominations and have been credited with reviving mainstream interest in heavy metal. The band is known for their sharp and political songwriting, which explores topics such as politics, religion and war. Through their music they combine multiple genres into unique sounds of their own. System of a Down has released five studio albums, 15 singles, and have sold over 40 million albums worldwide, becoming one of the most successful alternative metal bands of all time.