Book Review: Ben Myers, System Of A Down: Right Here in Hollywood

by anna battista

Often referred to as S.O.A.D. or simply System, the band System Of A Down formed in the mid-1990s in Hollywood, California. With a name inspired by a poem written by band member Daron Malakian, entitled “Victims of a Down”, the band evolved little by little, and, from a cult nu-metal combo, they became a best-selling act. Music journalist Ben Myers explores in the eight chapters that make up the book their rise to fame, through an in-depth musical analysis of their works, their music influences (alternative rock, metal, punk, rap, jazz and Armenian folk music, just to mention a few) and political views on the war in Iraq and the Armenian Genocide (all the band members are of Armenian ancestry) and through new and exclusive interviews.

Particular attention is given to the band’s second album, Toxicity, which sold 6 million copies worldwide. More fame came for band members Serj Tankian (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Daron Malakian (guitar and vocals), John Dolmayan (drums) and Shavo Odadjian (bass and vocals) with the double album Mezmerize/Hypnotize. The best chapter of the book is probably “War?/Boom!” in which Myers examines the political views of the band, their reaction to the war in Iraq, and their collaboration with director Michael Moore on the video for their 2003 single ‘Boom!’.

System Of A Down: Right Here in Hollywood is the sort of book that all S.O.A.D.’s fans will love, but it’s also perfect for all those readers who are into music and grassroots politics. If you don’t know anything about S.O.A.D., but feel intrigued by this book, you’ll still have time to catch the band playing live during this summer’s Ozzfest that kicks off in Seattle at the end of June. Malakian recently announced this will be the last time in a few years the band will appear onstage together under the System banner as, after the event, S.O.A.D. will go on hiatus to allow the members to develop their own projects. Catch them if you can, but, in the meantime, read this book.

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