System of a Down - System of a Down

System of a Down's self-titled major-label debut finds the Los Angeles band consolidating its gothic alt-metal, sharpening its deadly riffs, strengthening its brutal rhythms, and adding muscle to its attack. The band differentiates itself from the legions of Southern Californian alt-metalheads by emphasizing its Armenian musical heritage, which gives the music an eerie, otherworldly quality. Part of the success of System of a Down lies with producer Rick Rubin, who helps give the band focus, but ultimately the record works because of the band itself, since they have contributed a set of strong songs that illustrates this is a band that relies on smarts as well as sound. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Name Credits Andy Haller Mixing Assistant Anthony Artiaga Photography Bryan Davis Mixing Assistant Daron Malakian Guitar, Vocals (Background) Dave Sardy Mixing, Engineer Eric "Statik" Anest Noise Frank Harkins Art Direction Greg Fidelman Engineer, Assistant Engineer Greg Gordon Mixing Assistant James Saez Mixing Assistant John Dolmayan Drums John Heartfield Cover Art Nick Raskulinecz Assistant Engineer Rick Rubin Producer, Piano Sam Story Assistant Engineer Serj Tankian Sampling, Vocals, Keyboards Shavo Odadjian Bass Sylvia Massy Engineer System of a Down Producer, Art Direction Vladimir Meller Mastering