System of a Down (commonly referre to as System or abbreviated as SOAD) is an American rock band, formed in 1995 in Glendale, California. They have released five albums and have become a staple on mainstream rock radio, breaking out with their 2001 hit "Chop Suey!". Their genre has been variously described as alternative metal, nu metal, hard rock, thrash metal, and experimental rock, among others. Their works have earned them three Grammy Award nominations, of which they won one.