The intensity of metal, the social commentary of rap and a plethora of influences – ranging from the band's Armenian heritage to jazz to Middle Eastern melodies to the nightly news – has made System Of A Down an international powerhouse. The members' shared and diverse musical and personal experiences created such an explosive musical mine field of such volatile, incendiary ferocity that Rick Rubin elected to sign and produce the group as the first new act on American Recordings under a pact with Columbia Records. The Los Angeles, CA outfit delivers a thrilling mix of thrash metal, sharp lyrics and unusual melodies on their platinum certified eponymous 1998 debut. Full of powerful guitar work and vicious screams, System of a Down is intelligent rock with a rebellious spirit as encapsulated on the name making singles "Sugar" and "Spiders."