Early Life and Musical Influences
Daron Vartan Malakian was born on July 18, 1975, in Hollywood, California, to Armenian immigrant parents. His father, Vartan Malakian, is a painter and choreographer, while his mother, Zepur, was a recreational dancer. From a young age, Malakian was immersed in Armenian culture and exposed to both traditional folk music and Western rock. He picked up the guitar at age 11 and was heavily influenced by bands like Slayer, Metallica, The Beatles, and the Dead Kennedys. Unlike many young guitarists of the time who gravitated toward flashy solos, Malakian focused on tone, rhythm, and composition. He was also inspired by Middle Eastern music, Armenian chants, and punk, all of which would later inform his distinctive sound.
System of a Down
In the mid-1990s, Malakian co-founded System of a Down with Serj Tankian (vocals), Shavo Odadjian (bass), and later John Dolmayan (drums). The band quickly built a cult following in Los Angeles with chaotic live shows and a sound that defied categorization—blending heavy metal, punk, art rock, and Armenian musical motifs. The band’s self-titled debut album, “System of a Down” (1998), introduced their erratic, experimental approach. But it was the follow-up, “Toxicity” (2001), that launched them into the mainstream. Propelled by songs like “Chop Suey!,” “Toxicity,” and “Aerials,” the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and earned multi-platinum certification. Malakian wrote or co-wrote nearly every System of a Down song, and his fingerprints are all over the band’s catalog. He shared vocal duties with Tankian and often took the lead on fan-favorites like “B.Y.O.B.” and “Lost in Hollywood.” The band’s twin 2005 releases, “Mezmerize” and “Hypnotize,” showcased Malakian’s growing creative influence—both were dominated by his songwriting and featured his vocals more prominently. System of a Down went on hiatus in 2006 after internal tensions and creative differences made it difficult to continue producing new material. Though they later reunited for live performances, they have not released a full-length album since.
Scars on Broadway
In the aftermath of System of a Down’s hiatus, Malakian launched a new project, Scars on Broadway. The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 2008, was written and produced entirely by Malakian, who also sang lead vocals and played most of the instruments. The album offered a rawer, more stripped-down version of his songwriting, with tracks like “They Say,” “World Long Gone,” and “Chemicals” exploring political and personal themes. Though initially conceived as a full band, Scars on Broadway ultimately became a solo outlet for Malakian’s creative energy. He revived the project a decade later with the 2018 album “Dictator,” again handling all instruments and production himself. While it didn’t achieve the commercial impact of System of a Down, the album was praised for its fearless experimentation and dark lyrical content.
Musical Style and Reputation
Malakian is often described as a musical chameleon. His guitar work veers between blistering thrash riffs, folk-inspired melodies, and haunting acoustic passages. His songwriting can be politically charged, absurdist, deeply introspective, or all three in the same track. He has cited influences as wide-ranging as Frank Zappa, Iron Maiden, and Armenian folk singers. He is also known for his theatrical persona, often appearing on stage in face paint, flamboyant outfits, or intense expressions. Yet offstage, he has a reputation for being reclusive and introverted—someone far more comfortable in the studio than the spotlight. Guitar publications and peers frequently praise Malakian for pushing the boundaries of heavy music. He has earned spots on lists of the greatest modern guitarists and continues to influence a new generation of musicians with his unconventional approach.
