This Armenian-American hard rock band was founded in 1994 in California. Vocalist Serj Tankian, guitarist Daron Malakian, drummer Andy Khachaturian, and bassist Shavo Odadjian made up System of a Down. Although their heavy metal/hard rock sound may be a bit heavy for many people, they still managed to reach commercial success simply because they’re geniuses.
Three of their albums reached number one on the US Billboard 200, and they’ve been nominated for four Grammys, winning one for their song “B.Y.O.B..” The System of Down boys took a break from 2006 to 2010 when they reunited and started performing live again.
Recommended Listening: “Chop Suey!”, “Aerials,” “Lost in Hollywood,” “Sugar,” and “B.Y.O.B.” are all great songs to start with.
Toto
Known for a sound that mixes rock, pop, funk, soul, R&B, jazz, and blues, Toto is definitely a very unique band. Formed in Los Angeles in 1977, the band was originally made up of Joseph Williams, Steve Porcaro, David Paich, and Steve Lukather, and touring members Shannon Forrest, Lenny Castro, Warren Ham, and Shem von Schroeck.
Toto gained huge commercial success in the 1970s and '80s, starting with their debut album and then their widely popular 1982 album, 'Toto IV.' They've won several Grammys and sold over 40 million records worldwide. Band members came and went, but in 2010, Toto came back together and did a short tour in Europe to benefit former band member Mike Porcaro, who had a serious illness. In 2019, Toto announced they were going on an indefinite break.
Recommended Listening: "Africa," "Rosanna," and "Hold the Line" are must-hear for this band.
The Smashing Pumpkins
Formed in 1988 in Chicago, The Smashing Pumpkins are one of the best American alternative rock bands ever. Founded by frontman Billy Corgan, guitarist James Iha, bassist D'arcy Wretzky, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, the band rose to fame thanks to their unique, diverse, and layered sound.
Combining gothic, psychedelic, and progressive rock with heavy metal and dream pop, The Smashing Pumpkins definitely have a very particular sound and, thanks to Corgan, very deep and cathartic lyrics that have shaped the band.
Recommended Listening: Their 1995 album "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" should be listened to from beginning to end.
Dave Matthews Band
Nothing is more American rock than the legendary Dave Matthews Band. They've been around since founding member Dave Matthews formed the band in 1991 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Along with Dave, bassist Stefan Lessard, drummer Carter Beauford, violinist Boyd Tinsley, and saxophonist LeRoi Moore made up the band.
The band is known for its folk, funk, indie, jazz, and alternative rock fusions, which were very much present in their 1994 hit album, 'Under the Table and Dreaming.' They won a Grammy two years later, in 1996, for "So Much to Say." They are also famous for their live shows since they are also a killer jam band. Their latest album, 'Come Tomorrow,' reached number one on the Billboard 200. Recommended Listening: Basically, any album you listen to will be amazing, but we'd start with "Crash Into Me," "The Space Between," and "Best of What's Around."
The Offspring
The famous rock band from Garden Grove, California, The Offspring, was founded in 1984. Originally called Manic Subsidal, the band started with Bryan "Dexter" Holland, who played the drums initially, and bassist Greg Kriesel playing in a garage. Doug Thompson and Jim Benton joined the band shortly after, and then in 1985, school janitor Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman joined the band.
The Offspring has been playing for 36 years, released nine studio albums, and swapped band members more times than we can count. The greatest thing about The Offspring is that it revived commercial interest in punk rock back in the '90s, and their third album 'Smash' sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. Their following albums were also widely successful, including 'Ixnay on the Hombre,' 'Americana,' 'Conspiracy of One,' 'Splinter,' 'Rise and Fall,' 'Rage and Grace,' and 'Days Go By.' They're set to release a new album in 2020 or 2021.
Recommended Listening: Definitely start with one of their most famous songs, "Want You Bad," and then just continue with the entire 'Americana' album.