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. 2002's Steal This Album!, System Of A Down's platinum certified third full-length release, is an archival collection of material the band recorded from the mid-1990s through 2001 yet stressed as not being "B-sides or outtakes." Praised as some of the band's finest work, the 18-track, 2LP affair is as fluidly diverse and impactful as anything in their catalog.