System Of A Down “Mezmerize” & “Hypnotize” Combo RIAA Platinum Album Award
September 8, 2025
Finally, after a long wait and several missed opportunities, I managed to secure not one, but two official System of a Down awards. These are incredibly hard to get, as the S.O.A.D. fan community is extremely dedicated. Whenever an award appears, it’s usually gone within moments and often reaches very high prices. I’ve missed out on three or four in the past, but today, two of them finally arrived here in Switzerland.
In this post, I’ll share the story behind the Mezmerize” & “Hypnotize” Combo RIAA Platinum Album Award, read here the story behind the other System of a Down award I have received.
System Of A Down is the first rock band in chart history to debut two No.1 new studio albums in a calendar year”! It you think about that, it is just nuts!!
System Of A Down “Mezmerize” & “Hypnotize” Combo Platinum Album Award
Let’s start with Mezmerize: It was released on May 17, 2005 through Columbia records and it debuted at #1 selling 450,000 copies in the first week! That means that it almost hit Gold status after a week, it finally went Platinum on August 16, 2005 and then 17 years later 2x platinum on July 19, 2022. Look at all the countries where this album went to #1, we got Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, New Zealand, Sweden and finally (and I’m proud of this) Switzerland. It went to #2 in Finland, Norway, Ireland, Scotland, #3 in Denmark, #4 in Italy and Belgium, #5 in the Netherlands, Poland and Mexico. These numbers are simply insane!
When it comes to certifications, the results speak for themselves. They achieved gold in Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, France, Greece, Italy, and Switzerland. Platinum followed in Australia, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, and the UK. They reached double platinum in both New Zealand and, as mentioned earlier, the United States. And to top it all off, triple platinum in Canada.
System Of A Down “Mezmerize” & “Hypnotize” Combo Platinum Album Award
Now let’s talk about the second album “Hypnotize”, it came out on November 22, 2005 and of course went also to #1 in the States selling another crazy 320,000 copies in the first week of its release. It went Gold on January 25, 2006 and Platinum also on July 19, 2022. It didn’t went to #1 in so many countries like “Mezmerize”, but it was still a huge success! It went to #1 in Canada, Finland and New Zealand, #3 in Austria, Australia and Sweden, #4 in France, Germany, Norway and Switzerland. In the following countries it went into the Top 20: Belgium #17, Denmark #11, Netherlands #15, Ireland #10, Italy #10, Poland #16, Portugal #15, Scotland #12 and finally the U.K. at #11.
Regarding certifications: Like I said, platinum in the States and then we got Gold in Australia, Austria, Italy, Russia, U.K. and Switzerland! Then we also got Platinum in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand and Poland.
System Of A Down “Mezmerize” & “Hypnotize” Combo Platinum Album Award
Let’s talk about the award. First of all, it's just massive. The first thing that catches your eye is the red lettering on the plexiglass, which reads: "System Of A Down is the first rock band in chart history to debut two No. 1 new studio albums in a calendar year." That line alone says everything about the significance of this plaque.
On the left side, you'll find the cover artwork for “Mezmerize”, and on the right, the cover for “Hypnotize”. In the center are the vinyl records for both albums, displayed side by side. A really cool detail, visible only in the close-up photos below is the chart data etched into the plaque. On the left, you see the Top 100 with “Mezmerize” at number one; on the right, the same chart featuring “Hypnotize” at the top. A fantastic touch.
This award is also dedicated to the legendary Marco Soccoli, scroll down for more information about his incredible contributions.
System Of A Down “Mezmerize” & “Hypnotize” Combo Platinum Album Award
Marco Soccoli unfortunantely passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, at the age of 62. He is lovingly remembered as the devoted husband of Carolann Soccoli and the beloved son of Tina and Francesco Soccoli.
The drumming and music community is reflecting on the impactful life of Marco Soccoli, renowned drummer, artist relations expert, and industry mentor. Widely recognized for his work with New York City's glam rock band ROXX during the late '80s and early '90s, Marco’s influence extended far beyond the stage, shaping the careers of countless drummers through his work in the music gear industry.
Born in Astoria, Queens, New York, Marco was the youngest son of Italian immigrants. He graduated from St. John's University with a bachelor’s degree in music and business—laying the foundation for a successful career that would span over 40 years in the music industry.
Marco’s performance style with ROXX was ahead of its time, incorporating electronic kits and multi-pedal setups that set him apart. After his stage career, he transitioned into the business side of music, contributing his deep knowledge and passion for drums to industry-leading companies like Vic Firth, Sam Ash Music, Manny’s Music, Evans Drumheads, and most recently, Drumkeyshop, where he held the role of Director of Artist Relations.
Over the years, Marco became known as more than an industry rep—he was a trusted advisor, connector, and unwavering supporter of musicians at every level. His presence was felt at major events such as NAMM, PASIC, and NYC’s live music scene. Whether guiding artists through gear decisions, helping with endorsements, or simply offering friendship and advice, Marco’s warmth and dedication left a lasting impact.
