System Of A Down “Self Titled” Gold Record 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 Gold award for their self titled debut album, read here the story behind the other System of a Down award I have received.

System of a Down’s self-titled debut album was released on June 30, 1998, through American / Columbia Records. While it initially peaked at number 124 on the Billboard 200, it quickly gained international recognition, charting at number 103 in the U.K., number 68 in the Netherlands, and number 48 in Australia.

When it comes to certifications, the album’s journey is remarkable: it achieved Gold status in the U.S. on February 2, 2000, went Platinum two years later, and reached Double Platinum in 2022. It also earned Gold in Italy, the U.K., and Canada, while in Brazil, it was certified Platinum.

System Of A Down “Self Titled” Gold Record Award

Let’s take a closer look at the award. At the center, there’s a vinyl record with the album artwork featuring the iconic hand printed directly onto it. One of the coolest design details is how the hand appears to be holding the CD, which is placed over the vinyl. On the CD itself, the album artwork is printed again, showing how much thought went into the creation of this piece.

The award was manufactured by Ill Eagle Enterprises Ltd., a company that produces most of my awards. Their craftsmanship is consistently excellent, and they’ve once again done an outstanding job with this one.

On the top section of the award, the System of a Down logo is printed onto the plexiglass, while just below it, there’s a band photo from the album era. The award is dedicated to Marco Soccoli, and if you’re wondering who he is, scroll down to find out more about his story.

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.