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THE REVIEW
A group with a continuous evolution of sound… with sonorities ranging from Nu to Thrash Metal, with wave influences. A very original Armenian quartet in sound with a truly exceptional vocalist. They are System Of A Down: currently on a break, but we hope for their future reunion.
The second chapter of System Of A Down's life opens with their album “Toxicity” (which then ranked among the top three best rock albums in the history of music (I know some will say it's not true, but if I'm writing it, it means I read it somewhere)). With this album, SOAD climbed the charts, reaching the top position in a very short time: thereby reaffirming themselves as a completely original and innovative band on the Metal scene. The band returned to the studio to record the CD 3 years after their self-titled debut album (2001) (and in my opinion, this ("Toxicity") is the album of their career).
The album is hardly criticized and is defined by many as complete: devoid of boredom, an elaborate record with 14 tracks (plus a bonus “Arto” played only by Armenian instruments like tambourines, Coca-Cola cans, and similar stuff) connected to each other and an alternation of vocals by vocalist Serj Tankian and guitarist Daron Malakian (surely now many will criticize this). The singles taken are “Toxicity”, “Chop Suey!” (later ranked among the best metal songs of the year), “Aereals” and a live version of “ATWA” (Animal Tree Water Air).
The album is less aggressive than the previous one, but still full of powerful riffs and energy, especially in songs like “Forest” and “Bounce” (the "noisy" song of the album). ATWA is the calm part of the CD, with an extraordinarily tuned guitar and a chorus between screaming and melodic. In “Science” you can notice the influence of their country (Armenia), the result? A completely original song. Serj's voice is always in the foreground (which will not be the case in the last two works where Daron takes more control). The album's lyrics are characteristic of System Of A Down, dealing with ongoing wars, the selfish politics of the world, and the non-recognition of the Armenian genocide of 1915.
Basically, a record that truly aims at the peaks of Metal, a group to be reckoned with (in my opinion) capable of surprising us with their every move, capable of changing sound in a truly incredible way!
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Summary by Bot
System Of A Down's 'Toxicity' is celebrated as a landmark album in metal, blending Nu and Thrash influences with unique Armenian elements. The album features dynamic vocals, powerful riffs, and politically charged lyrics. It stands out as the band's career-defining work, combining originality with energetic compositions. Singles like 'Chop Suey!' remain influential metal tracks. Overall, it offers a compelling, complete experience without monotony.
System of a Down
System Of A Down is an Armenian-American rock/metal band formed in Los Angeles. Core members are Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian and John Dolmayan. They are known for blending heavy/alternative metal with Middle Eastern influences and politically charged lyrics.49 Reviews
Other reviews
By bibiane
Chop Suey! has a break down and an ending chorus that'll make you scream at the top of your lungs like you never have, EVER!
Every time you listen to it again, it’s like it’s the first time. And I guarantee the emotion is masterful!
By 2Torri
If I were asked to describe the album Toxicity with one adjective, I would undoubtedly say "MASTERPIECE".
These guys are geniuses, because combining typical nu-metal sounds with sounds from their homeland (Armenia) is not a simple task.
By Devin Davis
The skill of Serj Tankian and company in composing songs is so immense that you would never stop listening to their tracks.
You must have "Toxicity", original or copied. And I guarantee that it will stay in your stereo or cd player for a long time.
By StefanoHab
Toxicity is an album that changed my life.
There’s nothing, I mean nothing, in this album that isn’t there for a specific reason.
By sexyajax
Not only a complete and well-made album but also very original.
Finally, even in the realm of hard rock, we find calm and catchy riffs that shouldn’t be underestimated.
