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Rating:
THE REVIEW
You either love them or hate them and I love them.
There are already many reviews about this album, but I couldn't help but describe it, in my opinion, as one of (if not the) best albums in the entire nu/heavy/alternative metal scene from the '90s onwards. Its tracklist has made this group of Armenian origin, but founded in Los Angeles, recognized for what it is and what it can give.
Despite the first album selling a million copies, this album is the best ever produced by the quartet. Serj Tankian's vocals are the driving force of the group, extraordinarily charged and powerful; Daron Malakian, guitarist and backing vocalist, has crafted riffs that are both melodic and aggressive, Shavo Odadjian is an excellent bassist and director (he directs all the singles of the group) and John Dolmayan, exceptionally technical, is recognized among the best drummers around.
The songs are highly rhythmic and engaging yet committed, captivating the listener without becoming monotonous even after multiple listens. "Prison Song" a great, hard-hitting track, opens the album; note also "Atwa", "Shimmy", "X" for the drumming but especially "Chop Suey!" the group's flagship, an extraordinary song that fits every ear thanks to its thousand facets and "Toxicity", one of the best songs they've ever written.
The lyrics vary greatly from song to song but in many of them, their social commitment always shines through. "Prison Song" talks about prison conditions, "Toxicity" about the degradation of the lower classes, while in others like "Chop Suey!" a strong poetic influence prevails, and in others like "Bounce", a song always used at their concerts, the words are meant to engage, tied to an almost tribal rhythm.
An album to listen to from all perspectives, always fresh and engaging.
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Summary by Bot
This review praises System Of A Down's album Toxicity as one of the best in the nu/heavy/alternative metal scene since the '90s. It highlights Serj Tankian's powerful vocals, Daron Malakian's melodic yet aggressive riffs, and the band's technical expertise. The album's lyrics are commended for their social commitment and diverse themes. Key tracks such as 'Chop Suey!' and 'Toxicity' are noted as flagship songs. The review encourages listening to the album from all perspectives for a fresh and engaging experience.
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.
