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Rating:
THE REVIEW
I'm almost astonished; seriously! I mean, on a site like this, there's not a trace of what I consider to be one of the best bands of recent times! Crazy stuff!
For this reason, as a great, OBESE (it's a silly way to give you an idea of the love I feel for this band), I've decided to do my best to convince you to listen to this album!
The album opens with "Prison Song": harsh, raw, a true explosion of violence. An inattentive listener might get scared and immediately remove the album, thinking of some hard, very hard metal band akin to the worst Pantera album. But don't be so superficial: go beyond, because it's after that you'll get to know the best of the album!
The energetic "Deer Dance" followed by "Jet Pilot", which will make you dance to delicate and fresh notes straight from the Balkans. One word to describe this piece? Sensual, very sensual. And then, and then... "Chop Suey!". This one has a "break down" and an "ending chorus" that'll make you scream at the top of your lungs like you never have, EVER! You'll feel exhausted and at the same time incredibly alive. OUT OF THIS WORLD.
And then passing through "ATWA" (unfortunately an anthem to Charles Manson's organization) and "Science", we reach the end and discover some of the best "singles" of the album: "Toxicity" & "Aerials".
And to finish, a cherry on the already exquisite cake, a ghost track that will conquer you and disturb your soul.
The System are a politically (perhaps too?) involved band, but the beauty of their music lies in that mixture of the most refined heavy metal, with that sound that hints at something Balkan, after all, they are of Armenian origin.
The lyrics of vocalist Serj Tankain are a denunciation of a society that is too conformist, too brutal, too "naive", made of apathetic and blind people.
In the most captivating song of the album, "Chop Suey", Serj denounces the Armenian genocide by the Turks in the most poetic, moving, ironic way an artist has ever "depicted" such a tragedy.
The first time I listened to this album was two years ago. Usually, after overdosing on an album, you almost always end up detesting it, or at least that's what happens in my case. If this doesn't happen, it means that the album is a GREAT ALBUM.
I've had this album for almost two years, and every single time I put it in my stereo, I feel like I'm dying... of joy, of tears, of anger, of happiness... in short, the greatness of this album is that it never tires you; every time you listen to it again, it's like it's the first time. And I guarantee the emotion is masterful! Try it to believe it!
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Summary by Bot
This review praises System Of A Down’s album Toxicity as one of the best recent works, highlighting its explosive metal style mixed with Balkan musical elements. The reviewer singles out key tracks like "Prison Song," "Chop Suey!", and "Aerials" for their unique qualities and emotional power. The band’s political messages and Armenian heritage deepen the album’s impact. The reviewer remains emotionally connected to this album even after years, emphasizing its lasting appeal.
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 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.
By Bertoldo
In my opinion, as one of (if not the) best albums in the entire nu/heavy/alternative metal scene from the '90s onwards.
'Chop Suey!' the group's flagship, an extraordinary song that fits every ear thanks to its thousand facets.
