While awaiting the release of “Toxicity” (2001), many may have wondered: will System Of A Down be able to replicate the success of the excellent self-titled album from a few years ago? Well, yes. In fact, I would say they've done better than their previous one, much better!!! The skill of Serj Tankian and company in composing songs is so immense that you would never stop listening to their tracks...
We could spend hours and hours describing the songs on the album, because each track shines with its own light: the explosive PRISON SONG, the beautiful single CHOP SUEY!, the delightful FOREST, the sublime TOXICITY... The production by Rick Rubin is excellent, although it's just the tip of the iceberg: the rest of the compliments go to the System, with their brilliance in combining modern rock with Middle Eastern sounds. As for the band members, applause goes to the group's leader Serj Tankian, who confirms himself as one of the best voices in metal, bringing a certain originality to each track. But credit also to the other members, especially drummer John Dolmayan, in my opinion very underrated. Guitarist Daron Malakian does a good job (and, by the way, doesn't sing badly at all!!!) and even bassist Shavo Odadjian does not pale in comparison.
Wasting words on this album is pointless. You must have “Toxicity”, original or copied. And I guarantee that it will stay in your stereo or cd player for a long time...
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.