System Of A Down
Toxicity

Introduction: I haven't read the other reviews (and for this I humbly apologize), so it's possible that I might repeat things already said or written. But if I have done so, it's because this review is, a priori, an act of deep gratitude towards an album that has revolutionized the way I see music. And, of course, it introduced me to my current favorite band: System of a Down.

Generally, I believe that an album is truly incredible (and worthy of 5 stars) when it never fades over time. When you, after 3 years of leaving it gathering dust (which rarely happens with albums like this), put it in the CD player and realize you are facing a genuine timeless masterpiece that, despite the years passing, hasn't lost an iota of its allure. The music enters through your ears and, without intermediate stops, goes straight to your heart, giving you extreme emotions. 'Toxicity' for me was this and still is; the most beautiful CD I have ever listened to, created by one of the best metal bands around.

1) Prison song: such a start they had to invent if it didn't exist. The CD begins with pure power, heaviness, in a track that immediately shows the direction the CD follows. The lyrics reflect the typical SOAD way of expression, with social protest and also political irony.

2) Needles: incredible. If the start shocks you, the continuation grips you. And immediately you imagine them live, driving the screaming fans crazy with their HEY! and the slogan: put the tapeworm out of your ass!

3) Deer dance: round round. The bass lines literally make you dance, and the rhythm changes are extraordinary.

4) Jet pilot: relentless ferocity. Your ears are asking for a break, but you can't stop. It's stronger than you.

5) X: short and concise. The least successful on the CD only because it's short.

6) Chop Suey!: I don't think there are adjectives to describe it. It is absolutely complete: exceptional instruments, Serj's chilling voice, unparalleled lyrics rich with insights…

7) Bounce: the song for the fans… . POGO POGO

8) Forest: the instrumental part is truly exceptional, and the rest is no less.

9) ATWA: apparent calm, a roaring song. Masterpiece!

10) Science: philosophical lyrics for a song that invites you more and more to not leave even a single note for a moment.

11) Shimmy: I would dare to say amusing. Not extraordinary, but strong and with an extraordinary ending.

12) Toxicity: if it's the song that gives the title to the CD, there must be a reason. Also indescribable.

13) Psycho: only a beautiful ending, with a compelling rhythm.

14) Aerials: when you reach the end, it seems that everything has been prepared for it. It's a calm song compared to the rest of the CD, but not a ballad. Yet it manages to give you the same emotions as it. The ending is the icing on the cake.

What can I say! It's the only CD from which I wouldn't throw away even a song. It strongly stands out, in my opinion, from their self-titled debut CD, which contains extraordinary songs (Spiders above all), but doesn't reach the levels of 'Toxicity'. With this album, they reached the peak to which they will not return. It is natural that all subsequent CDs will always be a step below expectations, because when you touch the maximum degree, you don't want to move away, but rather almost return there by inertia.

'Toxicity' marked history for me. And not just my personal one or that of SOAD, but the entire NU-Metal landscape that needed a CD so complete and appreciated. Now one could argue until the end of time what their style is. In reality, they don't have a specific one, but I have classified them in NU-metal mainly for their extraordinary ability to evoke indescribable emotions without the use of solos. Short, fierce, and full songs are enough to fascinate the listener. And for me, it's enough to say that it's one of the best CDs and deserves more than 5 stars.