Toxicity - System Of A Down

2001 was a good year for rock music financially as the alternative had become the popular choice among people of many age groups. In 2001 it was unsurprising to see Slipknot’s terribly discordant youth angst blasphemy ‘Iowa’ hitting number one in the charts, but I was surprised to see System of a Down’s ‘Toxicity’ accompanying it at number two – I had heard one song from the album and was very impressed, but I didn’t know they had such a huge influence and following. I recently remembered that this band, and in particular this album, existed and I soon purchased the CD for a fairly low price on eBay (strangely from a seller in my own very small, obscure town ...

System Of A Down are a real mix of cultures. Living in America, but born and bred in Armenia, the four band members Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadijan and John Dolymayan merge together to give one of the most unique sounds I have heard in the last few years, as this is not metal as you know it, this is thrash metal with a folk influence, albeit very much toned down since their earlier releases, but it is still there for all to hear. You think it won't work? Listen to this band and you will think differently I assure you. I warn you in advance though, this is not music to chill out to. This music grabs hold of you, shakes you around for a while and then goes ...

System of a down. Toxicity. System of a down are sometimes known as system, or shortened to SOAD. Being a typical, lazy male who is addicted to nu-metal music, I will use the shortened SOAD tag in this review, so as not to damage my delicate guitar hands. They originate from Glendale, California, and were formed in 1995. They are known for allowing their political views shine through in their music. Particularly their views on drugs, religion and censorship. They originally come from another American rock band called soil. The band soil included members Serj Tankian (lead vocals, Keyboard.), and Daron Malakian (guitar, vocals.). Later in soils ...