System of a Down
Toxicity

Release Date: 2001 | Tracklist

When the complete scene of the world is observed by people who actually care about where it all goes, opinions need to be made. It doesn’t particularly matter how you do it, it just needs to happen. System of a Down managed to shock the world with their self-titled debut, and after that, well...where were they to go next? Perhaps a new design for music would falter their image, or even stop the band in their tracks. An entirely new scene for the band, however it may hinder their performance, has overall been portrayed nicely in the Hollywood success equation known as "Toxicity". To say that the band has lost some of their cohesiveness since their outstanding debut wouldn’t call for any aspersions, because it is undoubtedly true. S.O.A.D. have without a debut NOT created a sequel to their amazing debut success, but they have crafted a sincere and divine work of art that portrays a similar, but slightly altered image.

In Toxicity, the governmental scenery is portrayed thoroughly through tales of unfairness, and complaints, and occasional backstabbing of a few select societies. Though the album isn’t all about bashing heads in various industries, it does strike some critical moments such as "Chop Suey" for its controversy as one of post-9/11 inappropriate titles. (Wiki) But aside from the occasional offences, (that don’t do much harm to the average metal listener) this album really exemplifies stylistic music, and great lyrics and some good exposure to skilled musicians.

The album starts off with "Prison Song", which is undoubtedly the best intro to n album S.O.A.D. has ever created. With this songs outstanding guitar riffs, backed by good drums, it packs a heavy style S.O.A.D. is generally known for, and is actually one of the only songs in the album that recycles the heavy riff style they used from their debut, which has now since been put to rest. The vocals do well in providing the upfront melody, and the same goes in the next track "Needles". In "Needles" and "Deer Dance", the guitars take on a higher pitched region of sound, and the drum's snare jobs aren’t as noticeable as they were from their debut. Other areas of this album pull out harmonious elements, such as the acoustic intro for "Chop Suey" or the soft ballad "A.T.W.A". Real emotion finds its way into the album as well, most noticeably in the track "Toxicity", which is one of the best songs on the album. This songs harmonious guitars and heavy breakdown consisting of top-of-the-notch beats, and excellent drum work provide the song with its well deserved dubbing of "hit single".

Some areas of the album however do have their faults, and really tend to not go unnoticed. In "Psycho", a relatively addicting song as is, does tend to get rather old considering the same thing is said over and over and over again for the entire 4 1/2 minute track. "Bounce", as good of a track as it is, does overstay its welcome with some recycled content that wasn’t really necessary. On top of the musical faults for this album, the album is pretty short. Most of the songs in this album barely break the three minute mark. Some of the catchiest songs here including "X", don’t lat but two minutes and leaves you wanting more. Some might argue that this feature of "wanting more" might be a good thing, but overall, it really isn’t. If an album is leaving you feeling empty for whatever reason, it isn’t completely satisfying by any means. However, these faults for the album are few and far between and can easily be overlooked with just a second spin. Perhaps, some listeners may find the faults I find to be of no bother and go on happily. Nevertheless, there is still recycled content that I don’t find to be that much of a high entertaining subject. To add onto this, the album has a hidden track after "Aerials, another soft ballad, called "Arto".”Arto" is a no-vocal track consisting of repetitive pan flute toots in the intro, and breaks into a world-drum spin, with some kind of battle-cry-like voice in the background. Once the album is over, a feel for satisfaction comes over you as the finality of this product breaks off into complete and utter silence.

Toxicity was, is, and will never be by any means a reinvention of their fantastic debut. But it is a reinstitution of the bands genius, combined with its controversy lyrics pertaining to war, politics, and government (if you can tell me the difference) and overall exemplifies the bands decent efforts. Serj has calmed down a bit and doesn’t seem to make his vocals as noticeable as he did in their debut. Daron takes on a more mature guitar position and finds his vocals in more songs more often. The drumming is at its near best in this album with great beats and backdrops. Shavo however really is of no concern to the album considering his lack of potential and lack of being heard. But in convenience, the band still crafted a well-comforting album that deserves everything it gets.

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4.2 excellent

Rank: #47 for 2001