What people search:
 | Title : Toxicity
Author : System of a Down
Release Date : 20010904
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $12.98
Amazon.com Price : $7.99
(38
%)
VISIT AMAZON.COM'S PAGE |
Editorial Reviews :
System of a Down's sophomore effort is a musically and lyrically ambitious 14-song collection that's even more left-of-center and powerful than their 1998 self-titled debut. Here the Los Angeles-bred foursome tackle everything from government ('Prison Song') to cocaine-crazed groupies ('Psycho') in a more pointed and aggressive manner than Rage Against the Machine. Serj Tankian's hardcore vocals and occasional Middle Eastern flourishes ('Science') contribute to the unique, ultra-intense, and quirky qualities of System circa 2001. Unexpected time changes and death-metal-like intensity give way to mellower moments, all of which make for demanding but irresistible listening. Toxicity is a masterful, unusual, and forceful opus. This release includes a bonus CD-ROM that includes behind-the-scenes footage, band commentary, and concert clips.
Buyer Reviews :
Well, not sure if I'm gonna be the first reviewer... but in any case, here's my review:
Of course in light of all the recent good/notorious news about this Armenian LA-based genius band (including the *famous* free concert in Hollywood this September), I believe the fame of System of a Down is now spread pretty much all across the country. Their first self-titled album has grown a huge fanbase in California, especially among the large Armenian community. No wonder that all the songs from their highly-anticipated 'Toxicity' sieved through the Internet way before the release date.
Not only I perceive 'Toxicity' as a big step forward for System, but also also an incredibly strong statement in today's rock music. SOAD is boldly diverse, rich and deep. Their lyrics are politically-oriented and poignant which truly makes them new 'Rage Against the Machine', they are aggressive and powerful, yet that does not keep them away from producing remarkable melodic tunes. Their rhythm can change many times within a song ranging from a roaring speed, then suddenly turning into a marvellous slow melody. One definite plus of SOAD is their cultural heritage. A lot of times you can hear Armenian musical influence, which drives to its apex on the album's closing instrumental track 'Arto' (a prayer for the dead), where the band uses Armenian duduk and hums the melody.
For those who still ponder on whether to buy or not to buy, let me make this clear: System of a Down is not a band, it's a huge historical event that was bound to happen sooner or later. I can't remember being so fascinated by music as I am by these guys. 'Toxicity' is a masterpiece. Among the recent primited headbanger bands, they remain one of the very few who can produce such a masterpiece. Buy this album, you won't be disappointed!
Here's a short breakdown song by song:
1. Prison Song - as far as I know this is one of their early works and the most politically-poignant. Written by D.Malakian, the song is about... you guessed it, about American prison system. This song should become a darling of their upcoming concert tours.
2. Needles - another poignant track, this time about drugs
3. Deer Dance - ooooohhhh, this one just blows me away! Once again, bold politically-oriented lyrics about riots and invisible police.
4. Jet pilot - ever had a ride with the speed of light? An incredibly fast and aggressive music. reminds slightly of the early Slayer style
5. X - Another fast song starting with Malakian's guitar riffs flowing into sabbath-like bass and scary roars saying a very disturbing statement 'We don't need to multiply - Show your people how we die'.
6. And here comes Chop Suey - the single made available to the public on their website... Words cannot describe the beauty of this song. A definite masterpiece. Oh, also make sure to catch the video of this song - the first video off 'Toxicity' shot in Hollywood with armenian flag waving in the background.
7. Bounce - sounds more like a crafty theatrical performance than a heavy metal song. That's exactly what I meant when I was talking about the main theme and rhythm changing within their songs. The song's duration is less than 2 minutes, and they *bounce* the rhythm so many times... Highlights Tankian's amazing singing abilities.
8. Forest - walk with me a little while and make the forest turn to wine. Amongst all the insignificant lyrics by other bands a la 'let the bodies hit the floor', this is a breath of fresh air. And the music is impeccable. Again, they don't sound like anything else, this is something unique. The rhythm and chorus on this song is also great.
9. ATWA - remember 'Spiders'? This song is from the same apartment block. Serj Tankian keeps shocking with his voice. Starting off slowly and quietly, the song suddenly gets an adrenaline rush and goes into an aggressive tone with Tankian roaring repeats 'You don't care about how I feel - I don't feel herrrr anymor back
What people search:
|
|
