Customer Reviews

System of a Down

5 star:		(355)
4 star:		(67)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(19)

 

 

I really don't understand why this band is labeled as numetal. Having listened to this CD, I can safely say that there is nothing on here that even vaguely resembles numetal. There is no rapping, no turntabling, no simple 3-chord Korn riffs, and no indication that this album was made with any intention to get on MTV. What I'm hearing here (if I can describe it) is something much closer to progressive metal, and even death metal. System of a Down has much more in common with bands like Testament and Meshuggah than Korn and Limp Bizkit. In fact, Daron, the guitarist, doesn't even like numetal, so I doubt he appreciates being lumped in that category.

As a person who never really got the whole numetal/rapmetal thing, and would rather listen to just about anything else, I always avoided this album, because I didn't expect it to be "my thing". But, since I try to keep an open mind, I decided to borrow this album (and "Toxicity") from a friend, and just see if I liked it. Wow, good move. I am VERY impressed! This album is nearly perfect in every way. Very heavy, very melodic, and very technical. Daron is far superior to any numetal guitarist, churning out wild time changes, thunderous riffs, and even some solos. John Dolmayan is a very talented drummer, who can do way more than just pound absent-mindedly at his kit, like say, John Otto. He does very complex beats, and some pretty impressive fills. The bass player is nothing special. His basslines are audible, but not very technical. Then there's Serj. The madman behind this masterpiece (there, I said it, I used it the "m" word). Probably one of the most talented and bizarre vocalists there is. He has an amazing voice, and frightening range. He can go effortlessly from high-pitched squeals, to softer vocals, to death-like growling, and makes it seem easy. The lyrics? Well, I don't know. Decide for yourself.

It's really a shame that most will only know this album by the single, "Sugar". In my opinion, that song is extremely overrated, and easily the worst song on the album. In fact, it's the only song on here that I dislike at all. Not that it's bad, it's just significantly weaker than the rest. If I had to pick favorites, I'd go with "Suite Pee", "War", "Mind, "PLUCK", and the haunting "Spiders", but every song is amazing in its own way.

If you have reservations about numetal, and because of it have not gotten this album, just forget that, because I gurantee you'd be hard-pressed to find anything even vaguely "numetal" about this album at all. Anyone who has an appreciation for good music, and can keep an open mind will enjoy this. Haven't listened to all of "Toxicity" yet, but something tells me it won't come within miles of this. In fact, I doubt they could ever make another album like this. Don't ask questions, just buy this now! I also recommend "Chaosphere", by Meshuggah, if you liked this.

System of a Down lands at the forefront of the "new metal" movement with their self-titled debut album. I first heard of these guys when Snot brought them up to Santa Barbara to play a show with Manhole (now Tura Satana). Serj and the boys rocked the crowd hard, and left an indelible impression in my mind. Whenever I saw a mention of System in the press, I would remember that show as one of the most impressive I'd seen.

The album is musically tight as a lock. Musically System mix it up from metal riffs to Rage Against The Machine-esque guitar squeals; the songs race along at breakneck speed and then slow to a stop with no warning. "War?" is the album's anthem, a denunciation of the hypocrisy and greed that fuels all war efforts in our time. Other standout tracks are "Darts", "Mind", "Soil", and "Know." System may not be as MTV-friendly as Limp Bizkit or as hardcore as Pantera, but somehow they manage to walk a finer and truer line. Their politics are spoken from the heart, and their music is crushing, melodic, compelling and rocking all at the same time.

System of a Down is one of the most influencial bands in today's metal scene. After the rap metal explosion, they were a major force in bringing metal back to its real form. Songs like Suite-Pee, Soil, and War? show the naturaly heavy side of System, while Suggestions, Peephole, and CUBErt show off their Eastern European flavor. Serj proves himself a great vocalist in Know, DDevil, and Darts, sounding like a cartoon character. The best songs are Spiders, Mind, and Politically Lying, Unholy, Cowadly Killers because they have the ability to take on their own life, and end up emotionally moving you. The only song on here that isn't above and beyond anything else in hardcore metal today is Sugar.

Overall, this CD is excellent. If the thought ever crosses your mind to get a Korn CD, get this one instead. It's well worth it. If you liked this, I recommend Violence by Nothingface, Boy Hits Car's self titled, and the Dracula 2000 soundtrack, which has the rare cut "Metro" on it.

ok, kmez, dont bother insulting me here, thats reserved for toxicity. so shut up and go watch your DBZ while i review this.

Suite-Pea: 9/10 Tight intro, it kind of bashes Christianity though, but i dont care, cause im Jewish :P i think they were just screwing around with this one.

Know: 7/10 i really like the drums, but that's the only thing that stands out. unintelligable lyrics.

Sugar: 10/10 THE KOMBUCHA MUSHROOM PEOPLE! lol, as many other people has said, this song is totally unpredictable on the first listen, and it kinda grabs you into it in an inconspicuous kind of way. i really love this track.

Suggestions: 8/10 its ok. the high voice serj makes at the end cracks me and my buds up. something about ships attacking the coast O_o

Spiders: 9/10 Ah yes, the big, single-type song. i think that this is serj's most melodic vocal performance, with long note holdings and a beautiful solo in the middle.

Ddevil: 8/10 Too short to be a ten, very catchy though. Strong refrigerators?

Soil: 20/10 A heartfelt song about a friend who fell victim to suicide, with amazing lyrics and my favorite guitar solo fo all time. i'd give this album 5 stars just for this song.
My favorite on the album.

War?: 9/10 About the crusades, and how pointless war over religion is. I agree.

Mind: 15/10 My second favorite. It has an addictive stop-start layout, and its six minutes long. this is pretty sweet...mutually mentally molested. lol.

Peephole: 8/10 This is a heavy, circus-oriented song about how some people have a major dependance on drugs, and how bad it is for them.

CUBErt: 10/10 This is the only short song that i like on this album, about video games?

Darts: 9/10 Strange, strange, strange. The change of pitch makes for a funny song.

P.L.U.C.K.: 10/10 About the Armenian genocide by the Turks. the guitars are catchy, the drums are pimpin, and serj is...well, serj. thats the only way i can describe how his vocals are in this song.

125/130 overall....is an A! i'd say this is the best SOAD album, nice, raw, and downright amazing. thank you for reading!

This is one of the most creative and motivated group of musicians i've seen in a long time. Where to begin? First off i'd say that words like "Mad Scientist" or maybe "Sonic Wizard" come to mind when describing Serj Tankian [vocals] when it comes to writing lyrics, and apparently trained fluently in opera. He wrote and sings almost all the lyrics on this album, which i prefer. Even though i think Daron Malakian [guitar & vocals] does great backup vocals, haha. Oh, I mean the hilariously obnoxious blood curdeling screams that can be heard from time to time, which is something i miss from there latest releases. John Dolmayan [drums] holds down a great rythme section while Shavo Odadjian [bass] keeps it simple. You can also occasionally hear Middle Eastern influences throughout the record, you hear this more often on later albums. Anyway, there is an ENORMOUS amount of memorable content on this record. Every song on this record is a keeper and i'd strongly advise this album for anyone who likes alternative metal or progressive rock. On a side note, Rick Rubin is probably my favorite producer.

From the headline of my review you would think that my thoughts would be negative toward this cd. HA! That, my friends is FAR from the truth. Simply put, this cd kicks. Every thing from its politically orientated lyrics to its incredibly addicitive guitar sounds, this cd is just plain sweet. But not just any kind of sweetness, I mean "sugar" sweet(I am sorry but the joke had to be done)!

I have had this cd for over three months and I still listen to it on a rotational basis(in between Tool, PowerMan, and Metallica). If you don't believe Serj's views, fine, but shrugg them off and say that he is some deranged pyscho! You can still enjoy this cd without having to aggree with the lyrics.

While other people may not understand why you like this cd, just tell them that its their problem. This is a truely great band and I hope to see them suceed in the future. Keep up the good work!

"Now let's see, when is the next time they are going to be in the chicago area. must have tickets(*drools like mindless zombie*)..."

This CD is, without a doubt in my mind, one of the BEST hard rock albums I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. That said, people who are new to System of a Down's style should start by listening to Toxicity, to get you comfortable with SOAD's unique sound. This CD is what got me into a REAL System of a Down fan. 'System of a Down' blows ALL its successors out of the freakin' water. SOAD's old stuff far surpasses its newer stuff. Its flawless, from the lead singer Serj Tankian's amazing, amazing, AMAZING vocal range to guitarist Daron Malakian's rough, heavy, incredible guitar solos. This is like something you've never heard before. You can't really put SOAD in a genre.. they're just SOAD. They confront an array of problems in their music; From religon, to sex, to drugs, to suicide, to humor, System incorperates almost everything into their music, and you can tell from this album that these four men make music for the benifits of making music, not to get on MTV or sell a billion albums or any of that. Their fame is well deserved and earned. Because they are on the radio does not lessen their talent. So, go out and buy all of their albums.

When i first heard System of a Down i was blown away by their unique sound, heavy riffs and Serj Tankian's amazing singing voice, where he ranges from epic wails of emotion to quick maniacal singing to ear throbbing screams in one breath. The music features complex arrangements, and the trio of Shavo Odajin (bass), Daron Malakian (Guitars) and John Dalmayan (drums)are incredibly tight and focused and the added use of programming creates another element of surprise to one of metals most original sounding bands.

The first track Suite-pee is excellent as is Know, Sugar, War?, Peephole and Cubert but the tracks that stand out the most on this brilliant album are the explosive Soil (with awesome guitar solo), the beautiful ballad Spiders and the political album closer P.L.U.C.K. Also pick up Loud Rocks, Strait-Up and Nativity in Black 2 which feature more madness from this awesome quartet.

System Of A Down's major label debut consists of 13 heavy, bizarre, layered and aggressive songs for you to behold. They are very talented musician and people as well.

Serj Tankian is a wild and crazy vocalist with disapproving views of society around him. He can has a melodic voice (See "Spiders"), a rather irritating high-pitched scream, and a few others. Sometimes you even forget that he is even on the vocals when you hear another voice. The vocals here are less emotional here than on "Toxcity" and decidedly not as good.

Daron Malakian is an amazing guitarist. Although his guitar-work here is much more load and distorted, it's not quite as heavy as on "Toxcity". He goes slower here. Nonetheless, he does some damn amazing things with his guitar (check out that sound in the beginning of "Suite Pee" or the other one in the beginning of "War"). Very technical. Plus, he does some back-up vocals (though not nearly as many as on "Toxcity") that have a whiny tone.

Shavo Odadjian is an average bassist. Not one of my favorites, however he is heard slightly better and more often than on "Toxcity".

John Dolmayan is a great drummer but he doesn't standout all the time. He doesn't use double bass drums too much either (not that it's a bad thing).

The album overall is great. It's heavy, complex, and at times thought provoking. "Mind" is great 6-minute-plus song beginning slow with sort of a jazzy-porno-movie-feel. Then it turns into a brainwashing assault of repetition and explosive riffs. There are many time-changes that jolt you back-and-forth. At one point, Daron's guitar gets up to Slayer-esque speed with would be superb for driving music. Then after the explosion is over, the noise dies down to a piece of music that sounds similar to that of the sound inside your head once you've survived a nuclear holocaust looking out at the rubble and orange clouds. It's quite a haunting song and a certain standout. It's their longest song to date.

Another good one would have to be "Soil". A more serious track dealing with a forced suicide of a friend (I'm just guessing, but judging by the "Evil lives in the skin" part, I'd say it means that a voice inside the person's head told him to blow out his brains). The guitars (though heavy) are pretty melodic sounding. A solo wouldn't work to well in this case, yet Daron manages to pull one off. I know it's kinda obvious, but you don't hear that many guitar-solos these days. The song ends in a fashion where they knock you out. Listen to understand that power and intensity.

"Sugar" is a knockout song if you haven't heard it so much on MTV. I didn't, so it's completely awesome. The lyrics don't seem to rhyme and they are pretty weird and kinda offensive. It's pretty much the reason why this album got noticed at all I guess.

Songs like "Ddevil" "Darts" and "CUBErt" are short explosions of aggression and little gems.

There are a few problems. The guitars are so loud and distorted that it can really pierce your ears at times. The production isn't top-notch; in fact it's a little sloppy. Finally, P.L.U.C.K. (Politically Lying Unholy Cowardly Killers) ends a little abruptly leaving you disappointed (at least that's what I think).

Great album, not quite as good as "Toxcity", but somehow more ambitious. If you liker this, try Slipknot, Slayer, and Meshuggha (pretty much what this band is: CRAZY!).

Standouts: "Know" "Sugar" "Suggestions" "Spiders" "Ddevil" "Soil""War" "Mind" "Peephole".

Hailing originally from Armenia, System Of A Down have divided rock fans, with some dismissing them as weird for the sake of weird, and too left-wing. To many others, myself included, they represent a breath fo fresh air.

Their rhythm styles have never before heard in rock, with exotic vocals and the most amazing mood changes out of nowhere, and some killer solos (the one thing Toxicity lacks). Relatively weak choice of singles is the only reason this album didn't hit the big time in my view. War?, Know and Peephole would've been better.

So much is contained within this album that only a track-by-track analysis will suffice:

Suite-Pee: 9/10 Excellent opener, the highlighr of this track is the final part, with a thundering vocal ending backed up by intense drums comes seemingly out of nowhere, typical of teh tempo changes throughout the album

Know: 9/10 Eerily similar bridge to Incubus' New Skin, very loud verse vocals, and again finishes with its best section. Can be harrowing in the right mood

Sugar: 7/10 Strange chocie of single. Doen't strike me as a highpoint, the actual shouts of 'Sugar!' drag it down a little for me. A shame, as the guitar is pounding and the lyrics witty

Suggestions: 7/10 I refuse to beleive that the fast vocal bit enar the ned was achieved naturally. Interesting song otherwise, with a nicely strummed intro.

Spiders: 8/10 The album's 'signature ballad' of sorts. Not as intense as most tracks, but effective

Ddevil: 7/10 Shortest track thus far, with some unusual lyrics, including the classic "stupid people do stupid things, smart people outsmart each other". Fast tune that reaches an awesome crescendo

Soil: 9/10 Perhaps the clsoest to conventional metal, with a thruly intense finale. An ode to a deceased friend

War?: 10/10 Incredible track taking in more twists in 3 mintues than some bands manage in 10, with a shuffling effect that sounds like it was produced on a Commodore 64, a thudnering guitar riff, a roaring chorus, powerful lyrics exposing the hypocrisy of religious warface, and a great bit with chanting backgrounds and a repeated "of war, we don't speak anymore" refrain, before leading into an angry, venemous, pounding finish. Maybe their best song ever.

Mind: 7/10 The last track to grow on me, its something of an adventure, with the odd moment of genius. The first 2 minutes sound ridiculous, but Serj's whispering vocal almost carries it off.

Peephole: 10/10 The best demonstration of the rapid change in vocal delivery, backed up by some lovely mood changes and pounding riffs.

CubeRT: 7/10 Perhaps another nod to retro videogames, driving meaning form this isn't easy, but the tune kinda makes up for it.

Darts: 6/10 Strikes me as something of a filler, with similar vocals to Suggestions, similar music to Ddevil, and little variety. Perhaps the only heavy-for-the-sake-of-it cut. Better than anything Limp Bizkit can come up with though.

Peephole: 9/10 The most personal lyrics the band have given us, dealing with the atrocity their people faced in 1915. Contrasts nciely in mood, and a great way to round things off.