Who's behind the notes? Discover System of a Down: Pioneers of Alternative Metal
"Toxicity" is the second studio album by the American rock band System of a Down, released on September 4, 2001. Here are some interesting facts about the album and the band:
Chart-Topping Success: "Toxicity" was a commercial and critical success. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and has since been certified multi-platinum. It also received widespread acclaim from music critics.
Grammy Nominations: The album earned System of a Down two Grammy Award nominations in 2002. They were nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance for the title track "Toxicity" and for Best Metal Performance for "Chop Suey!"
Title Track Controversy: The title track, "Toxicity," was initially written as a poem by lead singer Serj Tankian. The song's lyrics touch on themes of environmentalism, politics, and the media. Its chorus, "eating seeds as a pastime activity," refers to pesticide exposure and its potential dangers.
Unconventional Music Videos: The music videos for songs like "Chop Suey!" and "Aerials" were known for their eccentric and sometimes disturbing visuals. The band often used their videos as a platform to convey social and political messages.
Political Activism: System of a Down is known for their political activism, and this is reflected in their music. "Prison Song" from the album addresses the United States' high incarceration rate and the war on drugs. The band members are involved in various social and political causes, including recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Cultural and Ethnic Influences: The band's members have Armenian, Greek, and Lebanese roots, which influenced their music. They incorporated elements of Middle Eastern and Armenian music into their songs, giving their music a unique and diverse sound.
Versatility: "Toxicity" showcases System of a Down's musical versatility, with songs ranging from heavy metal and hard rock to more melodic and experimental tracks. This diversity contributed to the album's wide appeal.
Legacy: "Toxicity" remains one of the defining albums of the early 2000s and a classic in the alternative metal genre. It has a dedicated fan base and continues to be celebrated for its innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics.
Follow-Up Album Delay: After the success of "Toxicity," fans had to wait three years for System of a Down's next album, "Mezmerize," which was released in 2005. The delay was partly due to the band's extensive touring schedule and the complexity of their songwriting.
Band Members: System of a Down consists of four core members: Serj Tankian (vocals/keyboards), Daron Malakian (guitar/vocals), Shavo Odadjian (bass), and John Dolmayan (drums). Their distinctive blend of musical talents contributes to the band's unique sound.
"Toxicity" remains a landmark album in the alternative metal genre and a testament to System of a Down's ability to combine heavy music with meaningful and thought-provoking lyrics.