Reviews (page 2 of 8)
se me hace bn curioso que system fuera tan popular. una banda de inmigrantes e hijos de inmigrantes armenios. que hacían música pesada. excéntrica. explícitamente política. activos principalmente en los estados unidos de bush jr. su segundo disco salio cinco días antes del 9/11 y debutó en el primer lugar del Billboard 200. seguro hizo falta que se confabularan un montón de factores para conseguir eso, pero uno indispensable es un disco debut pasado de verga y este lo es. hay días que pienso que es su mejor disco. sin duda es el más pesado, antes de que explotaran más su lado melódico. y aún así no sé de donde sacan tanto hook, entre riffs, gritos y vocalizaciones peculiares del serj. qué discazo. qué bandota. qué cabrón debutar así de consolidados. y sobre todo, qué coraje que no alcancé boletos de los más baratos (o más bien de los menos caros) pa verlos chingadamadre
Hammer! Endlich wieder mal etwas hörbares!
Один из лучших рок-альбомов в истории музыки
All hits no misses. Nothing like it. These guys knew what they were doing from the start.
I don't even need to listen to this one, but don't mind if I do. I don't revisit this one as much these days (partly because my current streaming service only seems to have a censored version), but it's very special to me. "Know" is still one of my favorite System songs. "Spiders" has an awesome bass line. "Soil" is also up there with my favorites. "P.L.U.C.K." is powerful. And goddamn I love this album cover. Struck me when I first discovered it in my youth and it's stuck with me. One of my top album covers of all time. Maybe it doesn't quite reach the heights that some of their later work does, but it's heavy as hell and provides a whole lot of what System of a Down does so well. It's a joy to listen to.
When you hear something that sounds amazing and like nothing else you've heard before it is a rare treasure. Such a beautiful mash up of influences, absolutely outstanding. Because of this, this may be the only band lumped in with Nu-Metal that I truly love. Of all the exceptional music here, Spiders is a master's-level piece of art.
I love serj and Darren
Absolutely loved this album. So much fun listening to the music switch from goofy to beautiful to headbanging the whole time. My only qualms are one or two misses in the tracklist and a couple songs that I wish were longer (DDevil and CUBErt). Favorite Tracks: "Know", "Spiders", "Soil", "War?", "Darts" Least Favorite Track: "Mind" Low 5.
What an album. No whimsy, just darn good music. 9 systems out of 10 digital black
One of the most impressive debuts in rock / metal history. Taking influence from their predecessors and creating their own version in the genre that still stands today. No notes, a perfect album.
This album came out when I was in High School and I had so much anger. I loved it. I don't think I bought it, but I borrowed it from a friend and knew every lyric.
8# CA BANGERALHO DE ALBUM this i already heard a whole lot and i love it to the bones. never dove into the lyrics, i'll try to do that this time (not much of a lyric guy).
Young Tyler is happy 😊
System Of A Down, 'nough said
Grand fan de SOAD au secondaire, j'avais été les voir en show à leur tournée Mezmerize/Hypnotize. C'est un métal rafraîchissant par rapport au thrash metal. Par contre, ils se sont pas beaucoup réinventés avec le temps. J'écoute le premier album, Toxicity et Mezmerize/Hypnotize, et je trouve qu'ils utilisent les mêmes gimmicks souvent. Ecoute, si ça marche, tant mieux! Mais ça doit expliquer pourquoi ils font rien depuis 20 ans aussi...
I came to the System of a Down party a little late in the game. And I know why: they released this record around the time that Korn and Limp Bizkit were starting to wear out their welcome, and I’d just initially lumped this band with all the other my metal slop that was big at the time. Eventually, I started to check in with them a little bit after Toxicity, which really ought to have pointed me back to this record, but alas, this is the first time I’ve sat down with this one. I’ve missed out. The truth is, System of a Down really kind of does their own thing. It’s like polka metal that’s sorta terrifying and captivating at the same time. I can understand why this record would be a hard one to appreciate for a lot of folks: it’s unorthodox in a lot of respects (vocals, time signatures, instrumentation, etc), it’s abrasive, it’s aggressive, it’s uncomfortable at points. But damn, is it weirdly catchy. It’s also really dynamic and crazy interesting. It’s kind of hard for me not to love this record. 9.5/10
Revolutionary
System of a Down- enjoyed this one. The manic energy and playfulness of the contrast /“all over the place”-ness of it made it fun to listen to. I never had their albums but I was into it as a kid.
Equal parts awesome and ridiculous. Such an original and unique sound. Would love to see them live
Very good heavy metal. Very clean instrumental tacks and vocal tracks. Superb energy. Strong opening. Nice designs: you don’t get tired after just one song. They have designed some gaps between climaxes, so I can breathe and be prepared for a second wave. This is a five.
Holy hell. This was an amzing blend of melody and agressive playing — with a sense of songcraft and musicality throughout. Really cool. I may be overdoing it with a 5, but this was another case of hearing it for the first time and not being sure what else I could have expected. They fired on all cylinders.
Toxicity is better but this is pretty great
One of the best debuts of all time and a nu metal classic Tracks I've heard before: All Top 3: Know Spiders War? Bottom 3: DDevil Mind CUBErt
So good, game changer for metal
One of my favorite albums of all time
Like most, I prefer Toxicity, but goddamn if this isn't a stellar debut.
OUAIII ÇA JE KIFFE
God teir type shi. Will 100% be in my playlist
TAKING THE LIPITOR TAKING THE LIPITOR
system of a down 😍😍
A solid door-breach introduction to one of my favorite metal bands of all time. I love how they reinterpret traditional Armenian folk music with modern metal instrumentation. Every track is a political essay, and it doesn't pull punches for whoever Serj or Shavo are aiming for. Not as varied an album as Toxicity, but still an amazing example of early Nu Metal.
Très fort, Basile devrait écouter ça plutôt que sa techno de con ça me dérangerait moins qu’il garde son casque cet animal… Seul bémol les cris j’ai du mal même si c’était moins pire que d’autres albums
Love this album.
This makes Metallica look like the ABCs
One of my favorite albums of all time by one of my favorite bands of all time so I am a bit biased. 10/10
Dope
GOATed
Beautiful screams. 5/5
Fantastic. 5/5
Man, I forgot how good this was. I remember the first time I heard this I had a problem getting over Serj Tankian's goofy vocalisms, but like Billy Corgan's nasal singing and Geddy Lee's soprano, I got over it pretty quick. System of a Down is very much the only band that's still sort of relevant from the nu-metal era of the 90's. For me they took the Rage Against the Machine political fuel and ran with it in a whole other direction musically. I very much like that they took inspiration from Armenian traditional music and rhythms while combining that with modern instruments and modern (at the time) metal instrumentation. It makes for a really heavy yet technically distinct style without getting too far in to the progressive mindset of total instrumental self indulgence or the pure stylistic methods of regional/folk styles. Serj has constantly had interesting (and good!) things to say and the way he expressed himself in his lyrics is unlike any other singer of the era. Sure there are some really insane things he says that don't make any sense but in this album and, especially in later ones, he hits just as hard as Zach De La Rocha's very literal lyrics when he wants to. I had forgotten that I could listen to this all the way through without a desire to skip anything. Not even the circus tuba in Peephole made me want to skip it. Really great stuff.
Hated metal bands of the 90s but really appreciate them now. I think this album is chaotic and beautiful, loved it!
cinema
Maybe it was just because it was Monday but this HIT
If I die, inject this straight into my balls and I’ll come back to life.
the debut of famed heavy metal group system of a down, and already they come swinging with craziest, punchiest rock music you'll ever hear as soon as you press play. it's all over the place, bouncing off the walls, and yet it still has a solid structure to it. like many other metal album, system of a down top isn't afraid to get topical and political with their lyrics... the material hits even stronger with the cool, sometimes wacky instrumentals and especially serj tankian's vocals, which are so unbelievably bonkers, you wonder if he recorded it all wearing a straightjacket. these guys are undisputed kings of nu metal, and yet they break that mold when it comes to what's typically expected of the genre. it's a must hear i think!
Love me some SOAD, this was an easy listen.
This is unique for sure. I saw them at an Ozzfest in '06, they were pretty intense. There wasn't any one in the lineup I wanted to see that year, but my brother wanted to go. I made the right choice by going. I never really listened to these guys, by the time they came out I was more interested in a barstool and wasn't keeping up with new tunes. But anyway, this album is strong. They are really forging their own sound and this is some next level stuff, way above average.
Listened before (like 20 years ago), have always preferred Toxicity but I should not have because this one is really a magnificent record and deserves more listening
Loud and primal and exceptionally well done. Raw energy comes out of this concept album. A keeper.
When this came out, we had not heard anything like it. Absolutely stunning!
> The Beatles Yeah I said it
Heard before, still great.
I'm surprised it's not toxicity but I'm not complaining Will I listen to again: 100%
Love.
Hadn't listened to this album by SoAD yet, and I dont know why. This was awesome.
Perfection. Fast, frenetic, fabulous. A must have for any music library.
Greatest band
My taste is coming in hot for this one, but this is genuinely one of my favorite albums from one of my favorite bands. This being your band's first album is amazing, and such a new and fresh sound at the time was really what put them on the lights (talking about the nu metal scene). Just a fun listen everytime, and it only gets better with time. Not much to add, just my opinion and taste taking over. And it's not even their best album, imo.
I grew up listening to SOAD and still do to this day. Their blend of genres withing songs. Serjs voice. The messages in the songs still being relevant today. There is so much I could say but nothing negative in my mind. Some of it might be nostalgia but I could listen to this every day and never get tired.
Mój goat <3 Sama przyjemność ze słuchania. Serj to jeden z najlepszych wokalistów jakich znam, a instrumenty idealnie pasują. Imo System ma lepsze albumy, ale ten też jest świetny i definitywnie ma odrębny styl. Uwielbiam przerwy w Sugar, uwielbiam refren z Spiders, uwielbiam końcówkę z Soil. Tylko trochę brakuje wokalu Malakiana. Ale miło trafić na ten album zaraz po kupieniu biletów na ich koncert
Decidedly thrashier than some of their later outputs. Let's goooooo
Heavy. Dynamic. Manic. I like it. The only problem I have with this album is, it’s not Toxicity. That’s more creative and it has their biggest hits. I don’t have a favorite song. They’re all good.
I forgot how incredible this album is. So frenetic and angry, but the truth is no music like this had ever been made before and it signaled great things to come for the band. A truly innovative album and very worthy of inclusion on this list. 5.0/5.0: Iconic
doesnt get much better than serj and daron
My relationship with SOAD is odd because whenever I listen to them I fucking love it but I never think to put them on? Either way, this is so much fun and so heavy and so weird, big ol' 4.5*
WAKE UP
I was raised on and radicalised by System of a Down - a group of misfits with little in common but their shared heritage and the want to scream about the existential threat that faces their people. My initial thought was that this isn't the album that belongs on this list; Toxicity being the obvious choice. But this self titled record is truly lightning in a bottle. By the time it had been recorded and released System were the biggest band in the world, they just hadn't happened yet. Soil, War?, Mind and P.L.U.C.K are assaults on the listeners senses, calling them to action and for once it worked. There has been no better advertisement for the injustice of the Armenian race than System of a Down. And no band for a long time before or since SOAD have so brazenly thrown politics into global arenas and stadiums and been so warmly embraced. I was going to give this a 4, reserving the 5 for Toxicity (despite its absence on this list) but I can safely say this is a five star album, no quibble.
🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
Belter of an LP, straight bangers from start to finish. Some of the best nu metal you will ever hear.
It's so energetic, and there are practically no skips. 10/10
Original and fresh! It holds up with time.
LOVE THIS ALBUM. What Nu Metal is supposed to be: hard, loud, and purposeful
Standout Songs: Suite-Pee Sugar DDevil Soil CUBErt Darts P.L.U.C.K. An album I am very familiar with and one I love dearly. 40 minutes of in-your-face metal! System has always been one of my favourite bands, and to get to listen to the album that started it all was just such a treat.
имба.
Strap in, folks. This one's going to be looooong. Not the album, no. This album's a respectable 40 minutes. No, my review of System of a Down's 1998 self-titled debut is very likely going to be my longest yet. Yes, even longer than the 986-word-long Remain in Light review from earlier this past week. I've got a whole essay to write here for one simple reason. I've said it in a few reviews before, but System of a Down is and has been for some time my absolute favorite band. That's why this review is so long. This review is effectively just going to be me gushing about how much I love System of a Down, both the band and album. Now sure, System of a Down may have been one of the first bands I ever truly fell in love with, so them being my favorite could potentially be the result of bias and memories or something like that. I don't care though. I still think that they are one of the most creative and awesome bands in all of metal and possibly beyond that. All 5 of their albums are great, and self-titled is among their best, though I might as well address the 6x platinum elephant in the room right now. Yeah, Toxicity is better and should've absolutely been included over this album. Between its higher sales figures, more iconic singles, and generally better quality, Toxicity is clearly the better pick for a list like this, but I'll get to gushing about that album once I get to the user list. It is my favorite album of all time after all. For now, we get to go back to where it all started. I'll begin the praise with some more general things, as I tend to do. These are things that make me love the band at large. For one, I think all 4 members of SOAD are incredibly talented. Like, none of them are in the running for top 5 of what they do, even in the metal genre (with one exception), but I still think they all could be considered virtuosos in some capacity. As shitty as his politics are, I think John Dolmayan is severely underappreciated as a drummer. His playing is so tight and groovy that it really helps lay the perfect base for these songs. If you're looking for the band's perfect bass instead of their perfect base, look no further than Shavo Odadjian! In addition to having one of the greatest beards in all of metal, Shavo's basslines manage to be subdued and relatively simple, but they do wonders in this album especially to lay down the low-end of the music. I've always really loved Daron Malakian's guitar parts. He never plays too much, nor too little. It all comes down to the song in question. Whether he's shredding hard or playing a silly little note every so often, his unmistakable guitar tone allows the band to feel as heavy and thought-provoking yet also entertaining as it is. He also does good with backing vocals here. I've seen some people complain that his vocals are bad and too present in later albums, Mezmerize and Hypnotize in particular. I disagree, but I also kind of get it. Fortunately for those people, his backing vocals here are minimal, but always welcome. But if you want to talk vocals, we have to discuss the band's most iconic member and the one member that I think is genuinely in the running for "greatest metal _____ of all time," Serj Tankian. I love this man's vocals so much. I can hardly put into words just how impressive his vocal range is, especially during the time that System was actually making albums. Everything from the low guttural screams to the high-pitched screeches to the melodic singing just feels right here. He may genuinely be my favorite vocalist for any band ever. You put all 4 of these guys into the same band and you get an overall talent level that is immensely respectable. The instrumentation and vocals work so effortlessly together to produce some phenomenal songs. Oh yeah, and the actual songs are composed well. System of a Down has a very unique style to their music. I know it sounds kind of crazy to say this, but I genuinely don't think there is another band out there that sounds like them. The blending of the alternative metal core with influences from things like thrash metal, art rock, and Armenian folk music creates this eclectic sound that I absolutely adore. Of course, the sound doesn't work if the production sucks. Fortunately, Rick Rubin's production on this album is one of his better works. It is loud, sure, but it's also raw in a way that isn't really replicated on later albums. While I think I prefer the higher polish of albums like Toxicity, there's something undeniably cool about this album's production style. Like, I still think Toxicity's better myself, but if someone told me that self-titled was their personal favorite SOAD album, I'd get it. Good production. Before I talk about the individual songs, I want to discuss the writing for a bit. That's one of the things that makes SOAD such a special band for me. Some people complain about music and art being "too political" but I actually love when art gets political. SOAD is no exception. While not every song is political, many of the band's songs tackle hard-hitting topics like religion, drugs, and the mind, while also having more overtly political songs about things like the government, mass media, war, and genocide, the latter of which is obviously important due to the band's Armenian heritage. The lyricism is often ambiguous, but frequently meaningful and always interesting. I love it. Alright, it's finally time for the part where I say something that I like about every song on this album! The first song of the album and, by extension, System of a Down's entire discography, is "Suite-Pee." This song is such a great opener. The moment you hear that opening riff, you know you're in for something unlike anything you've ever heard before. I have this opening as my ringtone and it's awesome. The song really does a great job of capturing what makes SOAD so unique for a first-time listener. I love the drumming on "Know." The groove here is unreal. It's great. The album's most popular song is up next with "Sugar." I love this song so much. The writing doesn't make any sense, but it's still hype as hell. The ending especially just pumps me up like nothing else. This song is also what I mean by Daron's backing vocals always being welcome. Hearing him drop the song title is always great. "Suggestions" might have Serj's best vocal performance on the entire album. The highs he hits during the screams and that one funny part like 2 minutes into the song are so impressive. The song is cool as well. "Spiders" is such a mesmerizing song (oops, wrong album) and it absolutely deserves the popularity it has. Shavo's bass is the standout here. It's cool to know that SOAD can do slower more melodic songs like this, though I do think I actually prefer songs from later albums of this variety like Toxicity's "Aerials" and Mezmerize's "Lost in Hollywood." "Spiders" is still great though. Although I'd probably call it the album's weakest song, I still love "DDevil." SOAD albums tend to have a few silly short songs that are usually among the album's weaker tracks, but are still very welcome and enjoyable. This is one of them and I like it. The rhythms here are pretty fun and cool. "Soil" is probably the song with the clearest message and theme, but it's just as great as the more oblique songs. It's a captivating song about suicide and it captures those emotions so well. That scream near the end? Oh my god. Visceral is the best word I could use to describe it. Amazing. As great as the singles are, I think "War?" might actually be my favorite song on the album. The riffs, the themes, the vocals, the pacing. Fantastic. I especially love the buildup to the final chorus with those rising tones and vocal things in the background. It's spectacular. Admittedly, I wasn't the biggest fan of "Mind" early on in my time as a SOAD fan, but this song has really grown on me over time. The bass is so good here, and the atmosphere is pretty spooky. When it gets heavy though? That's when the song goes from good to great. The vocals are crazy here too. Sometimes I'll just be doing something and my mind will just think of the way Serj says "Free thinkers are dangerous" and I smile a bit. It's the longest song on the album and the length is warranted. "Peephole," or "System of a Clown" as I lovingly call it, is really fun. The song appears to be about drugs, and this song kind of feels like it. Also, you know me. I love hearing time signatures that aren't 4/4, so a 6/8 song is very welcome here. "CUBErt" is another one of the short silly songs but it's still pretty good. Serj does funny things with his voice and I love it. It's faster songs like this that make you really appreciate how tight Daron, Shavo, and John are with their playing. "Darts" is a quirky song with an even funnier vocal performance than the last song! I love the way he says "lovers." I just do. This song is pretty complex and I respect it for that. Again, the fact that this is one of the weaker songs is a sign of greatness for this band. Finally, we have "P.L.U.C.K." This song is about the Armenian Genocide and it's very good. The song, not the genocide. The drums here are just amazing. It's not my favorite song of theirs about the Armenian Genocide. I actually really love "Holy Mountains" from Hypnotize and think that it's the best song off of that album. "P.L.U.C.K." is still an outstanding closer for this wonderful album. Well, that's System of a Down self-titled! As stated earlier, this isn't even their best album! I actually like Toxicity and even Mezmerize more than this. However, this is still one of my favorite debut albums of all time. From the get-go, System of a Down had something special. They had writing that made you laugh and think seriously about the world at the same time. They had a producer willing to take a risk and make this band become a big deal despite being so "out-there." Most of all, they had really good music. I genuinely don't believe SOAD ever made a truly bad song, and their worst album is still like an 8/10 or something. I love System of a Down so much. I could say something about wanting them to make another album, but I think the discography they have now is pretty much perfect as is, and this was a great starting point. To nobody's surprise, I'm giving this album a 5/5.
This slaps hard. Chaotic and much more fun than I remember. 5/5
Geeat
I wish I could listen to this album for the first time again. SOAD is just stacked with talent. Amazing performances, lyrics and a welcome break from the usual English rock crap this list is saturated with. 5/5
One of the most important and legendary bands of all time. Outside of music too, just on general impact among people. Who could have possibly seen this coming, and eventually taking over the metal scene for a few years? Their mix of folk melodies in the metal sound is genius and works so well. SOAD is incredibly tight even on their debut which has a messier feel to it than their later albums (which all should have made the list btw). The whole band just gels together perfectly, creating music that is so good you can't help but be entranced by it. This is not a type of band I'd think to have radio hits with how heavy it is. And fuck can Serj really scream. I've heard "Sugar" a million times thank to my many years of playing Madden 10, and yet I have never gotten sick of it, not even once
This slaps.
An album that (along with a few other bands) defined a new genre of music. The Armenian side of their sound really adds a special layer too. One of the greats.
I'm sitting here with my fellow kombucha mushroom people and we're listening to this album for the i guess 1000th time. Love every second of it
Just incredible. How did music exist before this. I hope this was considered as a milestone, or like logical conclusion to everything that was happening at the time, because it truly is. Not even their best work but it’s undeniable how talented and perfect this band can be. Another case of how is it this album and not the second album, but I’ll allow it. Toxicity is required listening though. No one is touching Serj vocally in the scene and no one is even in the same room as him lyrically. All instrumentalists are firing on all cylinders, every song is as important as the last (except sugar is the most important).
Listening to System of a Down’s first album feels like getting yelled at by a conspiracy theorist in the best mosh pit of your life. It’s loud, weird, brilliant, and somehow makes complete nonsense sound like the truth. Serj’s voice goes from opera singer to possessed goblin in seconds, and the riffs slap so hard they might owe you an apology. It’s chaos with a PhD—political, hilarious, and heavy as hell. 10/10 would scream “Sugar!” in public again. ^chatgpt review This album fucks. I love how Serj is constantly fighting with the band to make them sound less metal with weird lyrics, but somehow makes them one of the heaviest bands of all time. easy 5/5
Five fingers for 5 stars. Ridiculous debut album by them. This is a band which anyone who listens to distorted guitars should know, and probably knows at least an album's worth of their songs already. I love whatever modes they're using on this bad boy. I love bands with wide ranging dynamics and SOAD is one of the best to ever do it.
Great album! I have been getting into System of a Down recently, and this is excellent.
SOAD is, in my opinion, a very underrated band. I think they got sucked into the nu metal/alt metal trend at the time, but they have intelligent, lyrics, technical riffs, and influences of music from around the world. I am more a fan of Toxicity, but what a debut! Personal enjoyment: 5/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5
i was six when this came out, but what must it've been like to hear system of a down for the very first time in 1998... buck wild. it starts out with some crazy guitar scales and then immediately hits you with the nu-metal wall of sound and scathing criticism of the catholic church. this is really the distilled formula of what makes SOAD great. though i gotta be honest here, this is my least favorite of their albums and one i never really got into... but it's still like a 4.5 for me. rounding up to do my part to convince robert dimery to add toxicity to a future version of the 1001 album list. favorites: suite-pee, know, sugar, spiders, soil, peephole
Het debuutfetisjisme van de snobs slaat weer toe. Want waarom dit obscure debuut wel uitkiezen, maar niet hun grote doorbraak Toxicity? Waar ze meer dan 12 miljoen stuks van verkochten. Met Chop Suey, waar ze bijna een grammy voor wisten te winnen (voor zover dat iets waard is overigens, maar dat is iets voor een andere rant). Hetzelfde gebeurde al bij Queens of the Stone Age. En nu weer. Je gaat toch ook niet het debuut van Michael Jackson wel opnemen in deze lijst en Thriller overslaan? Wat is dat voor waanzin? En ondertussen wel doodleuk 26x Nick Cave en 378x Neil Young in de lijst zetten? WOEST word je er van. En dan is het fijn dat System of a Down gewoon lekker aggressieve muziek maakt om een beetje te kalmeren. Het debuutalbum zou van mij normaliter 4 sterretjes krijgen, maar aangezien ik Toxicity niet apart 5 sterren kan geven, doe ik het hier maar. Als een soort waardering voor het hele nu-metal genre, dat vrij ondergewaardeerd wordt over het algemeen.
## System Of A Down – *System Of A Down* (1998): In-Depth Review **System Of A Down’s self-titled debut is a landmark in alternative metal, blending manic energy, political subversion, and a unique cultural voice. Below, we break down its lyrics, music, production, themes, influence, and provide a clear-eyed look at its strengths and weaknesses.** --- ### **Lyrics** The lyrics on *System Of A Down* are a whirlwind of surrealism, black comedy, and political dissent. Serj Tankian’s delivery oscillates between deranged rants and haunting melodies, often making the songs feel like the fever dreams of a madman, yet they’re oddly catchy and memorable[6][9]. While some tracks, like “War?” and “P.L.U.C.K.,” directly confront issues such as war profiteering and the Armenian genocide, much of the album’s writing leans into absurdist, fragmented narratives. “Sugar” is emblematic-its meaning is elusive, perhaps referencing drug-induced violence, but it’s the chaotic energy and memorable lines that stick with listeners[6]. The album’s refusal to spoon-feed a message is both a strength and a weakness. The lyrics often seem to oppose all institutions for the sake of it, creating a sense of rebellion that’s visceral but sometimes confusing. The overall effect is a sense of profound confusion that’s intentional and effective, but can alienate those seeking clarity or direct activism in their music[6]. --- ### **Music** Musically, the album is a frenetic blend of alternative metal, thrash, and experimental rock, with flashes of Middle Eastern folk and even polka[6][9]. The band’s signature is their unpredictability: songs lurch from blistering speed to eerie calm, from crushing riffs to circus-like waltzes (“Peephole”)[9]. Guitarist Daron Malakian’s riffs are fast, sharp, and inventive, steering clear of the nu-metal chugging that dominated the late ‘90s. Instead, the band opts for rapid tempo changes, odd time signatures, and jarring dynamic shifts. The rhythm section is tight, with John Dolmayan’s drumming providing both precision and chaos, while Shavo Odadjian’s bass work anchors the madness. The musical variety is impressive-“Spiders” offers a dark, slow-burning ballad; “DDevil” channels Detroit rock; “Peephole” veers into polka-waltz territory[6]. The album’s energy is relentless, but it’s punctuated by moments of melodic clarity and groove, making the chaos accessible and even danceable at times[9]. --- ### **Production** Produced by Rick Rubin, the album has a raw, unpolished sound that suits its anarchic spirit. The production is not as slick as on later releases like *Toxicity*, but this works in its favor, emphasizing the band’s live-wire energy and keeping the focus on performance over perfection[6]. The mix is fat and heavy, with each instrument clearly defined, but there’s a deliberate roughness that makes the record feel urgent and immediate[9]. This rawness may put off listeners accustomed to more polished productions, but it’s integral to the album’s character and impact. --- ### **Themes** Thematically, the album is a cocktail of anti-establishment rage, dark humor, and existential anxiety. While later SOAD albums would focus more directly on specific political and social issues, the debut is more abstract and confrontational. The overarching theme is opposition-to war, conformity, and any form of institutional control[6][9]. There are also undercurrents of Armenian identity and trauma, especially in “P.L.U.C.K.” (which stands for “Politically Lying, Unholy, Cowardly Killers”), a scathing indictment of genocide denial. However, much of the album’s impact comes from its refusal to be pinned down: it’s as much about the feeling of rebellion as any particular cause[8]. --- ### **Influence** *System Of A Down* was a breath of fresh air in a metal scene dominated by nu-metal and post-grunge. Its fearless experimentation and cultural specificity (drawing on Armenian heritage and folk influences) set it apart from contemporaries[8]. The album’s success paved the way for the band’s later, more polished and overtly political work, but it also influenced a generation of bands to embrace both musical and lyrical unpredictability. The band’s willingness to address the Armenian genocide in their music brought global awareness to an issue previously ignored in mainstream Western rock, demonstrating the power of metal as a vehicle for activism[8]. --- ### **Pros and Cons** | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Unique, unpredictable songwriting that blends genres | Lyrics can be confusing or impenetrable on first listen | | Raw, energetic performances from all members | Lack of technical complexity may disappoint some metal purists | | Memorable hooks and choruses despite the chaos | Raw production may sound unpolished to some | | Fearless political and cultural themes | The manic style may be “too crazy” for listeners seeking seriousness or clarity | | Groundbreaking influence on alternative/experimental metal | Less accessible than later SOAD albums like *Toxicity* | --- ### **Conclusion** *System Of A Down* is a debut that still feels dangerous and fresh nearly three decades later. It’s a record that thrives on contradiction: simple yet complex, funny yet furious, chaotic yet catchy. The band’s willingness to embrace madness and confusion, both musically and lyrically, is its greatest strength-and, for some, its biggest hurdle. For those willing to dive in, it’s a wild ride that rewards repeated listens with new layers of meaning and musical ingenuity.
9/10
I had only really heard Toxicity from SOAD before this and part of me was dreading this album. But so solid!! I really loved it. His vocals can be a little much sometimes but also keeps it interesting.
It's awesome. No explanation needed.
The heaviest of the System albums and also my introduction to them. I can still get goosebumps listening to Spiders. This and 80's power metal is what eventually led me to my love of melodic death metal (Amon Amarth, ect) which I still shamelessly listen to today.
I'm flabbergasted this is on the list. An album I frequented in my "edgy-middle-school-years" alongside Korn's "Follow the Leader" and other adjacent nu-metal. Of all those albums this may be the only one I've returned to. "Sugar" is just a fun song and "Spiders" still makes it on recent playlists. I remember when Toxicity came out thinking that SOTD sold out to be more approachable. I love this weird album, and I would say it's a guilty pleasure - but guilty pleasures are a cop out. Easy 5 star.
Still prefer toxicity, but self-titled is really great.
It's a little surprising that Toxicity isn't on the list instead, but their 1998 debut is a more than worthy entry. It's an amazingly accomplished and consistent debut, and certainly the most energetic, chaotic, surprising, and downright fun album in their discography. As the only SOAD album on this list, and as rare example of 90s nu-metal that's held up well, this gets rounded up from a 4.5 to a 5.
System of a Down are a one-of-a-kind band and a personal favorite. I love the bizarre theatricality of their style. I find myself laughing out loud a lot when I listen to them. But man, they've got power too. This album has brutal riffs, heavy metal guitar hero solos, and sweeping drama. I also appreciate the unflinching way they treat war, genocide, and the hypocrisy of religion in their lyrics. Serj Tankian often takes on the role of the villain in these songs -- the twisted preacher, the authoritarian government -- and paints a horrific, twisted character. The humor in his performances is fun and funny and engaging, but also gets at the absurdity of the violence. Mostly though, this album rocks. It pushed me extra hard during my workout this morning.
Amazing, great listen from start to finish
Luv it
Gear: Fostex TH610 Artwork: 🖐❗⬛ Production: 👊💥🔊 Music: 🏰👀🍮🤔🕷️👿🌿💣🤯🔍👀🏹🎯 Rating: ✊🖖🖕✌️🤘/5
This is totally a hot take, but I prefer SOAD's debut over Toxicity. Don't get me wrong, I think Toxicity is conceptually and lyrically superior... but this one is just so fun. Seriously, this is one of the most engaging album I've ever heard. Every song is amazing. It has a bunch of incredible riffs with the most perfect alt-metal guitar tone, and, despite being a metal fan, Serj Tankian is one of the very few extreme vocalists I actually like (not that I hate extreme vocals; they're just not for me—I tolerate them, but almost never prefer). I'll never grow tired of this album as it has almost no downtime. Every song is a constant onslaught of some of the most satisfying metal out there. 9/10
Have always meant to listen to SOD beyond chop suey, sad I waited. This is heavy and dense. Great lyrics, fun to listen to. Great snowboard tuning music. Went to toxicity after this which is a masterpiece
One of my all time favorites
Heard it a million times before, not even gonna pretend to be objective, SOAD might be the only band that I like every song of Weird choice of an album tho, this album is great, but Mezmerize is just greater 5/5. Both the rating and a heard before counter
Crazy how I consider this one of System’s ~weaker~ albums. Flawless discography, one of the greatest bands of all time, no true misses. This debut is no exception, combining potent political messaging with unique and ultra-technical musicianship, while always rocking harder than even the most brutal death metal groups. And yet, I’d still say this was the wrong choice over Toxicity and Mesmerize.
I didn't think I liked SOAD this much. Every song is different but it never loses its drive
So original, interesting, and heavy.
The late '90s metal scene was flooded with a lot of subpar releases, especially in the nu-metal wave. However, this album stands as a clear exception—40 minutes of pure, in-your-face aggressive rock. Absolutely love it.
YEAHHHHHHH LET'S GOOOOOOO KING SHIT RIGHT HERE YEAH YEAH YEAH
Geez, why does this site feel that whenever i get it 1 star album, it has to give me a 5 star one to make up for it. System Of A Down is a very amazing album which has everything i love about nu-metal. It is fast, it is chaotic, it is incredibly weird and yet the guitar riffs are amazing, the vocals work absolutely perfectly with the songs with them being incredibly weird yet adding to the album's immense charm and it also went at the perfect length by having plenty of time for the songs to sink in but still not being overly long. This album is easily a top tier one if i do say so myself. Best Song: Soil Worst Song: Peephole
A record that I'm listening to less than I used to but it was a formative one for me and for a very good reason. Energetic, loud, wacky... what else can I say, it's fucking SOAD.
Love these guys. Very strong album.
Fav song: Spiders Personally I prefer SOAD's more serious side. That being said basically every song on this album made me wanna throw my nan out of the window
Damn this is late. Good debut from SOAD! Lots of conflicting styles and Armenian influences, and a lot of humorous parts as well. Most of the songs use the clashing of styles well and try not to overindulge in it, with one noted exception (*ahem* Mind *ahem*). Overall, amazing album. Favorite songs: Suite-Pee, Know, Sugar, Spiders, Soil, War?, Peephiole, P.L.U.C.K Least favorite songs: Mind, CUBErt.
It's 1998, Napster hasn't happened yet, I have Kerrang! magazines are every issue is raving about this Armenian-American band called System of a Down, describing the sound as something I'd be in love with. I have no way of listening to this record because the 3 records stores in the country do not stock it and the hype is real. I get invited to a friend up to camp in Abruzzo in Italy, and I'm in the mountains besides a village abandoned 50 years prior to an earthquake with a bunch of strangers clamberring waterfalls and swimming in rivers - and that evening - a bunch of spotty 15 year olds get to talk about life and things under the clearest starry sky I had yet, and since, seen. Conversation turns to music and I discover that one other kid likes the same music I do and he has a copy of this album on CD and a discman - and I explain my predicament - and finally I get to hear it, once, twice, three times through - and it's as perfect as I thought, and yet, I still do not know how I can get ahold of this album. It takes another 3 months, when my sister, back from holiday in Austria buys it for me - and it holds up to the same hype, 27 years later. I love Toxicity and later albums for different reasons - but this was such an important record for me, and so difficult to obtain, and so original at the time that this is definitely my favourite record of the band. It still holds up today, and while the novelty wore off, the quality stays. 5/5.
Fire
Insane. Oh dear I love "Peephole", the polka elements and metal/core/whatever elements melt so well. And from that song, everything just gets better. 4.5/5.
10/10
Well holy moly, this brought some nostalgia with it. I remember first hearing SOAD in high school and thinking that they were nothing at all like anything I’d ever heard before. I remember hearing Spiders and Sugar from this album, and lots from other albums too. If you haven’t heard SOAD before, they are some kind of frantic metal music. Not to say they are high tempo speed metal (which they’re definitely not), but the styling often comes across as somewhat manic. And the guitar tones are somehow obviously their own too. This album is just banging from front to back.
Wow I'm surprised it actually holds up quite well
Great dound
I have a clear memories of trying to sell a buddy on this record back in the 90s by calling it carnival metal. It didn't matter to him, but I was ensorcelled. This record was a turning point in metal for me.
This classic album takes me back to my teenage years, vividly recalling the first time I heard Sugar. For a nu-metal record, it has aged remarkably well, showcasing a sound that still resonates today. Without a doubt, it stands as the band’s strongest and most enduring work.
Heavy metal for silly little goofballs (me)
This is everything You should expect form SOAD: fast-paced music and unique lyrics. Great album.
An absolute game changer for metal at large. This debut is not only important because of its commercial and artistic success (that would be even more impressive with sophomore LP *Toxicity*). It's important because it took the best of what the nu-metal formula had to offer (not much, some voices might snarl in the background) and peppered it with touches so personal and idiosyncratic that a lot of *good* metal acts took notes and understood it was how they could put some true soul into their music as well. And it took four Armenian-Americans from California, deeply inspired by the musical traditions of their community, to pull it off. Number of albums left to review: around a hundred, as I've went over the 1000 line and this generator is including albums from all editions of the book Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 433 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 256 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 316
Oh my goodness, such a fun album. Well, when I focus on the lyrics perhaps fun isn't the right descriptor, but it gets me going every time. I was originally thinking there was a bit to much screaming for full marks, but I enjoyed too much not give it a five.
This album is no f joke. Unique as it comes and incredibly high energy. I still remember the first time I saw them live in 1999.
Primer álbum de soad, una de las mejores bandas de los últimos tiempos.
Genius music! So many different parts within one song, Serjs memorable amazing voice and the mix between tension and relief makes the music gorgeous. Even though I can not listen to the whole album in one piece (because of my more calm mindset), I still love their music and it warps me back to my teenage years!
🎶 Yeah, It's right in my pocket 🎶
Hadn't listened to this one before, but I love their Toxicity album. Actually only got into it recently enough, as I enjoyed the singles at the time but never really dived into their albums. This was great though, not quite as good as Toxicity, but that doesn't seem to be in the book for some reason. Love the fusion of metal and middle eastern music, and Serj's many different singing styles are brilliant too.
brilliant debut album and anything from soad gets a 5 😂 Favorite track: sugar other picks: know, spiders, war
SOAD passed me by in the 1990s/2000s. Like this. Will seek out the rest of their back catalogue.
SOAD's debut album wasn't really the first one I have ever heard. I started listening to their music probably soon after Steal This Album, and that record, together with Toxicity, is what defines System of a Down for me. But after some time I could certainly appreciate the debut album more. It feels slightly less produced, more "garagey", just dirty, and probably closer to what Serf, Daron and the rest had on their mind when they started writing songs. Great music, will always look fondly at this band.
Where do you even begin with this album? Hearing it again reminded me why SOAD were pretty much the only metal group that survived my personal exorcism of the genre from my record collection when I started developing some brain cells. These guys were so utterly original, poignant, energetic and downright insane. Their sound isn't necessarily flashy - Daron Malakian's guitar work is like a freakish mixture of Tony Iommi's purposeful riffing with Robert Fripp, minus the latter's virtuosity - but every element makes something totally unique. The incorporation of Armenian folk rhythms and completely esoteric song structures just makes every song a whirlwind. But it remains accessible at the same time, there's no pretense here even if Serj Tankian is inclined to get on a soapbox from time to time - and with good reason, SOAD remain a totally righteous group that stands on the correct side of history. Absolutely LOVED rediscovering this again.
Ugh, I hate this. When did System of a Down become political? Stick to playing music, guys.
If Frank Zappa was an American-Armenian metal band. What's not to love?
What an album! System of a Down has always been kind of it's own thing. Yes it's nu metal, but it almost feels impossible to compare to others still. This fast, punchy, heavy, manic(?), frantic, silly sound they have going on is very special and recognizable. But other bits have a very large sound almost like a score, aaanndd then it goes back into something weird again like something that sounds like gypsy music. I love it, but I would understand if people find it a bit much and/or weird. On top of all this is some very critical lyrics that tackles big problems with society, government, or institutions - so that's also nice. Personally I would have chosen the "Toxicity" album, I feel like that had bigger cultural impact, but this is a good album too Standouts Sugar Spiders DDevil War? 5/5
****
It's maybe like a 4.5 but I'm just so happy to see this band on the list that it gets a 5. Suite-Pee rips so hard
Ball-busting ass-blasting energy. Unapologetically loud and in your face, this album captures angst and chaos in such a unique way. And yet it also manages to seamlessly carry weight and more somber depth as well. Such an incredible album for when you're just mad. Impossible to not head bang to
This might be my favorite metal album, period. What a fuckin' swing right out of the gate. The amount of creativity, talent and relevant messaging on display here is absolutely insane; not to mention the dynamics in the playing (a rarity in so much modern music). I don't know if I can say this about most other records, but if you don't like this one, you're wrong. I mean come on, everyone needs a mother... FUCKER
if what's going down in the brain could be displayed by albums instead of emotions like in the movie inside out, this would be one of the 5 albums that describe the states between which my brain is constantly jumping back and forth during my casual day this is the only way i can put my thoughts on this album into words
Listened to this one a lot back in the day, was certainly a throwback. Liked the production, and a how they would change tempos and styles throughout added a lot of interest to the tracks. 4.5/5 rounding up for nostalgia
Teringhard, eigenzinnig, op de juiste manier enorm boos en op sommige momenten catchy. Je kunt dit niet luisteren zonder af en toe een keer mee te stuiteren of heel vies te kijken. Arenaline by proxy. Zowel de gitaar, de drums als de bas klinken heerlijk. En dan hebben we ome Serj nog met die Armeense snik in z'n soms haast opera-achtige stem. Er zijn weinig zangers die zo heerlijk kunnen schakelen, soms middenin een zin of zelfs middenin een woord, tussen verdriet, boosheid en psychose. Neem op dit album bijvoorbeeld 'Suggestions' of 'Spiders'. Ik heb slechts 1 puntje van kritiek en dat is gericht aan de bedenkers van deze lijst: Toxicity was overduidelijk de beste keuze geweest voor deze lijst, met nummers als Chop Suey, Toxicity en Aerials. Dat album is veel beter als je mensen die SOAD nog niet kennen wil overtuigen van hun kwaliteiten. Vooral qua zang/harmonieën wordt op Toxicity de lat nog even wat hoger gelegd en laat de band zien dat ontzettend hard en ontzettend mooi hand in hand kunnen gaan. Dit self titled album is denk ik te choquerend. Voor mij komt dit self titled album denk ik op de 4e plaats, na Toxicity, Mesmerize en Steal This Album, maar voor Hypnotize. Maargoed. Ook dit is voor mij een dikke 5. System of a Down, geniaal. #dankbaar *biddende handjes emoji*
System of a Down were probably the first band that I ever really got into. I was maybe 11 or 12 years old when I discovered Toxicity and played the whole thing three or four times every single day for a whole year. I fell in love with the band. I would listen to their entire discography front to back nearly every single day, though I'd often skip their debut as I just didn't like it. As time progressed, I moved on to other artists and shaped my taste in music, and rarely returned to System. It was maybe one or two years ago when I listened to their debut for the first time in years, and it instantly struck me as so incredibly creative and unique. The complete rawness of everything was incredible. The sickeningly catchy riffs and the character of Serj Tankian's voice was just something that I couldn't find anywhere else, at least at the level of quality here. Out of every track here, the opener Suite-Pee is not only the best here, but their very greatest song. Just that opening riff is one of the greatest moments in all of music. I cannot really point out a song here that brings the album as a whole down. This is by far their greatest record and one that I cannot stop myself from coming back to every few weeks. One of the very most important albums to me.
Well I'm a little biased, SOAD is one of my favorite bands. It's chaotic and violent, but so intricate. And this is probably my least favorite of their albums, but still a banging good time
No notes
Classic
Excellent.
Cla$$ic
hooooooooly shit
This is the sound of bottled up frustration and disappointment in the government, being slowly poured out onto concrete.
Oh I did love this! Not heard this album specifically until now, and really enjoyed it! Musically brilliant, pointed in themes and... everything I loved Toxicity and Steal This Album for. :)
Good
Still amazing.
A great and influential nu metal release that combines thrash , punk and world music.
Perfect - and their next album is even better!
Alternative metal. I'm a huge huge fan of SoaD, especially their early stuff. The self titled album is so unique in it's playful and energetic sound. Crazy rhythmic, each song is catchy in its own way. Drums and guitar are always amazing, with bass holding it all together. Not to mention Serj's and Daron's insane vocal ranges. From weird shrills and high pitched screams, to the lowest of growls, with a huge range of clean vocals in between. Lyrics are either absurd or full clear political thoughts, seemingly switching from one to the other at the drop of a dime. This album really has nothing I don't like. My one complaint I guess is that it drags juuuust a bit right at the end with the last two or three songs. It's ok though because these songs are still amazing, just maybe not placed well within the album. Overall fantastic album, not really much to complain about. Just so much fun. Duh I'll revisit. 5/5
Not my choice of SOAD album to go on here (Seriously? No Toxicity or Mezmerize?), but still a VERY solid outing from the band. Love this album.
Got me right in the middle school. Nostalgia 5
So rarely are my middle school tastes in music vindicated.
10/10
I'd forgotten how good this album is. I go back to Toxicity a lot more frequently than this. I should remember to go back to this more often.
Love.
Late 1998. I was becoming jaded amid a sea of toothless music like Brit pop, pop punk, etc that was huge at the time. Then I was introduced to this album. What a revelation. Weird, heavy, melodic. Drops and breakdowns. I hadn't heard anything quite like it before. It wasn't until Toxicity that they really hit their stride, but this album alone had enough influence on the metal of today to be worthy of this list.
not quite the majesty of toxicity but a great album and as far as a debut goes is pretty hard to beat
One of my all time favs
Fav
An album that completely changed the genre forever. Even better live. Sugar.
I've considered myself a System of a Down fan for quite some time now, but I have then realization every now and then that the only two albums by them I've properly listened to are Hypnotize and Mesmerize, which I know aren't exactly the two big ones. Luckily today I can finally change that by listening to their debut, and quite a debut it is! I'm normally more down for their more out there stuff found on the later records, instead of this heavier, nu-metal influenced sound, and I'll also say I'm missing Daron Malakian's voice, but otherwise this album makes up for all of that by just being an incredible metal album. Every note feels purposeful, rather than just being technical noise with no melodic qualities, and the more the album went on the more I found myself absolutely enveloping into the rawness of each yell and silly little scream produced here. Its powerful, while still having a lot to say, and while the album is perhaps not as memorable as those hit tracks as their career goes on, in the moment of this record playing I don't care, as it is just so gut punch-y. It never annoys, it never is a bore, and its pure, avant-garde, bliss, in the heaviest of ways.
One of the most bizarre and fun metal bands to ever do it. I've learnt that Toxicity isn't on this list, which is insane, but this is not too far from the quality of that album. It's all over the place, heavy and silly in equal parts, with some of the wildest vocals you'll ever hear. Rare to find a band that is truly unique in every sense of the word, but here they are.
So happy to see SOAD make this list, wasn't expecting it. As a young lad who'd started listening to pop punk about 6 months before, System were a revelation for me, cheers to Wallys brother for the recommendation. Took Davei a little bit longer to get into them, he thought we were turning into goths for a bit, good times. SOAD are unique, no one else really sounds like them, even today. Serj's voice is so strong, they can hit so hard but also be really weird and strange. This album is a bit less polished than the others but it's got loads of classics. Went to see them in Manchester when we were 16/17, furthest we'd travelled for a gig back then and I can still remember how good it was. Love em, love this album.
How is it I've never listened to this album because I love Toxicity. So many great tracks especially if you're feeling angry/angsty. Will definitely listen again. Highlights: Know Sugar War? Peephole
One of the best live performances I've seen. Think it was Leeds 2003. Not sure I was particularly a big fan before I saw them either. One of the very few bands that can give me goosebumps, not sure why, but must be a good sign. This album is great, reminds me of being a teenager. Actually remember trying to play sugar on bass in a "band" with my mates. Probably about the time I realised I can't play bass.... Or guitar. My only small criticism would be that it strays into I am a teenager and I'm angry type tropes occasionally, but it was released when I was a teenager so it gets a pass. Anyway, loads of great tracks here: Suite pea Know Sugar Suggestions Spiders War I listened to toxicity last week after hearing that it wasn't on this list. Another great album. Easy 5, glad to hear it again after what must have been many years
Prettyyyy sick. Glad I only know four adjectives, it makes reviewing things so fun and sick.
That was amazing I’ve really fell in love with suggestions especially 5/5
One of my all time favorites
What a crazy sonic EXPLOSION from start to finish! I'm not sure if they have plans to do more or not, but I love how they came in and did something insanely innovative and downright good, while not forcefully tying to relive their initial fame. Something like this can easily become gimmicky and they managed to tastefully not overstay their welcome. Loved this reminder of cool System Of A Down is!
I never gave them the appreciation they deserved
SOAD!!
Slaps front to back
no notes
I got to SOAD a bit late. But oh boy, when I got to them…! It wasn’t even indifferent to me, I actually disliked them. Then a few years later, I drove 600km just to see them. Funny how time is and how it can change so much. Anyway, this is an unbelievable debut album, explosive and frantic. It’s very challenging and rare to be able to create something that’s never been done before and, wether you like them or not, I believe SOAD are one of the few bands that can be proud of that. [0083/1001]
Yes, love it.
Legendary album. Absolutely fantastic.
I had an out of body experience the other day, her name was Spotify. THE KOMBUCHA MUSHROOM PEOPLE SITTING AROUND ALL DAY!
Spiders is an incredible song, I remember when I listened to this album for the first time while stationed in South Korea. 5 stars
Probably my favorite soad album
Yep, this album is an excellent choice for this list since it represents the beginnings of modern mainstream metal. The lyrics are a bit abstract, but it sure sounds cool as hell.
I love these guys and I'm 70 years old. Not a bad song on here. These guys are incredibly creative and the musicianship is impeccable.
It's always nice when an album comes up that I have in my collection and can avoid having to play on Spotify with adverts. This is probably my least favourite System of a Down album and by far the one I've listened to the least. It's still a strong 5 star album though. Spiders alone is enough to propel this to 5 stars, Peephole is the icing on the cake.
I loved this record when it hit in '98. It's so raw and sloppy while holding togeather perfectly. Their later albums never gave me the same feeling. But this one is a certified banger. My favorite track on here is Peephole. It's just so outlandish and weird. I love every second of it.
Banger
Amazing.
Favourite tracks: sugar; spiders
Hey, it's not Mesmerize or Toxicity, but it's still f@cking great! So intense, so weird, so unique! They deserve more than just one album in this list, that's for sure.
When we talk about a band that comes with a brand new sound and destroys everything in its path... System of a Down and their first album comes in my mind automatically. It's pure insane musical violence doubled with sarcasm, political and social criticism, chaos and anger. I'm also a fan of the dark and weird moments found on this album. I don't know if I would have put this one out for the 1001 challenge, but SOAD deserves their place here 100%.
Not ashamed
Probably the most musical album of the Nü-Metal era. I have a lot of fond memories of this music.
Brilliant. Magic Bus so good
No buenoooo! Que gozadera que la primera canción sea esta, no la conocía pero dioh mioh! Esta debería ser su canción más top. (Suite-pee). Omg, ahora entiendo por que Sugar empieza así, solo tiene perfecto sentido si la escuchas con el orden del disco. Ame todo. Genial disco. Me hizo recordar mis epocas de metalers.
The band that made me pick up the drums! System Of A Down is ferocious, creative, hard hitting and just a tad psychedelic at times. They were one of the best leading alternative metal bands in the 90’s and 00’s And this record really piqued my interest in music. Vocalist Serj is obviously, crazy talented, but Daron and John are equally contributing to the core sound, while Shavo eases through the creaks. Legendary band! 9,5 out of 10
🔥🔥🔥
Highschool? Highschool. Let the Head-banging commence. Just at the right intersection of noise and music. So hard, but still musical.
This album kicks a lot of ass. A really great debut. There's no other band that sounds like them or gets their messages across in such a unique and meaningful way. Some of their best songs are on here so it's worth going back to after everyone got into Toxicity. All their albums are fantastic so it's a shame this is the only one on this list. Really surprised Toxicity isn't on here. But this one still goes insane-o style, there's no bad tracks. Score: 90 Art: 90 Iconic anti-fascist imagery
Now we are talking!!!!
Even though the album Toxicity is my favorite from System of a Down I was delighted to see their first album appear as todays album. It's a 5/5 for me as SoaD is so unique and there's few bands like it. They're frantic and angry with a strong political message. Their songs have great variation and not just between the songs but within them as well. They always keep you on your toes and you don't know what to expect next. The mix between clean singing and screaming/growling expertly conveys the message and emotions. This is a great entry for anyone interested in System of a Down and their entire discography is amazing.
I'm being targeted, aren't I? This album is my youth, I don't think I can objectively say anything about the album just because it's so ingrained. It's pure energy, pure epicness. Such an amazing debut album. Side note - Rick Rubin producing. If that doesn't bode well I have no idea what does.
Driving music par excellence
I'm biased. This is one of my favourite debut albums ever. And to think there was better SOAD albums to follow
I bought a gun the other day, it’s cute, real small, fits right in my pocket…
Surely there aren't many metal bands out there that are as creative and unique as System Of A Down. Hilarious, sad, terrifying, this album had it all it seemed. A real psychotic trip that was great fun from start to finish. Favourite: Sugar
Pure fire.
Quite brilliant - full of vigour and aggression and statement of intent. SOAD sound sincerely aggrieved at the state of the world and are channelling that into changing minds. Far from being nihilistic, although the sound might make you assume that, this is pure artistic self expression. So skilful and technical. Deeply impressive.
I enjoyed the album. I loved it. Not sure if the lyrics are supposed to be sarcastic, but its great! Not really sure what the meaning of the lyrics are, but yeah its fun!
How had I never heard this before??? This album rules. Super energetic and chaotic instrumentals with wild vocal performances.
I had an out of body experience the other day, her name was JESUS.
LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOO
A delightful, energetic, rampage of an album 4.5/5
- some of these songs remind me a bit of repo! the genetic opera, i'm not quite sure why though overall impressions, i really enjoyed this, actually listened to it through twice.
perfect album fr
This album rocks cock. The vocals are super animated, inspired, and borderline experimental sometimes. The mix on this album is incredible, nothing too fancy, all of the instruments still sound raw and alive without too much processing. This, to me, is the antithesis to that awful Metallica album. It's not too long or self-indulgent, the instruments and vocals sound natural but huge at the same time, and it delivers on a message in a way that doesn't beg to be taken too seriously. I really don't listen to a ton of heavy music, but this will probably set me on a detour this month.
The perfect mix of metal and progressive music. Will listen again for the best tracks
Fuck Yeah
What a nice surprise!
Fire
Masterpiece
Amazing
Damn this album rocks hard. Tremendous musicianship. Creative writing. Genre forming.
:)
Classic soad, simply great!
I don't like metal very much, but System Of A Down has always been different. I really like System Of A Down, but I hadn't heard their first album before, so I was excited to listen to it. Luckily, it still has the same quality that I like about their later music. I absolutely love the singer's voice, and that still holds true in this album. My favourite song was Suggestions.
Tämä levy sekä Toxicity, talvi 01-02 ja pitkä viikonloppu Tahkolla. Voi JUMA! Nuori mies oli aivan myyty miten vahva fiilis välittyy musiikista ja kuinka yksinkertainen voi olla lopulta niin monipuolisen kuulosta. Kyseisen orkesterin levyistä ei ole likimainkaan paras, mutta "paskinkin" on puhdas timantti.
Hard metal at its best
Dear lord—Sugar—
This is one of my top ten nu metal albums, I was so excited to relisten to this album after not listening to it in almost a decade. It also led me to listen to Toxicity immediately afterwards. I think that this has rekindled my love of SOAD.
whichi whcihhwhiww
This was an awesome album, especially considering it's their first album, would. Definitely listen to more
Durchgehend entertained Sehr enjoyed
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It SOAD.
já curti muito esse som aha
ПСИХИ
ok
Lekker hard album! Wel nog zaliger om deze band live te zien. Maar deze blijft in mijn favorieten lijst staan
SUGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR
Nu-Metal may be a mixed bag, but at the very least it brought SOAD to the mainstream. With a debut like this, that's honestly pretty shocking. With some exceptions, most of the songs are filled with bizarre choices in structure where any song could change its intensity at the flip of a switch. That, along with Serj's wide range of wacky ways to sing and scream, can understandably turn off many people, but if you're into the experimental side of music and metal, even if just a little bit, this is absolutely worth checking out. Overall, I love this album. While I consider later albums more accessible and better, I was still really glad to revisit this. Favorites: "Suite-Pee", "Sugar", "Suggestions", "War?"
Already loved this album. Haven't listened to it in a long time though. It really holds up.
Doesn't quite reach Toxicity (which is their magnum opus) but this is still amazing and wildly creative. The raw production fits the ferocity well. No one sounds like SOAD.
fucking rips
I'm 61, but courtesy of my sons I know, and love SOAD. This album is a nice introduction to this band. This introduction, however, isn't a handshake. It's a musical assault of glorious insanity. I mean, it's seriously warped. It's ANGRY! They are unique, they are wonderful. I'm a little afraid that I won't sleep well tonight. Or at all.
100% slap machine
Well its a classic isnt it?
Oh yeah, what a great album. I do enjoy artists that take different approaches and the variety of sounds on this album is just a joy. Faves: Know, Sugar
well that's one thing i didn't think this list would do for me. I am apparently a System of a Down fan and i didn't even know it.
Genre hopping experimentation, heavy as hell and insanely catchy, that's a trick very few bands can manage. SOAD are, and always were, so much more than the knuckle dragging nu-metal bullshit they got lumped in with. It's frankly an insult to compare songs about the Armenian genocide to doing "it all for the nookie". I'm not even sure this can accurately be described as metal as there is so much other goodness going on here. Even though SOAD sound almost nothing like them, the only comparison point I can think of is Faith No More. Well, Faith No More but not shit. Faith No More with the white boy funk dialled down and the Slayer dialled up. It still blows my mind that Toxicity was even more wild than this and yet it somehow pushed them into the mainstream.
Does exactly what its meant to do. Rock HARD! 5/5
Un autre album produit par Rick Rubin. J'ai découvert System Of A Down avec Chop Suey! qui jouait à The Buzz. Je me rappelle très bien où j'étais à ce moment. J'ai été frappé par ce que je venais d'entendre. C'était nouveau, original et j'avais instantanément envie d'en entendre plus. J'ai adoré Toxicity et comme bien des gens, je suis arrivé par la suite à ce premier album du groupe. Et je n'ai pas été déçu. La force du groupe est définitivement dans son énergie et sa culture musicale intégrée dans ses pièces. Ce n'est pas redondant. La voix de Serj est bien particulière et elle sert très bien le groupe. J'aime aussi le fait que le guitariste Daron Malakian apporte également sa voix bien originale au groupe. La basse est un peu molle, mais ça amène quand même tout un son (je pense notamment à Spiders). Côté drum, le jeu de John Dolmayan n'est vraiment pas ennuyant. J'étais vraiment content de réécouter cet album. Pièces préférées: Spiders, War?, Sugar, Suite-Pee
brilliant
Easy five stars
Their all albums are good enough to have 5 stars.
a classic.
Gostei ❤️
LETS FUCKING GOOOOOOOO
Melhor música: Spiders
Mes cervicales désapprouvent.
Flawless beginning to end.
I've loved this album for 20 years - it still rocks! Part of the permanent soundtrack of my life.
LOVE SOAD
This was an excellent listen as always from SOAD. They really bring something unique to metal that I don't think any other group does, including their intense sound, operatic performance, and potent message. Always going to be a 5.
Exactly what I would predict an early SOAD album to sound like. Unrefined only compared to later works.
Vecchia conoscenza! Mi ha avvicinato al metal e al genere di musica più alternativa/sperimentale. Capolavoro, come il resto SOAD.
Good band bet never checked their first album before
Bra jäkla ös
great one liners, some heavy bass lines
This whole album is fire
Quando uma música é capaz de deixar o álbum perfeito. Sugar garante isso.
Fucking love this album.
Yes!!!
System are great. Cool debut
9
Discazo!! A++
Para chiflarse un rato
banger
System ist einfach Programm. Maschinen ey. Liebs. 5/5
A suburb debut album. This album hits the same as it did 20+ years ago when I first heard it.
LOVE
!!!!!!!!!!!!!
done
You'll never hear me complain about this first album. I remember the first time I heard this when Ben Skinner let me listen to his CD in health class. It has rocked since then.
I love SOAD passionately. They came along just as I started thinking I'd never fall in love with a band again the way I had in the early 90s. I debated giving this album its 5 score, because some of the SOAD tracks I like the least are on this album. But then amongst the gold you find Spiders, which is worth more than a 5 all on its own, it's just so beautiful. These guys have such an original unique sound and I adore it all.
Classic
I don't think I've listened to this since high school, and I was afraid it wouldn't hold up, but it absolutely did. I put the entire album on my 1001 Albums playlist. Best song: Sugar
Love SoaD!
I'd consider myself a SoaD fan, but I wasn't aware this album existed. A couple of tracks I already knew, a lot of them I'm happy to have met. The sound on this album is less refined than I expect from them, so it's a little more coarse and rugged, and a little more on the generic side, or more traditional metal. Still a pretty solid album, big fan of the lyrics and the way they mesh with the heavy sound, it's cool to see they've always had something legitimate to be pissed off about. I'd listen to it again, but honestly, if I'm thinking System of a Down, this still isn't 'the' album. 4.1/5
High quality hard rock - liked it more than I thought I would 4
This is a great album that has been lumped in with the rest of late-90s/early-00s Nu-Metal. SOAD is an unironically great band.