Toxicity is the type of album that will never surrender. Since I am at a point at needing unique hard music and impatient with trends and retreads, System of a Down’s combination of metal angst and individuality says alot. Too often a band is highly regarded yet are a patchwork of odds and ends. Or their brilliance is hyped and sadly precedes a smattering of good parts yet most is really quirky and wierd.

System of a Down is known for their Armenian influence, their social commentary, and their place in the new metal movement. What is apparent to me the most though is the band’s ability to balance what needs to be said and how things are said. They do not preach yet you pick up on it attentively. The heavy metal, punk, thrash, hard core and nu metal is not held back yet there is something delicate and sophisticated. The instruments and production are superbly done. Their ability to change pace and mood on a dime is technically saavy. Their hammering angst turns on and then turns off the headbanging all at the right moments. The right moments do not call for a safe medim. System of a Down takes chances and and delivers.

Score 88/100

/author/ Alzn