Tuesday 5 January 2010

Top 30 Albums of the Decade 2000-2009: Number 25


Number 25

System of a Down
"Toxicity"

Released: September 4th 2001
Key Tracks: "Prison Song" / "Chop Suey" / "Toxicity"

System of a Down's "Toxicity" stands up as one of the most manic, schizophrenic albums of the last ten years. It's metal at it's core, but weaves in elements of funk, folk and symphony to create a unique sound which hasn't quite been matched since.

The album's starkly political lyrics shine over a backdrop of sonic noise, frantic drumming, and at times utterly mesmorising harmonies. The fact is that "Chop Suey" the album's lead single is one of the single greatest songs of this generation is no surprise, it still retains the instant thrust and charm it had in 2001.

System never reached the heights of "Toxicity" again - although side project Scars on Broadway did their best to come close - but this documents a band who were at their ultimate peak, and deservedly takes its place among the classics.

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