|
diversions
System of a Down
produces unique toxins
By Greg Smith
On-line Forty-Niner
System of a Down
is the one of the newest and best bands to begin taking popular
metal in a new direction away from the rap-rock of bands like
Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. Hot on the heels of Staind and
Incubus, System of a Down incorporates moving melodies into
its precise, driving metal sound on their new CD "Toxicity."
The move away from rap-rock is a welcome sign for change in
the floundering world of popular rock. What separates System
of a Down from acts like Limp Bizkit and Staind is their strong
political stance on issues such as drugs, faith and government
structures. Lead singer Serj Tankian's lyrics show influence
from author Noam Chomsky ("Prison Song") and non-denominational
faith idioms ("Science").
Tankian's voice is one of the most unique in modern rock,
moving from quavering and high pitched to blistering screams
that show roots in death metal. His voice is so wonderful
because it obviously has been unspoiled by vocal training.
Tankian's raw rage and ferocity drives the music with intensity,
but he can drop off with no notice and sing with the subtle
passion of Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan.
The musicianship of guitarist Daron Malakian, bassist Shavo
Odadjian and drummer John Dolmayan are equal in both skill
and intensity to Tankian's vocals. The rhythms blast from
traditional metal speed into almost circuslike interludes
while the guitars follow suit going from classic sounds into
new and uncharted waters at a clip. Each song has so many
changes that the listener is consistently surprised throughout
the album.
Groundbreaking producer Rick Rubin (Beastie Boys, Red Hot
Chili Peppers) gives Toxicity a polish that is refreshing
in the current music climate. Even when highly distorted,
the guitars still chime and the vocals are pitch perfect with
what sounds like little help production wise.
The first single "Chop Suey!" is the standout track
on Toxicity. The song details someone covering up the scars
of violence externally and internally and concludes with impassioned
cries to God with almost a hatred. Tankian sings passionately
in the chorus "I don't think you trust/ In, my, self
righteous suicide/ I, cry, when angels deserve to die."
On "Science," Tankian releases a profound anger
at science and its seeming destruction of faith. He sings
"Science has failed our world/ Science has failed our
mother earth." One only hopes the band realizes they
wouldn't be making their music with out the assistance of
science.
"Prison Song" is the most political song on Toxicity
and details Tankian's feelings on the failure of the war on
drugs. He laments the fact that imprisoning minor-drug offenders
does nothing more than keep filling up prisons while drug
money goes to fund political campaigns and "train brutal,
corporate sponsored dictators around the world." The
song starts with brutal intensity that carries Tankian's anger
through the song, but the verses are marked by an almost quiet,
weird sort of sound that brings to mind something vaudevillian;
maybe strengthening the idea of the circus that is the war
on drugs.
Toxicity blisters with intelligence that has been lacking
in recent hard rock. This intelligence, along with the intensity
of the music, is sure to make System of a Down a huge band
that will lead the battle charge away from mostly ignorant
rap-rock and into new territory.
|
|
Sony
Music Entertainment Inc.
System of a Down, from left to right, Daron
Malakian, Shavo Odadjian, Serj Tankian and John Dolmayan,
with its sophomore album, "Toxicity," continue its
politically intense lyrics and intelligence.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Search our site
DEPARTMENT
OF
JOURNALISM
ONLINE 49ER
DEPARTMENTS
ADVERTISING
ADMINISTRATION
DAILY
49ER ALUMNI
SUBSCRIPTION
SERVICE
GIVE
FEEDBACK
|
