Spring Break
No. 4: System of a Down
Decade's most important
Stephen Ortiz
Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: Focus
For the remainder of the semester, The Playlist will be counting down the 10 most important artists of this decade - artists that have had a serious impact on music as we know it.
System of a Down was a rare breed. They were an integral part of the popularization of metal in the early half of this decade, that also brought their own distinct, odd brand of the genre that was both cultured and critically acclaimed to an unsuspecting music market.
It was like an auditory Trojan horse emerging from a sea of nu metal garbage that delivered an unconventional sound - a constant evolution of noise that gathered the heaviest metal riffs and the most sporadic and erratic vocals for an end product that was nothing short of a nuclear explosion in song form. It was beautiful, explosive and called for the head of mainstream music. I suppose the fact that System became part of that mainstream they aimed to dishevel is nothing but a testament to their disguise.
I can still remember the first time I heard "Chop Suey!" I was a freshman in high school, the video came on MTV and all I could help but think was, "Wow, my mom wouldn't appreciate this." There was something about the acoustic introduction, the electric backing and the pounding drums that climaxed in one of the most aggressive collection of sounds I've ever heard. It was trying to tell me something. And then it did as System singer Serj Tankian yelled, "Wake up" as all other sounds dropped away.
Since that moment, I studied every verse, every chorus and every wild and imaginative tale they spun. From "Sugar's" desperate and paranoid breakdown to "Mr. Jack's" homicidal and almost schizophrenic narrative, and every brilliant moment of "Toxicity" to the double dosage of social commentary found on "Mesmerize" and "Hypnotize," System of a Down has displayed what I believe to be the most brilliantly composed and original music of our generation.
Just as quickly as they made their impression, however, they were gone. In 2006, after headlining Ozzfest, the band announced an indefinite hiatus that produced two side projects that have done little to satisfy fans. It's a sad thing, really. Never before have I heard a band like System of a Down, and until they announce some kind of reunion (I can only hope), I don't think I will ever hear another.
System of a Down was a rare breed. They were an integral part of the popularization of metal in the early half of this decade, that also brought their own distinct, odd brand of the genre that was both cultured and critically acclaimed to an unsuspecting music market.
It was like an auditory Trojan horse emerging from a sea of nu metal garbage that delivered an unconventional sound - a constant evolution of noise that gathered the heaviest metal riffs and the most sporadic and erratic vocals for an end product that was nothing short of a nuclear explosion in song form. It was beautiful, explosive and called for the head of mainstream music. I suppose the fact that System became part of that mainstream they aimed to dishevel is nothing but a testament to their disguise.
I can still remember the first time I heard "Chop Suey!" I was a freshman in high school, the video came on MTV and all I could help but think was, "Wow, my mom wouldn't appreciate this." There was something about the acoustic introduction, the electric backing and the pounding drums that climaxed in one of the most aggressive collection of sounds I've ever heard. It was trying to tell me something. And then it did as System singer Serj Tankian yelled, "Wake up" as all other sounds dropped away.
Since that moment, I studied every verse, every chorus and every wild and imaginative tale they spun. From "Sugar's" desperate and paranoid breakdown to "Mr. Jack's" homicidal and almost schizophrenic narrative, and every brilliant moment of "Toxicity" to the double dosage of social commentary found on "Mesmerize" and "Hypnotize," System of a Down has displayed what I believe to be the most brilliantly composed and original music of our generation.
Just as quickly as they made their impression, however, they were gone. In 2006, after headlining Ozzfest, the band announced an indefinite hiatus that produced two side projects that have done little to satisfy fans. It's a sad thing, really. Never before have I heard a band like System of a Down, and until they announce some kind of reunion (I can only hope), I don't think I will ever hear another.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Sacred Silence
posted 11/05/09 @ 6:38 AM EST
Excellent article! I'm totally agree with you. But -unfortunately- they won't reunite. Because Serj is on his own way, going to release his second album and he is perfect by himself. (Continued…)
Jet Pilot
posted 11/06/09 @ 7:47 AM EST
You have are a true fan and I too share the same thoughts about system. The band will be back when the time is right. I think deep down they all know their contributions to the music world post SOAD was good but no where near to what they could accomplish together as SOAD. (Continued…)
Caitlin patrick
posted 11/08/09 @ 2:39 PM EST
System will definately reunite someday. Serj may have a good thing going with his solo album, but he knows that he ,alone, will never achieve the greatness that he did when he was a part of system. (Continued…)
Browneyes16
posted 11/09/09 @ 3:52 PM EST
System Of A Down is one of the best bands i have ever heard in my life and i hope that they get back together. without them the world is dull
Bob Marely
posted 11/11/09 @ 6:48 PM EST
wow, you only covered their musical influence, nothing on their charity work, the Axis of Justice, the Armenian Genocide or any of that, you my friend cannot call yourself a System of a Down fan whatsoever
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