Okay, we are keeping on the “way back” goggles for this one, but rose-tinted glasses need not apply. A relisten to System of a Down’s self-titled album absolutely slaps. How could you not want to slamdance immediately to the chaotic soup of songs that push “metalcore” to places previously unexplored? Vocalist Serj certainly channels a Jello Biafra-like approach of parody to speak singing parts then will absolutely crush with metal growls and screams. Who can’t forget his melodic perfect pitch to “Spiders,” oozing leaps and bound more talent than the nu metal vocalists of the day?
It was absolutely random that I put this on en route to the climbing gym, and that combined with pre workout and a piece of nicotine gum had me absolutely amped. Granted I was still falling off some overhangs for most of the night, but those updates are for the other blog series.
Listening as a 30-something with more knowledge of songwriting allows me to relish in the true craftsmanship of the music. There was serious skill and musical prowess pumped into each song, unlike so many bands of the era that aimed for 1-2 singles and the rest of an album with mediocre filler. “Suite-Pee,” sets the stage with the refrain “die for your philosophy…” which speaks volumes about global crises. Their later albums had strong anti-Iraq war themes, ironic as they were a favorite band of many US soldiers who served in the bloody conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
How could you not want to mosh when you hear “Sugar?” That bass run is infectious. “ I play Russian Roulette all day with a game called life…”
Bands like System of a Down were synonymous with stoner goths and received pop culture status for a special period in the early 00s of teenage angst. Me, like many other teenage listeners soon turned out and explored other genres but there’s certainly a group of millennials that still have their songs on repeat for late-night gaming seshs.
I know you may shake your head at this suggestion, but pop on the 1998’s self-titled album for a rush.
Short but sweet this time folks. As always hit me up with a suggestion for future reviews. I have a few on deck.