Toxicity
by System Of A Down
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 454 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 417 out of 454
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 454
  3. Negative: 26 out of 454

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. TheQuietGamer
    Sep 9, 2016
    10
    An absolute masterpiece that almost never lets up in intensity and heaviness. There's an incredible flow to this album that's only slightly tripped up by the singles. Not enough to sour anyone's opinion, but just noticeable enough to make them feel almost like songs from a different album.

    The majority of the album is blistering, energetic metal with a sense of craziness that makes it    An absolute masterpiece that almost never lets up in intensity and heaviness. There's an incredible flow to this album that's only slightly tripped up by the singles. Not enough to sour anyone's opinion, but just noticeable enough to make them feel almost like songs from a different album.

    The majority of the album is blistering, energetic metal with a sense of craziness that makes it an absolute blast to mosh to. The punk approach to their political lyrics is able to add that extra oomph in it's punch and energy. There's also a refreshing sense of humor that goes along with the seriousness to keep the crazy fun element in tact.

    The band slows things down near the end from the constant barrage of excellent metal in favor of two slower, more melodic and deep tracks, "Aerials" and the title track itself. Toxicity fits in nicely, but Aerials is not the album's strongest moment. The hidden bonus track "Arto," System of Down's adaption of an Armenian hymn keeps things from going out on a low note.

    While disappointing compared to the rest of the tracks, Aerials is by no means a bad song. In fact it's excellent. Just a little at odds with all the rest that Toxicity has to offer. I'm not going to let a slight hiccup in the flow detract from the album's score.

    Toxicity is a masterpiece. A near-flawless work that even with a few faults manages to tower above so many other albums, not just in this genre, but in music as a whole. System of a Down did not disappoint in their second album. They showed real staying power and proved to be a band that stuck in people's minds. Just look at how successful Chop Suey! was/is. It's the song that actually got me into the band all those years ago. All I can say is if you think that song is good, wait until you hear the rest of the album. You may even find they top it. Toxicity is nothing less than a must listen to.    … Expand
  2. AWarGuy
    Dec 30, 2010
    10
    I was rather late to the System of a Down party, only discovering them a few years ago and I loved this album, this is a great album and I strongly recommend this to metal-heads and others alike.
  3. jAbMaN
    Jan 13, 2011
    10
    Every song on the album sounds great to my ears and nobody else sounds close to their greatness of alternative metal and great vocals by the two singers.
  4. MrLonwol
    Jun 5, 2011
    10
    I've never hated a single song by System really.
    This is one of their greatest albums in my opinion.

    And Chop Suey has mixed views on what the lyrics mean.
    One being it's about the "Angels" being the "Good" people who look away from those whose lives have been destroyed.
    The other being about Jesus.
  5. misteurmista
    Jun 23, 2011
    10
    Absolutely brilliant metal record. A must. A perfect mix of amazing riffs, good rhythms and expressive feelings, especially with songs like Chop Suey, Toxicity or the sweet closing title Aerials .
  6. Charlie7777
    Jul 28, 2011
    10
    great album i especially liked aeriels, toxicity, and chop suey but i think that this is SOADs best album. BTW this album deserves way more than a **** 7.3!!!!
  7. mjthadw
    Mar 5, 2012
    10
    This is system of a downs worst album but it is still one of those albums where you can enjoy every track and can't resist the urge to listen to it again.
  8. AnikM
    Apr 21, 2012
    10
    One of the best metal albums of the 21st century. System of a Down is the most melodically-sound metal band on the planet and they manage to create great songs without ever sounding repetitive. Anyone who says otherwise is either a) a hipster/douchebag or b) an idiot.
  9. nicrax96
    Jul 4, 2012
    10
    every song have single potential and with a classic include in the album like chop suey i love all the minutes hearing it. its one of the best rock albums of recent memory
  10. dani_soad
    Jul 14, 2013
    10
    The best album of all times, just amazing...different from anything I've heard before...deep, melodic and epic piece of artwork...no one will ever come close to this perfection, even SOAD
  11. TheBlaiZe
    Jun 16, 2013
    10
    Shut up and listen
  12. Andremax
    Dec 12, 2013
    10
    this is my favorite album, simply the best
    System of a Down is very amazing
    I know this album backwards and not ing me this strange work
    **** the system
  13. Knowe386
    Oct 23, 2014
    10
    Incredible!, One of the best albums ever i love it!, the best songs are "Chop Suey!", "Toxicity" And "Prison Song", Extremely awesome!!!!!!!! I Love System Of A Down
  14. AOTfan123
    Feb 4, 2015
    10
    An awesome album coming from a guy who isn't into Alternative Metal. This album has 14 awesome and catchy songs which can get stuck in your head for awhile, this album has some of the bands best songs such as Chop Suey!, Toxicity, and Prison Song. Thanks to this band I am now officially in love with System of a Down so if you like Alternative Metal then I recommend this album big time.
  15. russiangamer
    Oct 16, 2016
    10
    Шедевр. Благодаря этому альбому узнал об этой группе,с тех пор она одна из моих любимых.
    ЕЕЕ РОК!!!
  16. tacoxninjax
    Nov 5, 2015
    10
    This album is perfect through and through, and is the band's finest work. The singles, Chop Suey, Toxicity, and Aerials are all masterpieces, with all them being well instrumented. The best song, in my opinion is Forest. This track is also the second longest, and is my favorite S.O.A.D. track. The vocals were beautifully delivered by Tankian, with Malakian providing beautiful backgroundThis album is perfect through and through, and is the band's finest work. The singles, Chop Suey, Toxicity, and Aerials are all masterpieces, with all them being well instrumented. The best song, in my opinion is Forest. This track is also the second longest, and is my favorite S.O.A.D. track. The vocals were beautifully delivered by Tankian, with Malakian providing beautiful background vocals. I recommend it to many fans of metal, and is one of my favorite albums ever.… Expand
  17. LeoDiCaprioFan
    Jun 5, 2016
    10
    I love this album! This represents real thrash metal. Every song is the best!. Their music is really tense and well made by the band. I wouldn't say this album is perfect because no album is perfect. This is just terrific!
  18. MentalMetalGuy
    Oct 4, 2016
    10
    This album was a revolution in the heavy metal sound. Its so unique, and bizarre, yet so addictive and easy to listen to. The songs are so short, and fast, regardless they do manage to set a mood, and more importantly discuss important political issues, while at the same time having a comedic edge, with songs like "Bounce".

    Here are some of the more memorable tracks of the album: The    This album was a revolution in the heavy metal sound. Its so unique, and bizarre, yet so addictive and easy to listen to. The songs are so short, and fast, regardless they do manage to set a mood, and more importantly discuss important political issues, while at the same time having a comedic edge, with songs like "Bounce".

    Here are some of the more memorable tracks of the album:

    The Prison Song:
    The lyrics in this one discuss how the US uses drugs to fund their illegal wars, while imprisoning the population for drug use in a hypocritical way. The song sounds so aggressive, and violent, and the vocals show of an insane range, with both vocalists creating a range of voices. No band in heavy metal history have a sound quite like SOAD, and this song perfectly captures their sound.

    Deer Dance:
    A song about the military abusing power, the chorus is so catchy "PUSHING LITTLE CHILDREN...WITH THEIR FULLY AUTOMATICS" a great song to get the listener hyped, and exhilarated. Perhaps though the great riffs on this song set the speed in a way which the vocals don't on this song in comparison to the others.

    Chop Suey:
    This is SOAD's defining anthem. Only this band can create such a grand emotional climax within only 3 minutes. Catchy, fast and subtly beautiful, with a faint piano background delivers the unique lyrics and creates what is considered SOAD’s masterpiece.

    Bounce:
    Bounce is hilarious. It is literally about a guy and a pogo stick. The slightly psychotic delivery is what makes the song so visceral and respectable, despite its ridiculous nature. It is legitimately funny, and just downright crazy.

    Forest:
    Another great tune, some outstanding riffs on this one, and that drum intro is quite interesting. Another lyrically heavy song, particularly aggressive toward religion, this is perfect example of how refined SOAD’s style was in this album.

    ATWA:
    Just another one of their staple songs, which keeps the quality of this album so consistently high that not many other albums could achieve.

    Toxicity:
    My favourite SOAD song and this one truly is a masterpiece. From the very intro the frantic drumming and riffs set a brutal tone, but in classic SOAD style the chorus is slow and melodic. The lyrics are so bizarre and abstract with lines like “eating seeds as a pastime activity”, the song really becomes its own form of music.

    Psycho:
    Yet another anthem, this one is quite repetitive and the chorus quite literally is the most brutal one in this album, as well as the lyrics being slightly subpar, with some clear writer’s block, where they rhyme bizarre phrases. This also features a rare SOAD solo, which is an outstanding change of pace, and having so few solos in an album is truly a great way to appreciate the solos when they do in fact come.

    Aerials:
    The greatest riff on the album is on this heavy song. The guitar work is quite impressive on this song. As for the slow choruses they are here, although I find the lyrics to be a bit too cliché for my liking, which certainly lowers some of the quality of this song for me. Otherwise, this is the perfect way to end the album.

    SOAD was a band which was not afraid to push the limits of their genre, and create some insane and extreme music, that can be appreciated on a casual level. The pacing of this album is perfect, being the perfect blend of style and entertainment, pushing the artistic boundaries but keeping a feel constant throughout all of the fast and short songs. The manic singing, intense and fast drumming and the iconic riffs this album is a true metal masterpiece, in the sense of defining the genre, and not just sticking to the norm. This is why SOAD deserves every ounce of respect it receives, more so than other metal acts.    … Expand
  19. brouweg002
    Mar 1, 2018
    10
    i loved this album, a few of my favourite songs from this album are: chop suey!, toxicity, deer dance, X, forest, shimmy, science and aerials/arto. this album is for you if you like heavy metal, alternative metal, hard rock or NU metal like me. i really like the two singers (serj tankian and daron malakian). also the drums at the beginning of toxicity are actually the best thing. thanksi loved this album, a few of my favourite songs from this album are: chop suey!, toxicity, deer dance, X, forest, shimmy, science and aerials/arto. this album is for you if you like heavy metal, alternative metal, hard rock or NU metal like me. i really like the two singers (serj tankian and daron malakian). also the drums at the beginning of toxicity are actually the best thing. thanks for reading my review of this album i give it 10/10… Expand
  20. spenceryang8
    Feb 3, 2019
    10
    An out-and-out masterpiece of alternative metal, System of a Down's sophomore album was a breath of fresh air amid an ocean of cringeworthy rap rock verses and down-tuned two-note riffs.
  21. cvnefedmn
    Feb 8, 2022
    10
    I think this album is the best album of the 21st century. Chop suey and Toxicity are extremely clevery made songs. The lyrics of this album are way too good compared to other metal bands (except for "Jet pilot"). This albums songs never gets boring. I think even God is listening to this masterpiece
  22. MrIslamic
    Apr 28, 2021
    10
    This album is iconic, the more I listen to it the more I like it. The hits (Chop Suey, Toxicity) are some of the best in the genre. Every song is very good at the very least.
  23. Alexander838
    Sep 28, 2021
    10
    10/10**********************************************************************
  24. paaaauuuuiuiu
    Jan 7, 2023
    10
    hello this is the best album of system of a down on my opinion because i like it so much more than jdvnjasornicv gnsdvufb gvosdu hvngcsdfhkvng oairuencuvw
  25. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    10
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  26. DarwinL.
    Oct 21, 2001
    9
    system of a down has gone to another level with their music while still having the addicting sounds that made the first album great.
  27. IanM.
    Sep 9, 2005
    9
    Wow... this is an awesome album. Seamlessly combining heavy metal with slight elements of punk and rap (minus the suck factor), they've created a masterpiece. Leading off with the insane "Prison Song", this album keeps you riveted until the final song (the suprisingly calm, bu still awesome, "Aerials"). This album (especially on hit single "Chop Suey!" and the title track) has some Wow... this is an awesome album. Seamlessly combining heavy metal with slight elements of punk and rap (minus the suck factor), they've created a masterpiece. Leading off with the insane "Prison Song", this album keeps you riveted until the final song (the suprisingly calm, bu still awesome, "Aerials"). This album (especially on hit single "Chop Suey!" and the title track) has some awesomely intense moments, and while it may not be as heavy as other metal albums, it still rocks out loud. Only thing keeping this away from a 10 is how it kinda drags in some places. Great job, SOAD.… Expand
  28. EleanorD
    Apr 19, 2006
    9
    Although it's not their best piece of work, haunting melodies, socially aware/"quacky" lyrics, and crushing riffs make this album absolutely incredable. Good work, mad professors!
  29. JohnR
    Aug 24, 2004
    9
    This is a really good album, but I didn't quite follow what they were talking about in that song 'Jet Pilot' I like nearly every song on here but they could be a little more direct with some of their messages. -Peace/Rock Out!
  30. DanielM
    Aug 30, 2004
    9
    I picked this album up about a week after it's release, all because of only listening to "Chop Suey" once, and after I popped it into my CD player, it didn't leave for weeks, this album can be summed up in one word, Beutiful.
  31. macs
    Nov 7, 2005
    9
    First SOAD album bought. has some of their best songs on it.
  32. ToryS
    Mar 12, 2005
    9
    ...Great!...
  33. Ian
    Nov 29, 2001
    9
    Points the finger at referential critics and laughs as they struggle to categorise it. Nonsense buzz phrases of "prog rock" and "time changes" need to be thrown away and just listen to the damn thing. Done? Clearer? Correct, it rocks both body and brain, and that's all you need to know.
  34. JamesH.
    Feb 17, 2002
    9
    It's just simply awesome
  35. RyanR
    Aug 25, 2003
    9
    Great album. Haven't listend to Steal This Album or the original but this got me hooked. My complaints are that some of the songs seem to have no point (like Pogo). And others are done and over with so fast I could cry. I know, quick review but, rants aside, this is a kick ass album.
  36. MikeM
    Dec 18, 2004
    9
    Could not dissagree more with Uncut's review that Toxcity is "Toxicity is virtually unlistenable". It is the exact opposite. Once you throw it in your CD player the passion of Serj's voice inspires you while he harmonizes with Shavo (a big change from their debute) while the hard riffs and drum beats make you want to jump off the walls and throw your lamp across the room. System Could not dissagree more with Uncut's review that Toxcity is "Toxicity is virtually unlistenable". It is the exact opposite. Once you throw it in your CD player the passion of Serj's voice inspires you while he harmonizes with Shavo (a big change from their debute) while the hard riffs and drum beats make you want to jump off the walls and throw your lamp across the room. System is metal, System is punk, and when they mix it up with that dab of middle eastern sitar, System rocks the listener's ears hard. You can listen to this CD the entire way through without skipping a track. It is very well produced and has great lyrics too. … Expand
  37. Ron
    Aug 17, 2007
    9
    A step down from the debut, while brilliant nonetheless. The hits were great (Toxicity, Aerials), and it had a few more gems (Deer Dance, Forest, Prison Song), but the other half, especially the first few tracks are a disappointment. The aforementioned strong points pull it up to a 9. And FYI, this isn't the "debut", Mithyus. 2nd Best System CD.
  38. asylumspadez
    Nov 24, 2011
    9
    Toxicity official establishes System as one of the best metal bands out today. I liked nearly every track off the album and it is easily their best album.
  39. ismar90
    Aug 3, 2011
    9
    i like every song in this album they are all crazy and experimental. but you still get that nu-metal feeling sometimes .but i am a bit disappointed WHY ISNT THIS ALBUM A MUCH LONGER. i mean its soo short
  40. spadenx
    Nov 29, 2011
    9
    I think it was a great album. System has really re-invented theirselves with this album and it worked out for the better. This is a must listen to for any fan of metal.
  41. vscoott345
    Apr 26, 2012
    9
    Aww yeah love SOAD! They are such an amazing band!!! Every song is good!! Metal all the way! Woo Hoo!! Serj and Daron collaborate very nicely. Beautiful ending "Aerials"
  42. jfrotylpe532
    Dec 22, 2012
    9
    This album is crazy. Chop Suey! (regardless if anyone hates it) is probably the best song ever. Aerials is amazing as well. gReat job.
  43. TheWalrus2000
    Mar 11, 2013
    9
    Note to readers System of a Down's first album is by far my favorite album by them, so these other albums are great but if I say there the best band ever but give their other cds 8s or 7s now you know. Any way this album provides many great songs in sound and meaning. Though some songs get older than others, this cd should be pleasing to many audiences.
  44. reaper17112
    Nov 27, 2013
    9
    Their easiest album to get into to. It's not different enough to scare people away, and it's not simplistic enough to blend in with the rest. This album holds some of my favorite songs by them like, "Prison Song", "X", "Chop Suey!", to name a few. The best on the album in my opinion are Aerials, and X. The haunting and well written melody of Aerials, mixed with the meaningful lyricsTheir easiest album to get into to. It's not different enough to scare people away, and it's not simplistic enough to blend in with the rest. This album holds some of my favorite songs by them like, "Prison Song", "X", "Chop Suey!", to name a few. The best on the album in my opinion are Aerials, and X. The haunting and well written melody of Aerials, mixed with the meaningful lyrics make one of the best rock tracks of the decade, while the fast paced, and hard hitting X is one of the heaviest on the album. If you haven't heard the album yet, you're missing out on something.… Expand
  45. RyFox
    Dec 19, 2015
    9
    System of a Down is one of those bands whose style appeals to me in multiple ways. This means that a large amount of their songs, I will enjoy and probably have somewhere on my playlist. However, this is not my favorite System of a Down album, but they did do a great job on this album. The main problem is Arto, which I didn't enjoy. But other than that, the album was stellar.
  46. jontybanks98
    Mar 26, 2017
    9
    Most of the songs may well be in the same key of Cm, and most of the songs arguably sound very similar. But in my opinion, this album proves that that isn't always a bad thing. This album is up there within my top 5 favourite albums ever!
  47. Lukeduke19
    Jun 4, 2017
    9
    They're best album next to "Mezmerize"! Epic from start to finish! "Prison Song", "Chop Suey", "Bounce", "Forest", "ATWA", "Toxicity" and "Aerials" are my favourite songs! But of course all of the songs are perfect in so many ways, but coming from SOAD that's not surprising!
  48. lostinhollywood
    Aug 5, 2018
    9
    Amazing
    This band never made a bad track in my opinion , Toxicity is an amazing album along with their others
    Definitly recommend
  49. VincentVegan
    Mar 5, 2019
    9
    ---------------------------------------------------------------great--------------------------------------------------------------
  50. clem666
    Aug 19, 2021
    9
    Maybe more than a nine out of ten but certainly not less. 'Toxicity' does nothing more than opening System of a Down to more chanting, genre-blending approach. Songs are as concise as effective, melodies are terrific, overall rhythm is simply insane, lyrics are theatrically wise and intelligible. Some songs are iconic from their intro to their end, especially 'ATWA', 'Aerials' or 'ChopMaybe more than a nine out of ten but certainly not less. 'Toxicity' does nothing more than opening System of a Down to more chanting, genre-blending approach. Songs are as concise as effective, melodies are terrific, overall rhythm is simply insane, lyrics are theatrically wise and intelligible. Some songs are iconic from their intro to their end, especially 'ATWA', 'Aerials' or 'Chop Suey!' to only cite them. The overall versatility of the whole record is a true blessing as the band always think about letting blank spaces and moments of silence between all these numerous pogo-ish riffs and infectious drums schemes. Their impressive ability to calm down in few milli-seconds is impressive as hell and feels as good as finishing a long fast-paced run. Structures of the tracks are notably impressive. The second part of 'Aerials' for example is as surprising as viciously catchy. Can't wait to hear their new work in the future.… Expand
  51. Codeling
    Aug 7, 2021
    9
    Incredible album.
    Best songs: Toxicity, Chop Suey!, Aerials
    Worst songs: -
  52. Colin17
    May 11, 2022
    9
    The album attacks numerous plights of American society. The band, filled with immigrants and children of immigrants, speak of America in a way that citizens with deeper roots are afraid to say. They speak for the marginalized, giving them a voice they otherwise wouldn’t have.
  53. fanny
    Sep 9, 2003
    8
    it's my fave band but denifintely not my fave cd of theirs, s.o.a.d self titled was much better but this one still kicks ass
  54. Froggy
    Mar 18, 2002
    8
    Man... I am a Drum`n`bass fanatic, but this stuff caught me at once. Kicks serious ass!
  55. TJWilliams
    Jul 17, 2002
    8
    A good album, no doubt, but nowhere near the energy of their self-titled debut. The uncut review, however, is simply absurd. They lost a bit of edge in Toxicity and traded it for melody. Either way, they do more with metal than any other band out there. The Dead Kennedys of Metal...
  56. JimBobJ
    Dec 4, 2005
    8
    I like it. Chop Suey, is amazing.
  57. Spielberg00
    Sep 10, 2011
    8
    I love this album. It's most certainly System of a Down at their very, very best...and very, very craziest. Some of this is actually funny, but I think it's intended that way.
  58. CyberPunk
    Feb 13, 2012
    8
    A really solid, rockin' metal album. Almost every single song is a good one. Toxicity could quite possibly be one of the greatest metal songs ever written. Great, great album.
  59. DDD99
    Oct 24, 2014
    8
    This album contains some of SoaD's best work. It's stuffed to the brim with sarcasm, satire, humour and over the top vocal performances. Yet, in equal parts, the album contains some great song writing, very unique and aggressive instrumentation, raw and borderline operatic vocals and some very satisfying and genre defining alt. metal tracks. The album's biggest faults come from it'sThis album contains some of SoaD's best work. It's stuffed to the brim with sarcasm, satire, humour and over the top vocal performances. Yet, in equal parts, the album contains some great song writing, very unique and aggressive instrumentation, raw and borderline operatic vocals and some very satisfying and genre defining alt. metal tracks. The album's biggest faults come from it's constant, unrelenting aggression that becomes repetitive and at times dull, along with the way songs crash into one another without any warning (and not in a good way). Overall, this is a very solid alt. metal album.… Expand
  60. AadityaW65
    Jul 12, 2015
    8
    I liked the album a lot. In fact, it's one of the best heavy metal albums I have heard. Their style is very original, much better than other metal bands out there like Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold, etc. However, I felt that some songs from "Steal This Album!" (which is my favourite SOAD album) should have been included over here, like Nüguns, Mr Jack, Boom!, and a few others. Some of theI liked the album a lot. In fact, it's one of the best heavy metal albums I have heard. Their style is very original, much better than other metal bands out there like Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold, etc. However, I felt that some songs from "Steal This Album!" (which is my favourite SOAD album) should have been included over here, like Nüguns, Mr Jack, Boom!, and a few others. Some of the lyrics in this album didn't make sense, and seemed random. Clearly, System of A Down's forte is instrumentation, and not lyrics. However, I still loved the album.

    Best Song: ATWA (This should have been released as a single)
    Worst song: Jet Pilot (Plain bad)    … Expand
  61. ChrisP.
    Dec 9, 2001
    7
    I was seduced by the amazing dynamics of Chop Suey! and decided to take a chance on this album which I knew would probably be the heaviest thing in my CD collection by far. I can't say I love it, but I still like it.
  62. JosephA.
    Apr 19, 2008
    6
    Looking back at 01', a sudden listen to "Sugar" got me on a SoaD rush, as such I borrowed the album from a friend to get back some memories. As I went through the album, I rembered why they called it a sugar rush. As a blazed through the great works of the spoken-word/screams of "Prison Song", the oddly nonsensical yet fitting afterburners of "Jet Song", calculated insanities of Looking back at 01', a sudden listen to "Sugar" got me on a SoaD rush, as such I borrowed the album from a friend to get back some memories. As I went through the album, I rembered why they called it a sugar rush. As a blazed through the great works of the spoken-word/screams of "Prison Song", the oddly nonsensical yet fitting afterburners of "Jet Song", calculated insanities of "Science" and the demented grunts of " Psycho". With the above mentioned songs I thought that the rest of the album would be of the same insanity. Alas, I find myself surrounded in banality rather than insanity with the release. Even an old favorite, "Chop Suey" feels (With no help from the stagnation of modern music called Nu Metal which based it sound off of simmilar sound.) Feels... repetitive. Loud, soft, LOUD, soft, OVERLY LOOOONG LOUD PART! It gets to your head after a few listens of another Rick Rubin Reduction, which lever the sound not raw, but processed. The lyrics are another interesting juxtaposition, with sing-song shrieks of ,"Jet Pilot" and "Bounce" to stereotypical whines of (GASP!) "Toxicity" and "Aerials" are somewhat disconcerning, as if lyrical maturity is being supressed by some unknown prejudice. And since SoaD has been making a rather healthy living, works like "Serjart" and other actual experiments in music, or even metal like mathcore, experimental metal outfits will be shunned in favor of cheap repeats of this album.… Expand
  63. DME
    Nov 17, 2011
    6
    My only problem with Toxicity is the lyrics being way too repetetive (most noticable in the song "Science")and songs being too short. What really bothered me though, was the almost-unlistenable screaming done in the choruses of some songs. But the instrumentals are amazing and the song's verses do have some great rhythem. It's not terrible, but it's nowhere near perfect.
  64. Magus
    Mar 17, 2012
    6
    After listening to Toxicity (the track), Chop Suey, Forest and Aerials I thought it'd be a good thing to check out the whole album, considering I really liked these songs. However, the first five tracks already gave me the feeling that this ain't the right thing for me. If I would've listened to this 4 years ago I would've liked it more than I did now, back when I preferred heavy metalAfter listening to Toxicity (the track), Chop Suey, Forest and Aerials I thought it'd be a good thing to check out the whole album, considering I really liked these songs. However, the first five tracks already gave me the feeling that this ain't the right thing for me. If I would've listened to this 4 years ago I would've liked it more than I did now, back when I preferred heavy metal adrenaline rushes over meaningful songs. From the first 5 tracks I suppose Needles has its moments and Deer Song isn't all that bad, but Chop Suey is the first song from the album that I can call good. The 5 earlier tracks are just too bumpy to stick, I could listen to them over and over again and I would barely remember anything from them. Same goes for Bounce. Forest is still definitely metal, but has a more serious nature, a bit like Chop Suey. ATWA and Science both started promising, but what supposedly are the climaxes of these songs are mediocre. The tracks are rather good, however, but only because they aren't too much of hyperactive metal songs as songs like Bounce or Shimmy. Psycho is pretty much another adrenaline rush/chillrock mix, and as usual I prefer the chill parts. Aerials, the last track is truly the best from the album, it has quite a lot of symbolism in the lyrics and isn't bumpy or unnecessary hyperactive, truly, everything in this track is optimalized and shows how much SOAD really has as a band, the bass picking is very nice, the guitar riffs are powerful, but don't oppress the vocals. Speaking of which, this track vocally is also the peak of the album.

    Overall, this album could've been way better than it was. No, I am not a metalhead, so maybe that's why I couldn't enjoy this as much as some other people, but I like every music genre as long as it's performed the right way. SOAD is a great band, but Toxicity as an album is just OK. It has its moments, but that's about it, for me it was an album with 4 great songs and a lot of fillers.    … Expand
  65. DaveC
    Jul 27, 2003
    5
    Has the world gone mad? System Of A Down at their very best are mediocre and most of the time juvenile and even childish. Do yourself a favour and listen to Metallica or Tool instead.
  66. JeffR
    Jan 31, 2005
    5
    Didn't like the album at first, but has grown slightly on me in the last couple months. Lyrically, some of the songs are just childish. Musically, some songs are well put together, others are a waste of time. Mediocre. There is better stuff out there.
  67. DemonicAngel
    Nov 5, 2005
    5
    A 5 for production and effort, but System don't really do anything particularly creative in this record. Frankly, the whole politics in music thing automatically puts me off (not because I'm too apolitical to understand, but because I prefer my music to be unbiased by political affiliation). Most of the tracks are repetitive in the extreme, with the good bits sounding A 5 for production and effort, but System don't really do anything particularly creative in this record. Frankly, the whole politics in music thing automatically puts me off (not because I'm too apolitical to understand, but because I prefer my music to be unbiased by political affiliation). Most of the tracks are repetitive in the extreme, with the good bits sounding suspiciously like something that Mr. Bungle would have thought of before they sadly imploded. The fact that there are so many 10 ratings kinda reflects badly on the metal scene in general - and if ANYONE ELSE says "original" or "groundbreaking" I swear I'll punch them. People, there is a whole world of great music out there. Stop being content with the plagiarized crap that MTV spoonfeeds you and use your imaginations.… Expand
  68. GaborA
    Nov 18, 2004
    4
    They have two structures: fast blast with screaming choppy sentences and slowed down guitar with chingly things in backgroud suplemented with attempts at melodic singing. Back and forth it goes in the most repetitive fasion. In terms of lyrics the themes aim high but are crushed by terrible writing resulting in simply a lack of intelligence. Individually songs are interesting but as an They have two structures: fast blast with screaming choppy sentences and slowed down guitar with chingly things in backgroud suplemented with attempts at melodic singing. Back and forth it goes in the most repetitive fasion. In terms of lyrics the themes aim high but are crushed by terrible writing resulting in simply a lack of intelligence. Individually songs are interesting but as an album the flaws become more than obvious primarily the simple structure disguised to seem polyinfluenced.… Expand
  69. Choicest
    Nov 22, 2005
    3
    Guitars have been around a long time but in the history of the earth humans and instruments have never come together to form a more perfect sound. Compare this to Bethoven and I think you'll agree, SOAD are simply better. This albums rawks so hard it killed my cat. God came down from Heaven and signed my cd cover! My parents were going to divorce each other but after they heard this Guitars have been around a long time but in the history of the earth humans and instruments have never come together to form a more perfect sound. Compare this to Bethoven and I think you'll agree, SOAD are simply better. This albums rawks so hard it killed my cat. God came down from Heaven and signed my cd cover! My parents were going to divorce each other but after they heard this album they were set straight. Thanks for saving my family SOAD… Expand
  70. FreddyTeddy
    Apr 27, 2005
    3
    One of the worst albums i ever bought. It had three good songs (Chop Suey, Toxicity, Aerials), but all the rest is chaotic, badly written and the lyrics are pure crap. Can't believe i wasted my money on this album.
  71. VakilyZ
    Jul 27, 2004
    0
    This album blows!! Anyone who takes this band seriously should be shot and flayed!! Rage Against the Machine will always be better than this crap!!
next
Page:

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Most Discussed Album of 2001
5
#5 Most Shared Album of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. Sonicnet
    60
    When System's at their best, the Los Angeles four-piece evokes most vividly punk politicos the Dead Kennedys.... Yet the band sputters out when the lyrics are awash in vagueness.
    Read full review
  2. Uncut
    30
    Toxicity is virtually unlistenable: thrash metal splintered into a million pieces by unnecessary time changes, topped off with excruciatingly theatrical vocals. [Dec 2001, p.118]
  3. L.A. Weekly
    90
    Cast in layers upon layers of aural intricacy, Toxicity charters new frontiers, yet it’s still grinding rock at its most deafening.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »