Classic Album Retrospect (System of a Down - System of a Down)

System of a Down - System of a Down

 System of a Down is the self titled debut of the Armenian American rock band of the same name. The album was released in the June of 1998. The album received rave reviews but the album only peaked a 124th on the Billboard 200 the two singles released, Sugar and Spiders, peaked at 28th and 25th respectively. The most grabbing feature (sorry not sorry) of the album is its artwork, featuring no text on the front side, was a move that seems to have paid off. The hand was based on a communist propaganda poster from the 40s. System of a Down was released through American records.  

Notable Tracks

 Suite-Pee - Suite-Pee is the first track from the record and sets the tone for the rest of it; fast, heavy, experimental and aware. Starting with a simple and slightly comical scaled introduction, Suite-Pee soon evolves into something a lot more serious and deep. Tankian's vocals vary a lot on this track adding to progress and refreshment

 Sugar - Sugar is the first single from the album and with good reason. Sugar opens strong with a heavy but refers back to a lighter tone between choruses. With a catchy beat, Sugar is hard not to bang to. The track also features an awesome breakdown towards the end of the song which adds to the personality of the track.

 Spiders - Spiders is the second single to be taken from the album is quite different from the first. Spiders is a more somber track compared to the energy of Sugar. The whole feel of Spiders (including the video) is very similar to that of American psychedelic rock band Tool. The song's meaning is debated but has leaning towards media censorship (the single's cover featured a microchip)   

 Peephole - Peephole sees a return to the comical, bouncy sound that has become SOAD's signature style. Peephole has a eerie circus-esque backing with the repeated lyric "Don't ever get stuck in the sky, when you're high". Towards the end of the track you can hear a rare solo that adds to the attitude of the track. The songs meaning lies in the real consequences of the uses of marijuana.   

 P.L.U.C.K. - P.L.U.C.K. (or Politically Lying Unholy Cowardly Killers) is the final track from SOAD's debut and ends the record in a frank and unforgiving manner. P.L.U.C.K.'s instrumentals stop and start making good use of silences. The track also features backing vocals from guitarist Daron Malakian (now lead singer of Scars on Broadway). P.L.U.C.K is on the Armenian genocide of 1915.

 To summarise, System of a Down without a doubt still holds up. System of a Down (although not releasing material since 2005) are still relevant today. System of a Down have paved the way for musicians with strong messages to add their touch to music without the music suffering. System of a Down is always referenced second after SOAD's second release, Toxicity; despite this, System of a down still holds it own in message and prowess. Most agree with this with the fact that System of a Down is platinum certified in the US and Brazil.

 To finish, here is the music video Sugar. Before the song starts a freaky, schizophrenic news report from Eric Alost (definitely not America Lost) (video linked here for mobile users)