"Toxicity," the second studio album by American heavy metal band System of a Down, burst onto the scene on September 4, 2001, through American Recordings and Columbia Records. Building upon the foundation laid by their 1998 eponymous debut, "Toxicity" introduced a richer tapestry of melody, harmonies, and vocals, expanding the band's sonic palette. While primarily categorized as alternative metal and nu metal, the album traverses diverse musical terrain, incorporating elements of folk, progressive rock, jazz, and Armenian and Greek music. Notably, it showcases an array of instruments such as the sitar, banjo, keyboards, and piano. Lyrically, "Toxicity" delves into a wide spectrum of themes, ranging from political commentary on issues like mass incarceration, the CIA, and environmental concerns to personal struggles such as drug addiction and groupie culture.
Recorded at Cello Studios in Hollywood, California, the album emerged from a pool of over 30 recorded songs, ultimately culminating in a carefully curated selection of 14 tracks. Upon its release, "Toxicity" skyrocketed to number one on both the Billboard 200 and the Canadian Albums Chart, boasting an impressive first-week sales figure of 220,000 copies. Its success continued to soar, earning sextuple platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America by July 2022, denoting sales exceeding six million units in the United States alone. Each of the album's singles made a significant impact on the Billboard Hot 100, with the final single, "Aerials," ascending to number one on both the Mainstream Rock Tracks and the Modern Rock Tracks charts. Critical acclaim showered upon "Toxicity," with perfect ratings bestowed by AllMusic, Kerrang!, and Blabbermouth.net, among others, lauding its innovative sound and musical prowess. The album also secured placements on numerous "best albums" lists.
However, the promotional tour for "Toxicity" was not without controversy. A six-hour riot erupted at a free concert in Hollywood, precipitated by the cancellation of the show due to overcrowding, resulting in chaotic scenes. Another scheduled performance by System of a Down was axed to forestall a similar uproar. Subsequently, during a tour with Slipknot, bassist Shavo Odadjian faced racial profiling and physical assault by security personnel when attempting to access backstage at a concert in October 2001, underscoring the tumultuous journey surrounding the album's release and subsequent tour.
System Of A Down - Toxicity
1 Prison Song
2 Needles
3 Deer Dance
4 Jet Pilot
5 X
6 Chop Suey!
7 Bounce
8 Forest
9 ATWA
10 Science
11 Shimmy
12 Toxicity
13 Psycho
14 Aerials
15 Arto
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