I really don't understand why this band is labeled as numetal. Having listened to this CD, I can safely say that there is nothing on here that even vaguely resembles numetal. There is no rapping, no turntabling, no simple 3-chord Korn riffs, and no indication that this album was made with any intention to get on MTV. What I'm hearing here (if I can describe it) is something much closer to progressive metal, and even death metal. System of a Down has much more in common with bands like Testament and Meshuggah than Korn and Limp Bizkit. In fact, Daron, the guitarist, doesn't even like numetal, so I doubt he appreciates being lumped in that category.

As a person who never really got the whole numetal/rapmetal thing, and would rather listen to just about anything else, I always avoided this album, because I didn't expect it to be "my thing". But, since I try to keep an open mind, I decided to borrow this album (and "Toxicity") from a friend, and just see if I liked it. Wow, good move. I am VERY impressed! This album is nearly perfect in every way. Very heavy, very melodic, and very technical. Daron is far superior to any numetal guitarist, churning out wild time changes, thunderous riffs, and even some solos. John Dolmayan is a very talented drummer, who can do way more than just pound absent-mindedly at his kit, like say, John Otto. He does very complex beats, and some pretty impressive fills. The bass player is nothing special. His basslines are audible, but not very technical. Then there's Serj. The madman behind this masterpiece (there, I said it, I used it the "m" word). Probably one of the most talented and bizarre vocalists there is. He has an amazing voice, and frightening range. He can go effortlessly from high-pitched squeals, to softer vocals, to death-like growling, and makes it seem easy. The lyrics? Well, I don't know. Decide for yourself.

It's really a shame that most will only know this album by the single, "Sugar". In my opinion, that song is extremely overrated, and easily the worst song on the album. In fact, it's the only song on here that I dislike at all. Not that it's bad, it's just significantly weaker than the rest. If I had to pick favorites, I'd go with "Suite Pee", "War", "Mind, "PLUCK", and the haunting "Spiders", but every song is amazing in its own way.

If you have reservations about numetal, and because of it have not gotten this album, just forget that, because I gurantee you'd be hard-pressed to find anything even vaguely "numetal" about this album at all. Anyone who has an appreciation for good music, and can keep an open mind will enjoy this. Haven't listened to all of "Toxicity" yet, but something tells me it won't come within miles of this. In fact, I doubt they could ever make another album like this. Don't ask questions, just buy this now! I also recommend "Chaosphere", by Meshuggah, if you liked this.

I wasn't gonna write a review(is it necessary, this album is ground zero for what metal should be)until I saw a review that basically says this album is great if you are 15.F**K YOU TOO!!! I'll have you know from the opinion of someone pushing 30 that this album made me realize that not only was metal relevant but vital to our world.I used to be a full on metalhead then the 90s happened and I realized life is too short to swell up your chest with bravado 24/7 and that's all metal was about until Korn came along, but Korn is too imature and trendy for me to champion them. I'll give them their proper respect for breaking new ground but alot of their stuff is boring and drawn out. Then System Of A Down Came along and showed me that you can channel aggression through metal and produce somthing very explosive. I thought Rollins was the only one who knew how to channel aggression properly. System Of A Dowm schooled him. System Of A Down schooled us all. Metal will never be the same, and as long as they countinue to make records, they will be the standard that everyone that has come out after them will be measured against. WAR? is so prophetic, it's scary. Ther is no filler on this album. From Daron's opening harmonic riff to Serj's singing of the word "Down" at the end it's hard to catch your breath or blink and more importantly it's not necessary.

i have been listening to system for a little over a year and it seams that every time i listen to a song i catch something new in the music or a notice a stronger emotion in the pitch of his voice. I am always playing it for kids who have never listened to it before and the way it always catches them off guard and strikes them makes me an even bigger fan. The c.d. is definitely my favorite .

This is one of the most creative and motivated group of musicians i've seen in a long time. Where to begin? First off i'd say that words like "Mad Scientist" or maybe "Sonic Wizard" come to mind when describing Serj Tankian [vocals] when it comes to writing lyrics, and apparently trained fluently in opera. He wrote and sings almost all the lyrics on this album, which i prefer. Even though i think Daron Malakian [guitar & vocals] does great backup vocals, haha. Oh, I mean the hilariously obnoxious blood curdeling screams that can be heard from time to time, which is something i miss from there latest releases. John Dolmayan [drums] holds down a great rythme section while Shavo Odadjian [bass] keeps it simple. You can also occasionally hear Middle Eastern influences throughout the record, you hear this more often on later albums. Anyway, there is an ENORMOUS amount of memorable content on this record. Every song on this record is a keeper and i'd strongly advise this album for anyone who likes alternative metal or progressive rock. On a side note, Rick Rubin is probably my favorite producer.

This CD is, without a doubt in my mind, one of the BEST hard rock albums I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. That said, people who are new to System of a Down's style should start by listening to Toxicity, to get you comfortable with SOAD's unique sound. This CD is what got me into a REAL System of a Down fan. 'System of a Down' blows ALL its successors out of the freakin' water. SOAD's old stuff far surpasses its newer stuff. Its flawless, from the lead singer Serj Tankian's amazing, amazing, AMAZING vocal range to guitarist Daron Malakian's rough, heavy, incredible guitar solos. This is like something you've never heard before. You can't really put SOAD in a genre.. they're just SOAD. They confront an array of problems in their music; From religon, to sex, to drugs, to suicide, to humor, System incorperates almost everything into their music, and you can tell from this album that these four men make music for the benifits of making music, not to get on MTV or sell a billion albums or any of that. Their fame is well deserved and earned. Because they are on the radio does not lessen their talent. So, go out and buy all of their albums.