System of a Down

System Of A Down's 2001 sophomore release demonstrates that nu metal can be far more than a generic tag. With angular songs awash in buzzsaw guitars, tempo changes and a strong melodic sense, System Of A Down give metal back to the freaks.

No getting around it - "all research and successful drug policy shows/That treatment should
be increased/And law enforcement decreased/While abolishing mandatory-minimum
sentences" is one unmanageable mouthful of a lyric. But Serj Tankian doesn't try to manage
it, doesn't try to make the statement sound artful or clever. Instead, the System of a Down
frontman reaches deep into his lungs, fetches his most harrowing drill-sergeant... More >

Overarrangements no prob for we who avoid art-rock like the plague this means to cure ("Prison Song," "Bounce") (Grade - *)