Artist: System of a Down
Album: Toxicity(limited edition with bonus DVD)
File Under: Metal + Creativity
As Cool As: a really nice Persian rug
Grade: (Album) 9, (Bonus DVD) 7
 
After hearing a lot of good things about this album, I decided to pick it up.  It's been out for a while, but they re-released it with a bonus DVD with some live footage and a video.  First off, this album is pretty damn good.  I wasn't sure what to expect since I had only heard 2 songs of theirs before.  It's got a nu-metal feel to it, but I wouldn't liken it to any of the nu-metal we've been hearing lately.  System have their own formula, and it's much tastier than the everyday crap we've heard lately.  Their ethnic diversity serves as much more than a photo-op(see Linkin Park), and I think that is one reason that this album has some staying power.  It's heavy metal all right, but the spice that is added makes it truly unique.  At the same time, this could have ruined the music by using it as a gimmick.  No gimmicks, just originality.  The only complaint I have with this album is the singers voice.  Don't get me wrong, he has a good voice, but at times, it just gets a little old.  Kinda like Zach De La Rocha's did with Rage...don't let this little complaint hold you back from picking up the album, it's a true gem.

As for the DVD...the music video for "Toxicity" is cool.  The live footage isn't all that impressive.  I can't think of very many live DVD's that I really enjoy.  In order to really enjoy live music, you usually have to see it live and in person.  It's nice little bonus and certainly was incentive enough for me to pick up the album.
 
Mr. Pickles says: System of a Down is better than Syndrome of a Down.