System of a Down's sophomore effort is a musically and lyrically ambitious 14-song collection that's even more left-of-center and powerful than their 1998 self-titled debut. Here the Los Angeles-bred foursome tackle everything from government ("Prison Song") to cocaine-crazed groupies ("Psycho") in a more pointed and aggressive manner than Rage Against the Machine. Serj Tankian's hardcore vocals and occasional Middle Eastern flourishes ("Science") contribute to the unique, ultra-intense, and quirky qualities of System circa 2001. Unexpected time changes and death-metal-like intensity give way to mellower moments, all of which make for demanding but irresistible listening. Toxicity is a masterful, unusual, and forceful opus.

Tracklist

A1 Prison Song 3:21
A2 Needles 3:13
A3 Deer Dance 2:54
A4 Jet Pilot 2:06
A5 X 1:58
A6 Chop Suey! 3:30
A7 Bounce 1:54
A8 Forest 4:00
B1 ATWA 2:56
B2 Science 2:42
B3 Shimmy 1:50
B4 Toxicity 3:38
B5 Psycho 3:45
B6 Aerials 4:01
B7 Arto (Hidden Track) 2:05