LABEL: SONY
CD RELEASE DATE: 6/30/1998
ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: 6/30/1998
VARIANT: CD

"One of the strangest metal bands to ever win over the masses, System of a Down announced their arrival with 1998’s Rick Rubin-produced debut, a schizoid mash-up of Slayer, Dead Kennedys, Mr. Bungle and more. Bulldozer rhythms collide with jazzy interludes and traditional Armenian music influences, while punky barked vocals segue into heartfelt melodies. As for the lyrics, those skip between profound poetry, political commentary and Dr. Seussian nonsense. System would achieve mega-stardom with their follow-up, Toxicity, but this album paved the way. Revolver Staff