Top 10 System Of A Down Songs

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System of a Down, emerging during the late 1990s/early 2000s nu-metal era, distinguished themselves as one of the most unique bands of their time. The group comprises vocalist Serj Tankian, guitarist Daron Malakian, bassist Shavo Odadjian, and drummer John Dolmayan, who have often infused their Armenian heritage into both their music and their vocal political views. Before forming System of a Down, Tankian and Malakian played together in a band called Soil, which initially included Dave Hapokyan on bass and Domingo Laranio on drums. Shavo Odadjian was originally hired as their manager before transitioning to rhythm guitarist, though Soil disbanded after just one show following the departure of Hapokyan and Laranio.

In 1998, System of a Down released their self-titled debut album, featuring hit singles like “Sugar” and “Spiders,” both of which received significant airplay on MTV. This exposure quickly elevated their profile, earning them opening slots for renowned metal acts like Slayer and Metallica.

System of a Down released their groundbreaking second album, Toxicity, in 2001, marking their first climb to number one on the US Billboard Album Charts. This album featured some of the band’s most iconic songs, including the title track “Toxicity” and “Chop Suey!” Both songs received extensive airplay for their provocative promo videos. Notably, “Chop Suey!” was nominated for a Grammy Award, though its exploration of themes like “self-righteous suicide” stirred controversy, especially in the context of the 9/11 attacks.

In 2002, after unreleased tracks from the Toxicity sessions were leaked online, the band officially released them as their third album, Steal This Album! One of the prominent tracks, “Boom!” was accompanied by a Michael Moore-directed promo video that depicted the band members participating in anti-war protests against the Iraq war.

System of a Down continued their success by releasing a double album, Mezmerize/Hypnotize, in 2005. Both parts of the album were released separately within the same year, and each achieved number one status on the charts. The project was a commercial triumph and received widespread critical acclaim, cementing the band’s status in the rock music landscape.

However, in the year following their success, the band went on an indefinite hiatus to explore other creative endeavors. They reunited in 2010 and have been actively performing live since then. There’s ongoing speculation about a potential sixth studio album, adding to the anticipation among fans.

# 10 – Psycho

Starting our list of System Of A Down songs is “Psycho,” a track that perfectly embodies the band’s eccentric style—a constant throughout much of their work. Featured on the album Toxicity, the music strikes a classic System Of A Down balance, being both heavy and rapid. Daron Malakian’s guitar work towards the end of the song showcases a distinct Eastern influence, adding a sublime touch to the penultimate track of the album and setting the stage for the finale, “Aerials.”

# 9 – War

“War” is a track from the band’s debut album, showcasing System Of A Down in their most politically charged form. Often considered the successors to Rage Against The Machine, System Of A Down channels a similar fiery spirit in this song. However, “War” is delivered with a faster pace and a level of intensity that echoes extreme metal bands like Napalm Death, underscoring their influence on SOAD’s music.

# 8 – Boom

“Boom” represents System Of A Down at their most politically outspoken, delivering a powerful protest against the 2002 invasion of Iraq. Featured on Steal This Album!, the song criticizes the excessive costs of warfare and the tragic waste of life, juxtaposed against global poverty. The track is also notable for its music video, directed by Michael Moore, known for Bowling for Columbine. The video features extensive footage of worldwide protests against the war, linking it stylistically and thematically to Moore’s work with Rage Against The Machine for the video “Sleep Now in the Fire.”

# 7 – Lost in Hollywood

“Lost in Hollywood” from the 2005 album Mezmerize showcases Daron Malakian’s prominent role, where he not only took the lead in writing most of the lyrics and music but also stepped up as the main vocalist, with Serj Tankian providing backing vocals. This track delves into the darker facets of Hollywood, critiquing its superficial glamour and the pervasive myths of its allure. Malakian’s expressive delivery enhances the song’s introspective look at the entertainment capital’s less glamorous side.

# 6 – Sugar

“Sugar,” the debut single from System Of A Down’s first album, burst onto the scene with the band’s signature off-the-wall style. Both musically and lyrically uncompromising, the song’s accompanying music video effectively conveys its message, starting with a newsreader unraveling on air, admitting to disseminating “sugar-coated lies,” followed by impactful imagery of the Holocaust and nuclear testing. This track boldly introduced the band’s unique sound and thematic boldness to the world.

# 5 – A.T.W.A

“A.T.W.A,” a standout track from their discography, showcases System Of A Down’s range with its beautiful melodic verses contrasted by a heavy chorus. The song’s title refers to Charles Manson’s environmental initiative—Air, Trees, Water, Animals—pointing to the complex reactions it may evoke due to Manson’s notorious background. Daron Malakian, who appreciates Manson’s artistic contributions, distinguishes his admiration for the music from Manson’s criminal actions.

# 4 – Spiders

As the second single from their debut album, “Spiders” stands out for its unique sound that diverges from the rest of the album, showcasing the band’s ability to craft dark, slow songs that remain powerful without resorting to an explosive, shouting chorus. Its selection as a single highlights System Of A Down’s versatility and early mastery of a more subdued but equally impactful sound. The track made its mark by reaching number twenty-five on the US mainstream rock chart.

# 3 – Aerials

Holding the third spot is “Aerials,” a standout track from System of a Down’s album Toxicity. This song diverges from the album’s overall aggressive style by adopting a slower, more contemplative tempo, yet it packs a heavy emotional punch. Its lyrics explore themes of closed-mindedness and the limitations people place on themselves, which resonates deeply with listeners. The song’s broad appeal and depth were recognized on the charts, as it soared to number one on both the US Mainstream Rock and Alternative Songs charts.

# 2 – Toxicity

Just shy of the top is “Toxicity,” the seminal title track of the band’s second album. This song encapsulates the essence of System of a Down with its blend of intense lyrics, Malakian’s haunting guitar riffs, and the robust backing of Dolmayan’s drums and Tankian’s fervent vocals. Addressing critical issues such as environmental pollution and societal decay, “Toxicity” has been lauded as a modern metal classic, achieving a peak position of number three on the Billboard Alternative Rock chart and earning acclaim for its artful protest.

# 1 – Chop Suey

“Chop Suey!” was released as the lead single from System of a Down’s second album, Toxicity, in 2001. This song is known for its dynamic shifts in tempo and aggressive vocal delivery, featuring lyrics that touch on themes of mortality and the existential struggle, notably reflected in the lines about self-righteous suicide and makeup application. The song’s title, “Chop Suey,” which means “assorted pieces,” plays into the song’s theme of fragmentation and chaos in life.

Critically, “Chop Suey!” is frequently highlighted as one of System of a Down’s most famous tracks, often praised for its innovative structure and energetic performance. It was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2002 for Best Metal Performance, which underscores its recognition in the music industry.

Commercially, “Chop Suey!” was a significant success. It reached number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking it as one of System of a Down’s highest-charting singles. Additionally, it performed well internationally, charting within the top 10 in Australia and the top 20 in the UK. The song’s music video, known for its intense energy and live performance, played a substantial role in its popularity, receiving considerable airplay on MTV and other music channels at the time.

This track continues to be a defining song in System of a Down’s catalog, celebrated for its complexity and intensity, and remains a favorite among fans for live performances.

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