First time reaction to System of a Down - Vocal analysis of Toxicity

22 years later this song and album still give me chills.

None of us will ever forget the first time we heard SOAD back then. Or now. Classics

"not expecting the tonality to change like it did " I feel like this was soad's whole vibe

Serj Tankian has one of the widest ranges of all times. It's truly shocking how many techniques he mastered on his own without any formal training!

It was a magical time for rock radio. We didn't know it would end.

Serj is both well-respected and underrated. History will reference his amazing artistry.

i love her facial expressions reacting to this...also blows my mind she never heard this song before, this song was huge!

On my 59th Birthday this year 2023, my youngest son took me to Vegas for an all day concert called Sick New World, and SOAD was the headliner. I was ecstatic at finally seeing System of a Down along with so many other bands I love. Best birthday present ever, love you, son, with all my heart! Both my boyz treat me with so much respect and love, and I love that they do.

You can't go wrong with SOAD. Their guitarist is a vocal part of the band too. Can't wait for you to experience his vocals and their harmonies!

Knowing that these guys are Armenian-American and influenced by eastern music really makes my ears perk up to certain sounds in this song. Like the plaintive trill on the first "sacred silence and slee~eep" or the last "diso~order" in the first verse feel very familiar to me as a Greek, really redolent of traditional music in our part of the world. It just adds a subtle and unexpected layer of color to this heavy metal song.

I’m sure someone has mentioned it elsewhere, but all the members of SOAD are of Armenian descent, and ALL of their rhythms and melodies are derived from traditional Armenian music.

SOAD has such a distinct sound, I’ve never heard anything like it and doubt I will again. I miss them terribly.

There’s not really any bad System of a Down songs, so anything would be good, but I highly recommend B.Y.O.B. The transitions are legendary, and the vocal range on display is absolutely breathtaking.

System Of A Down, legendary band!

Girl , knowing the song since it came out and looking at your reaction gave me goosebumps, its like i was listening to it for the first time. You're too sweet.

System of a Down is probably my favorite band. Their music is just so unique and is so well constructed.

Your initial reaction to one of the great songs of a generation was like watching a beautiful child experience something special for the first time. Strangely enough, watching you genuinely soak up the music amplifies feelings this song already sparks.

Serj’s voice is always an absolute treat to listen to. there’s something about it that’s so captivating, it’s always shocking to hear how soft-spoken his speaking voice is in comparison lol.

When this album came out, it was an event for my friends and I. One of the group, Chewy, got it and we car pooled to his apartment parking lot and listened to it blare through his car speakers into the night, from start to finish without pausing. It was important. I don't know how to explain it because things are so different now. It mattered a great deal that this art was made. Still makes me smile seeing it show up in spaces like this 20 years later.

I came across 'The Vocalyst' tonight as I can't sleep... To 'The Vocalyst'...I absolutely love your reaction to music. An innate ability and intrigue to the rawness, spice, sound, vocals, season's, the intricacy of a storm and all it delivers. All if it in a song. A full presence, completely encapsulating the soul, all coming through the waves... like a sun suddenly breaking through midst the flood... I totally appreciate the excitement you dissect it note by note... The waves and riders of the storm if you will. I love the mystical and magic side of music... It's a whole another language and tongue I not only speak, feel, absorb, comprehend and fully understand. Thx for loving and appreciating music as much as I... Music overwhelms me on so many levels, it's surely one of the most magical things in the universe...