The songs "Honey" and "Temper" from Demo Tape 2 were recorded for this album as well but ultimately did not make the cut. "P.L.U.C.K." (Politically Lying, Unholy, Cowardly Killers) All music written by Daron Malakian, except where noted. Track listing Īll lyrics written by Serj Tankian, except where noted. Loudwire included the album in its list of The Best Metal Debut Albums, at number 22. The album is featured in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Q called it "an excellent starting point for this most curious band". System of a Down received acclaim from music critics.
SYSTEM OF A DOWN ALBUM COVERS PROFESSIONAL
Reception Professional ratings Review scores Later, it is written in bold letters: "Open your eyes, open your mouths, close your hands and make a fist" (used later by Serj Tankian in the song "Uneducated Democracy"). The text on the original poster is: "A hand has 5 fingers! With these 5 grab the enemy!" This slogan inspired part of the text contained on the back of the System of a Down album: "The hand has five fingers, capable and powerful, with the ability to destroy as well as create". The cover artwork is from a 1928 anti-fascist poster designed by visual artist John Heartfield for the Communist Party of Germany. Our excuses for global domination always change." For example, "War?" contains the footnote "We first fought the heathens in the name of religion, then Communism, and now in In the liner notes, footnotes appear under some of the song's titles, giving some insight into the song's respective context. "P.L.U.C.K." is a song dedicated to the victims of the Armenian genocide, and is meant to be a criticism and denouncing of the Turkish Government. "Soil" is, according to lead singer Serj Tankian, "about death, and friends that die, and life that dies." "Mind" talks about government mind control, specifically mentioning CIA brainwashing in the albums' liner notes. "Suite-Pee" is a criticism of pedophilia within the Church and religious extremism. Lyrical themes throughout the album vary, with many songs following a theme of being anti-war, but also has topics of genocide, religion, and brainwashing. The album is generally considered nu metal and alternative metal, both of which would become staples for the band.