# Toxicity

> 2001 studio album by System of a Down

**Wikidata**: [Q218971](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q218971)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxicity_(album))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/toxicity

## Summary
*Toxicity* is the 2001 studio album by American alternative metal band System of a Down. It is one of the band's most acclaimed and commercially successful releases, featuring hit singles like "Chop Suey!" and "Aerials." The album was released on September 4, 2001, under the American Recordings and Columbia Records labels.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: September 4, 2001
- **Artist**: System of a Down
- **Genre**: Alternative metal
- **Record Labels**: American Recordings, Columbia Records
- **Notable Tracks**: "Chop Suey!", "Aerials", "Toxicity"
- **Sitelink Count**: 41
- **Wikipedia Title**: Toxicity (album)
- **Wikidata Description**: 2001 studio album by System of a Down
- **Inception of Alternative Metal Genre**: 1985

## FAQs

**What is *Toxicity*?**  
*Toxicity* is a studio album by System of a Down, released on September 4, 2001. It is widely regarded as one of the band's defining works and features iconic tracks such as "Chop Suey!" and "Aerials."

**Who produced *Toxicity*?**  
The album was released through a collaboration between American Recordings and Columbia Records. These labels are known for distributing music by high-profile artists across multiple genres.

**What genre does *Toxicity* belong to?**  
The album falls under the alternative metal genre, which emerged in the mid-1980s as a fusion of heavy metal and alternative rock.

**What are some notable songs from *Toxicity*?**  
Key tracks include "Chop Suey!", "Aerials", and the title track "Toxicity". These songs contributed significantly to the band's mainstream success and critical acclaim.

**What is the significance of the release date of *Toxicity*?**  
The album was released on September 4, 2001, just days before the September 11 attacks. This timing influenced its cultural reception, as themes of chaos and societal critique resonated strongly in the post-9/11 environment.

**How is *Toxicity* connected to other works by System of a Down?**  
The album includes tracks that were later recognized as standalone singles, such as "Aerials" and "Chop Suey!", which are also listed as part of the album's ecosystem in Wikidata.

**What distinguishes *Toxicity* from other albums in its genre?**  
*Toxicity* stands out for its unique blend of aggressive metal with experimental and politically charged elements, combined with the band's distinctive vocal and compositional style.

**What is the role of American Recordings and Columbia Records in *Toxicity*?**  
American Recordings and Columbia Records jointly handled the distribution and promotion of *Toxicity*, leveraging their industry reach to support the album's commercial success.

## Why It Matters
*Toxicity* is a landmark release in the alternative metal genre, showcasing System of a Down's ability to merge heavy soundscapes with incisive social commentary. The album's success helped elevate the band to international prominence and influenced a generation of metal and rock artists. Its release timing, just before a pivotal moment in global history, gave its themes of societal unrest a profound resonance. The album's critical and commercial success also demonstrated the viability of experimental metal in mainstream markets.

## Notable For
- Being one of the defining albums of early 2000s alternative metal
- Featuring the hit single "Chop Suey!", which became a staple of modern rock radio
- Achieving mainstream success while maintaining artistic and political edge
- Showcasing the band's unique blend of aggressive instrumentation and complex lyrical themes
- Being released during a culturally transformative period, amplifying its thematic impact
- Representing a high point in System of a Down's discography with lasting influence on metal and rock genres

## Body

### History
*Toxicity* was released on September 4, 2001, by System of a Down, marking a pivotal moment in the band's career and in the alternative metal genre. The album arrived during a period of heightened cultural tension, with its themes of societal critique and political unrest gaining new relevance in the wake of the September 11 attacks just days after its release. This timing contributed to its powerful reception and enduring legacy.

### Label and Distribution
The album was jointly distributed by American Recordings and Columbia Records. American Recordings, founded in 1988 and based in the United States, has a history of promoting alternative and rock artists. Columbia Records, founded in 1889 and a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment, is one of the oldest and most prestigious record labels, known for signing iconic artists across genres. This collaboration provided *Toxicity* with significant promotional and distribution support, contributing to its commercial success.

### Genre and Style
Classified under the alternative metal genre, which originated in 1985, *Toxicity* blends heavy metal with elements of alternative rock, punk, and experimental music. The album's sound is characterized by aggressive riffs, complex rhythms, and politically charged lyrics, distinguishing it from more conventional metal releases of the time.

### Notable Tracks
Key tracks from *Toxicity* include:
- **"Chop Suey!"** — A breakout single that became a modern rock anthem, known for its dynamic shifts and emotional intensity.
- **"Aerials"** — A contemplative yet powerful track that was later released as a standalone single in 2002.
- **"Toxicity"** — The title track, which encapsulates the album's themes of societal decay and personal struggle.

These songs are not only part of the album but also recognized as individual entities in music databases, highlighting their cultural impact.

### Cultural and Critical Impact
The release of *Toxicity* coincided with a critical moment in global history, giving its themes of chaos, control, and disillusionment a heightened relevance. Critics praised the album for its innovation and intensity, while fans embraced its emotional and political resonance. The album's success helped establish System of a Down as a major force in the metal scene and influenced a generation of artists.

### Legacy
*Toxicity* remains a benchmark for artistic integrity within the constraints of commercial music. Its influence is evident in the continued popularity of its singles and its recognition in both fan and critical circles. The album's unique sound and thematic depth ensure its place in the history of alternative metal and rock music.

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Musical Maps. 2016](http://www.musicalmaps.blogspot.com.au/search/label/toxicitysystemofadown)
4. Metacritic
5. [AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0000620587)
6. Apple Music
7. Deezer
8. [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n1sOLxWCfeedpeiN-YS7H5xJq5Qptac-M)
9. Tidal
10. Album of the Year
11. Rate Your Music