How a chaotic Hollywood riot launched a landmark heavy metal masterpiece in 2001
In short: System of a Down’s second album, Toxicity, arrived in 2001 as a genre-defying fusion of metal, folk, and jazz. Its release was marked by a massive, six-hour riot in Hollywood after a free concert was cancelled, setting a volatile tone for a record that would eventually sell millions worldwide.
Released on September 4, 2001, Toxicity expanded the band's sonic palette beyond their debut. Guitarist Daron Malakian incorporated instruments like the sitar and banjo, blending heavy metal with progressive rock, jazz, and Middle Eastern influences. The band recorded over 30 tracks at Cello Studios in Hollywood, ultimately selecting 14 for the final cut. Much of the album was written in drop C tuning, creating a distinct, heavy sound that critics praised for its innovative, manic energy.
The album’s themes were equally ambitious, tackling mass incarceration, environmentalism, and political corruption. Vocalist Serj Tankian used tracks like 'Prison Song' to critique mandatory minimum sentencing, while 'ATWA' explored Charles Manson’s views on the environment. Despite the band’s serious intent, bassist Shavo Odadjian described the hit 'Chop Suey!' as a way of addressing the gravity of drug addiction through a slightly absurd lens. The record’s cultural footprint was immense, eventually achieving 7× Platinum status in the United States by August 2026.
The album’s launch was famously turbulent. On September 3, 2001, a planned free concert in a Hollywood parking lot drew up to 10,000 fans—far exceeding the expected 3,500 capacity. When police cancelled the show without warning, the crowd rioted for six hours, destroying approximately $30,000 in equipment. Later that year, the band faced further friction during the Pledge of Allegiance tour, where bassist Shavo Odadjian was physically assaulted by security guards. Despite these early controversies, the album became a critical and commercial juggernaut, topping charts in the United States and Canada.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Toxicity (album)
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