What else should we react to? 🤔 Comment below! Also if you want to support the channel directly consider jointing the Patreon for more exclusive content 🤟 www.patreon.com/knoxhill
Personally, I would love to see you breakdown songs from Tool, probably starting with Lateralus, especially since you can appreciate the Fibonacci Sequence. One of the most introspective and philosophically stimulating bands ever. True lyricism, amazing instrumentation, and each song is a journey :)
I've been listening to System for 20 years and in all this time I've never known anyone who picked up on the depth of the song as quickly as you. I shouldn't be surprised since I've watched you deconstruct virtually all of rap at this point. But wow, I'm just amazed.
Another amazing reaction is by The Charismatic Voice, you can literally see the music physically affecting her and how emotional she becomes at every aspect of the song
I highly doubt this is his first time. That title gets more clicks on youtube and the majority of creators use it to increase views and channel growth.
@@aidanhinshelwood She`s great. I don`t know much about singing and stuff but she goes super deep with the lyrics and vocal technique + instumentals. I think she has this thing. I don`t remember the name of it but it is basically people who just feel music on a different level. Like she gets sooo into it. Really feels it. I love her channel.
A couple of fun facts: 1) The song was originally just named "suicide" but the record label said NO. So they CHOPPED the word and added some word play there. 2) The part where they start screaming "FATHER!". The song wasn't originally meant to be biblical but dude was having writer's block on how to end the song. He was with someone who had a huge library and the guy told Serj to pick up a random book for inspiration. Serj basically picked at random the Holy Bible and opened it to the page that has those lines and it just fit so perfectly! Source: There's an interview with Serj somewhere here on youtube that I saw quite a while ago. Side note: Where you said "Everyone is wearing black".... Yup, welcome to rock my friend, especially late 90's early 2000's rock fans.... My high school (hell and current) wardrobe proves this, lmao
Thanks for pointing this out. I am late to the party and decided to read comments before I said this. Rick Rubin believes everything happens for a reason and randomly picking those words work so great in this song.
Just about hit the nail on the head here Knox. According to Guitarist Daron Malakian, who wrote it with lead singer Serj Tankian, explained: "The song is about how when people die, they will be regarded differently depending on the way they pass. Like, if I were to die from a drug overdose, everyone would say I deserved it because I abused drugs, hence the line 'Angels deserve to die.'" (I copied this from the Songfacts page on the song, there's a lot more there.)
Oh thank God someone else beat me to this I was about to mention this and then go dig up all of the sources where everything is quoted... But yes this comment right here^
the song was also originally called suicide, but the label made them change the name to be radio friendly which is why serj is saying "we're rolling suicide" at the start of the song.
To expand on just what the "I cry when angels deserve to die" line means in this context. I'm assuming they're talking about how, people will cry over the dead and in the next breathe talk about how the person deserved it because of how they died.
Suicide was suppose to be the original title of the song, but the label would not have it. So they decided separate the title word. Result: Chop-suey (chopped suicide). Glad to see you reacting to some rock, Knox!
originally the song was called "Suicide" a take on how ones death is perceived by others pertaining to the manner of death as stated by the guitarist. The name "Choy Suey" is literally Chop Sui- Chop suicide, they parody it in the boredom of the lead singer eating Chop suey briefly. You did an amazing job analyzing the meaning and catching the religious portion of Jesus's last words on the cross!. Kudos
Also, I only recently realised this, because I had the song on at very high volume with headphones on, but at the beginning right as the song starts, they say “rolling Suicide” as if saying that to them, the song is still called Suicide
I love, love, love that you have taken on breaking down metal songs! It is so apparent that you appreciate their genius and writing skills. Keep it up Knox!
You’re like, one of the very few people that I have watched react to this song that picked up on Serj quoting directly from Christ on the cross. Big respect for that. I can’t believe all the reaction videos I have watched that do not pick up on this. Again, much respect.
My kids were introduced to System at a young age. One of my favorite memories is the four of them (8, 5, 4, and 3) dancing and singing along to the chorus to B.Y.O.B.
Oh Knox.. SOAD is a rabbit hole I've been waiting for you to explore for quite a while! They are one of the most unique bands out there, and I really hope you check out more songs by them. Lyrics, song writing, tempo changes.. it's all incredible!
I think you’re bang on with the meaning. SOAD like to keep their songs open to interpretation, like it means whatever you feel it means. But Daron Malkavian (the creepy guitarist) talked about how people are judged differently based on how they died. Someone could be an amazing person, an angel, all their lives but if they died by suicide/drugs/lost a fight with mental health, then people will say they deserved it. “Grab a brush and put on a little makeup.” People often wear makeup and nice clothes when planning to take their life. “Why’d you leave your keys up on the table?” Seeing signs that a person isn’t planning on returning home that night.
If you dive deeper into the world of SOAD... oh man... Every single line that comes out of this man's mouth is a metaphor. They intentionally say lyrics that sound like total nonsense, but by digging deeper, there is always a meaning or a story to what is being said. It's nuts. So many interviews and each one never revealing anything because they want to leave everything open to whatever you think or feel things are lol. It's been like 25 years and never an explanation. Amazing!
I am SO FREAKING GLAD you found system of a down!! They are one of my favorite metal bands ever! Their music always has a message, sometimes its political but its always very on point. You should check out BYOB, you wont be disapointed.
The fact that this guy is literally an expert and a prodigal genius in the whole rap genre and bar breakdown, but is completely oblivious and taken by surprise by the entire concept of instrumental and vocal harmony that a band like these guys have been doing for 20 years, is so fun and brilliant to watch. It's just fascinating to see him continue to grow. Respect
Seeing how you have deconstructed lyrics with rap, with metal you'll have some good surprises. Great reaction bro 🔥 Fun fact: It's called Chop suey because they couldn't put Suicide as the song name so they "chopped" sui/cide = Chop Suey.
And they were upset that they had to truncate the title, so I think that's why he looks so bored eating the food symbolizing how sterile they had to make the song title.
The band actually was forced to change the title by the label execs because label execs deemed the title suicide insensitive because it was slated to be released right after the 9/11 attacks.
I always assumed the lyrics were aiming at Jesus. Someone who knew he was going to die but didn’t do anything to prevent it. I don’t think I call that suicide, self righteous, maybe.
@@elisefincher4478 Daron recently clarified in an interview that the name change didn't really have to do with 9/11. He called the initial title "lazy" and didn't want to give the radio a reason not to play the first single off of their album.
@@elisefincher4478 9 = September. Song was released in 8 = August, before 9/11. I don't know where you heard that explanation, but it is wrong. It was an issue with the marketability with no connection to an event that had not yet happened.
The Metal community needs you Knox, it's understood and visible that you appreciate music, period !! And we love you for that and the in depth breakdowns as it comes to you. Please keep going 🙏
More metal reactions and a potential new series???!? Let’s fucken go!!! SOAD is a fantastic band! Their social commentary is so raw and real The song talks about suicide so it’s not a stretch to say the wearing black could also represent mourning. Be it family and friends mourning said suicide or the person mourning the loss of something within themselves like the will to live Some SOAD recommendations: the classics Toxicity, Aerials and BYOB. Some of my personal favorites Sugar and Prison Song
FINALLY! We got Knox into metal and what a choice to start with. Knox, you will enjoy SoaD and especially Terj, his word play to send statements is out of this world and I think something you can relate to and enjoy. Hope Metal Mondays sticks around for a long time because I am here for it and want to see which other songs and bands you breakdown
Great reaction to a great song. System of a Down are legends because they transcend barriers and genres and yet somehow still maintain respect from hardcore metalheads. I'm not a huge metal guy myself, but SOAD are a band I love. Serj's vocals are amazing, and extremely versatile between his pseudo-rapping cadences you pointed out, to his angelic tone, to his screams, plus he'll throw in some flourishes of the folk music of their home country of Armenia. Similarly, the way their instrumentations can vary wildly between sweet melodies and chunky riffs, with extremely fast, dramatic shifts that always keep it fresh is so unique. Add on the political awareness in their lyrics and you have something truly unique and incredible.
I stumbled on your channel because I've been watching a lot of vocal coaches react to SOAD. Their lyricism is top notch, as you've seen, but Serj's vocal range is exquisite as well. They really are the whole package, and I wish they'd have been able to make more music. One of the best bands of my generation by far.
I first heard this song (and album) in 2001 when I was a freshman in High School. A few years later I was lucky enough to see them in concert in St. Paul, MN in 2005. I say I was lucky because I got to go for free, as my friend’s mom is blind and she actually had gotten two tickets for her and one of her friends to go but he had something come up and couldn’t go with her, so she called me and asked if I would escort her to the concert, and I was happy to. It was an awesome show, of course. SoaD has always touched me because of the complex emotional sense I get from the songs. It’s like a sense of pain and strength and a call to pay attention. As a teenage boy who experienced a lot of abuse as a child it was music I could identify with. They e always had a special place in my heart. Also this song’s intro is one of the best of all time.
Would LOVE more SOAD detailed breakdowns! They have a phenomenal catalog and the main vocalist is also a super nice, laid-back guy. Very relatable stuff, this song still gives me chills even after 2 decades of knowing it lol
This is the 2nd video you have done that I watched and the way you break down the meaning of these lyrics gives me chills man! This music helped through a VERY hard time in life and SOAD is one of my favorite bands!
Rick Rubin recently said on JRE that the whole “father” verse was randomly pulled from a book when SOAD was struggling to finish this song. It’s creepy how well it fits.
Hell yes! SoaD is one of the best bands ever. I knew I was going to enjoy your breakdown! Speaking of Tech N9ne, Serj, the singer has a track with him called Straight Out the Gate. It’s 🔥
I am so happy that you understood the concept of the lyrics. So many people who react to this song miss the entire concept. You got it in its entirety in the end. I was sitting here watching you try to figure out the pieces of the story in your head saying to myself. "You"re so close!" Then you came through at the end like a bomb. That was so impressive. You have my respect dude, really. Excellent reaction video!!!
So happy that you're reacting to more types of music! You have absolutely nailed this SOAD that no reactor has even begin to understand. SOAD has a ton of great songs, please keep it up!
At the time of shooting this video they weren't very well known (well at least they didn't think they were). They posted a note on their website asking for fans to come along to an empty motel parking lot in, or close to their hometown to help shoot the video, only expecting maybe 500 people. 1500 people turned up, the band were in awe and this is why it has so much energy as they treated it like a live show rather than a video clip. This whole album is a masterpiece, produced by Rick Rubin. The album's title "Toxicity" is a play on "Toxic-City" and in honour of Los Angeles depicting that Hollywood isn't all glamorous. Loving Metal Mondays and loving your lyrical breakdowns, Keep it up champ.
Loved this. You should definitely checkout more of their music. There’s so many layers to their lyrics. Ps- for layered lyrics, try Placebo “Every me and every you”
SOAD are great at tension and release. Some of the best, imo. Also, I love watching people's faces when they hear the "FATHER" part on the bridge for the first time.
One thing I knew before even listening to this would be that Knox will be able to pick up on the things most reaction channels would miss. There's a lot of hidden meaning when it comes to metal and heavy rock songs.
OMG. I Loovveeee your reactions! Lol I completely busted up at your comment about Daron Malakian's eyes. He definitely knows how to throw an intense gaze. As a longtime fan of System of a Down, your visual reactions to this video were priceless. So fun to watch you experience this song for the first time!!
Yeah Knox you just witnessed pure art IMHO it gave me goose bumps 20 years ago and still does today. I really fell in love with this whole album especially because of how they could so masterfully create contrasts in the same song mixing soft emotional melodic parts with pure onslaught and fury together. It blows my mind that people discover 'System' for the first time today. It's a good day for you brother haha
I'm so happy that you are diving into the metal lake! Keep exploring SOAD, pretty much all of their songs is applicable to our current time even though most of their songs was made 20 years ago. Such amazing band. I'm also here for you to explore more bands with this Metal Monday, great idea!
Thank you so much for bringing your lyrical breakdowns to the Metal Scene. I highly recommend the band Jinjer (Pisces is the obvious first reaction choice, but Perennial live at Wakken or Teacher Teacher I think would be particularly fun for you) or Sound of Silence by Disturbed.
It's crazy to think that I have been listening to this stuff for almost a decade (If not more) and I always thought "Everyone has heard this", This just makes me rediscover and give a fresh perspective on songs that I love. Keep doing you Knox!
Dude, not this song specifically, but I just saw another comment about how good your hearing is and God damn it is. There are songs that I can't for the life of me figure out a word or two and then I'll see you react to it and get it first try 😂🤣 I guess it's a gift
Seeing you understand the lyricism and depth metal has makes me happy. Because I’ve been into metal for years and have tried to explain exactly that to people. Sure it’s sounds aggressive and angry but it’s for a reason. When you read lyrics it’s people putting their pain on the fore front and helping realize it is okay to scream and feel your feelings and it’s not a bad thing. That’s why it’s so popular with men. It’s a way to process the pain we go through because we have a hard time showing and expressing it in other ways thanks to society creating a stigma of men being emotional
I’d love to see you dive more into metal. Just as a point of order, if you do official music videos/ album versions there’s a higher chance of the record label will hit the video. If putting text over the video works, I for one don’t mind that, but if it gets to be more work than it’s worth, you might want to consider checking out live performances. Just know it’s a double edged sword, though, because you’re more likely to be able to monetize the video, but sometimes the live version of songs can be completely different from the album audio
Yeees, please do more metal! Been a long time sub for the rap content and indepth breakdowns, but found other channels to watch regarding my metal needs, as that is my main genre. Now you combined the two worlds, and it works wonderfully. Big ups🤘
I've just recently found your channel and been watching a couple of your reactions. I can say you really have a natural talent (ans "ear") for music, not only your choosen genre. That's my fav song from SOAD and one of the first ones I ever was able to sing in English (my third language) . . . . I'm also Catholic and the song put a smile on my face because even we see suicide as a sin, for us is not unforgiving. That commiting suicide is forgiven because the parson to come to such sin (even if egoistical) must have been suffering so much and deserves mercy
I don’t normally like lengthy reactions (this one ain’t bad), but I love how you break down the music and lyrics both. Reaction videos are usually one or the other. And you’re always so spot on and intuitive, a true lover of all things music. Much respect and appreciation from Oklahoma.
Great react. The song is about the perceptions people have on death depending on how said person died. Deep shit, man. Earned a sub with this one. Hope to see some more 🤘🤘
I've been watching you foe about 2 years now, and I was a die hard metal fan who hated rap not long before I found your channel. Seeing one of the people who helped me appreciate rap break down the music I grew up on and catch things I never did is just awesome. Thank you Knox. Also cool story about the line "Father into your hands I commend my spirit" was a filler line that Serj picked up from a random page in a random book because he didn't have any lyrics for that part. Which ended up being one of the main highlights of the song ironically.
Absolutely love that you're doing Metal Mondays now. I hope it sticks around. With how you react to and break-down songs lyrically, instrumentaly, and structurally I can wait to see the next one. Toxicity by System of a Down is definitely one I'd like to see you do soon
I've watched dozens of reactions to this song and this reaction is BY FAR the smartest take. You even got some subtleties I still wasn't getting. Excellent job!
This song has always meant a lot to me, but when my grandad committed suicide, it hit me on a whole different level. A man whose job was to deliver food after the break up of the soviet union. Russia cut us off completely, so money couldn't even buy extra food as everyone had food tokens. He'd keep extras in his van and hand them out to families that were genuinely struggling and starving, which was illegal to do. He is the most genuine person I had ever known and after he took his life many years later, we had to fight the church in allowing us to hold a funeral for him because suicide is a sin. The tourment it caused instilled an anger in me that SOAD helped me to deal with ,without acting out in an angry way. They showed me that I wasn't alone in my anger. They showed me that many of us can see the hypocrisy.
damn dude.. thats rlly fuckin unfortunate.. i feel like youre describing a place i grew up in, Armenia.. cause after the collision of the soviet union and the Artsakh war in 92 Armenia was in a total lockdown and ppl got food with food stamps and lived in poverty
@josephkhajo9773 I'm sorry to reply a whole year later but I'm going over some of these reactions but I never comment. I had forgotten I commented under this video. It means so much to me. I'm from Lithuania. I feel like there is so much divide between Eastern European countries, but we all have experienced so many similar struggles. I think we all stereotype each other because of what steps governments took after the break up of the soviet union. Some governments kissed ass and they're very conveniently located on the map to boost themselves.Now they try to alienate themselves from their history. We are one and the same, brother ❤
I grow up listening to 'em and I still do , whenever things gets outta control and I need a break , I listen to 'em ,max my speakers volume and sing ma heart out !!!
This song is so double layered as it about how you are remembered after you die. Self Rightious Sucide can be drugs but it can also be being a martyr. Thus the biblical references.
First video ive caught of your channel and as another comment has stated its crazy how much you caught at first glance which is badass. Glad you HEARD the song and enjoyed it. Its crazy af how relevant SOAD is throughout the ages. Love this band and the band is truly amazing. The sound, all of it. The way the drums and the music go hard is badass. Makes the lyrics stand out even more.
I haven't been around for a while because of a car accident and a few other things but am so glad that when i got back around to it I see you reacting to Chop Suey, this just made my day better. I have been gone so long now I probably got quite a few videos to catch up on
Metal is the highest form of music because now a days everything else can be put into it (rap, classical, techno, and so on) and it energizes everything.
What else should we react to? 🤔 Comment below! Also if you want to support the channel directly consider jointing the Patreon for more exclusive content 🤟 www.patreon.com/knoxhill
Have you ever done anything from the band Falling in Reverse?
Try Manic by Wage War…has some rap influence in it. See if u can catch the message behind the lyrics
Iron Maiden’s “Trooper” or “Run to the Hills” please 👏
First of all thank you so much Knox for doing metal Mondays much love from Ohio!! Motionless in White - masterpiece
Personally, I would love to see you breakdown songs from Tool, probably starting with Lateralus, especially since you can appreciate the Fibonacci Sequence. One of the most introspective and philosophically stimulating bands ever. True lyricism, amazing instrumentation, and each song is a journey :)
I've been listening to System for 20 years and in all this time I've never known anyone who picked up on the depth of the song as quickly as you. I shouldn't be surprised since I've watched you deconstruct virtually all of rap at this point. But wow, I'm just amazed.
Another amazing reaction is by The Charismatic Voice, you can literally see the music physically affecting her and how emotional she becomes at every aspect of the song
I highly doubt this is his first time. That title gets more clicks on youtube and the majority of creators use it to increase views and channel growth.
@@aidanhinshelwood She`s great. I don`t know much about singing and stuff but she goes super deep with the lyrics and vocal technique + instumentals. I think she has this thing. I don`t remember the name of it but it is basically people who just feel music on a different level. Like she gets sooo into it. Really feels it. I love her channel.
@@Nesqwikz watch any of his other videos, he is just as good at any other songs. dont be so quick to assume
The Charismatic Voice is on another level of breakdowns.
A couple of fun facts: 1) The song was originally just named "suicide" but the record label said NO. So they CHOPPED the word and added some word play there. 2) The part where they start screaming "FATHER!". The song wasn't originally meant to be biblical but dude was having writer's block on how to end the song. He was with someone who had a huge library and the guy told Serj to pick up a random book for inspiration. Serj basically picked at random the Holy Bible and opened it to the page that has those lines and it just fit so perfectly!
Source: There's an interview with Serj somewhere here on youtube that I saw quite a while ago.
Side note: Where you said "Everyone is wearing black".... Yup, welcome to rock my friend, especially late 90's early 2000's rock fans.... My high school (hell and current) wardrobe proves this, lmao
Yep and that someone was Rick Rubin :)
Thanks for pointing this out. I am late to the party and decided to read comments before I said this. Rick Rubin believes everything happens for a reason and randomly picking those words work so great in this song.
Rick Ruben my guy
in the very beginning of the track you can hear quietly "rolling suicide"
Dude, you should check out the video of Rick Rubin telling Joe Rogan how this song came to be. Interesting!
Dude if metal mondays become your new thing then I'm here for it 🙌
If he would do punk hump day I’d be down too
I really hope so🤌
If this becomes a thing, I'm soooo down.
Yessss
Facts
Just about hit the nail on the head here Knox. According to Guitarist Daron Malakian, who wrote it with lead singer Serj Tankian, explained: "The song is about how when people die, they will be regarded differently depending on the way they pass. Like, if I were to die from a drug overdose, everyone would say I deserved it because I abused drugs, hence the line 'Angels deserve to die.'" (I copied this from the Songfacts page on the song, there's a lot more there.)
Oh thank God someone else beat me to this I was about to mention this and then go dig up all of the sources where everything is quoted... But yes this comment right here^
the song was also originally called suicide, but the label made them change the name to be radio friendly which is why serj is saying "we're rolling suicide" at the start of the song.
Serj also rapped with Wu Tang in a song called shame on a n***a.
Dudes got a crazy flow.
@@CaptBimble So they called it chop suey, suey being half of suicide, chopped
To expand on just what the "I cry when angels deserve to die" line means in this context. I'm assuming they're talking about how, people will cry over the dead and in the next breathe talk about how the person deserved it because of how they died.
Suicide was suppose to be the original title of the song, but the label would not have it. So they decided separate the title word. Result: Chop-suey (chopped suicide). Glad to see you reacting to some rock, Knox!
👆
You can hear Serj say "Rolling Suicide" at the beginning
@@jonathanbouthillette753 not in the music video but the audio
i wanna like but 69 is a funny number
@@TheBunnyb0y 75 likes now
originally the song was called "Suicide" a take on how ones death is perceived by others pertaining to the manner of death as stated by the guitarist.
The name "Choy Suey" is literally Chop Sui- Chop suicide, they parody it in the boredom of the lead singer eating Chop suey briefly.
You did an amazing job analyzing the meaning and catching the religious portion of Jesus's last words on the cross!.
Kudos
Also, I only recently realised this, because I had the song on at very high volume with headphones on, but at the beginning right as the song starts, they say “rolling Suicide” as if saying that to them, the song is still called Suicide
I love, love, love that you have taken on breaking down metal songs! It is so apparent that you appreciate their genius and writing skills. Keep it up Knox!
agreed, anyone who takes the time to break down songs of any genre are people who really love music for music
Couldn't have said it better
Well said mate
You’re like, one of the very few people that I have watched react to this song that picked up on Serj quoting directly from Christ on the cross. Big respect for that. I can’t believe all the reaction videos I have watched that do not pick up on this. Again, much respect.
Exactly this! I find it a bit strange actually... 🤔 So from now on, this will be my go to place to watch reaction videos 😉🙌🤘
I have been looking for one, he is the first one, that talks a Lot of thing of him.
Love seeing you do metal. ❤️
Man the harmonies in the last chorus always give me goose bumps, Serj is such a talented vocalist
@2:44 Funny You mention Tech, he actually has a song with Serj (The lead singer of SOAD) called "Strait out the Gate"
My dad introduced this group to me as a kid and more than 20 years later I still love them every time I hear them
My kids were introduced to System at a young age. One of my favorite memories is the four of them (8, 5, 4, and 3) dancing and singing along to the chorus to B.Y.O.B.
😂 you just made me feel old! This was my favorite band when I was a Teenager.
Oh Knox.. SOAD is a rabbit hole I've been waiting for you to explore for quite a while! They are one of the most unique bands out there, and I really hope you check out more songs by them. Lyrics, song writing, tempo changes.. it's all incredible!
I think you’re bang on with the meaning.
SOAD like to keep their songs open to interpretation, like it means whatever you feel it means.
But Daron Malkavian (the creepy guitarist) talked about how people are judged differently based on how they died. Someone could be an amazing person, an angel, all their lives but if they died by suicide/drugs/lost a fight with mental health, then people will say they deserved it.
“Grab a brush and put on a little makeup.” People often wear makeup and nice clothes when planning to take their life.
“Why’d you leave your keys up on the table?” Seeing signs that a person isn’t planning on returning home that night.
He's not that creepy, come on :(
System of a Down has some of the best lyrics, I can't wait for you to get to some of their other songs! B.Y.O.B is a must🙏🏻
And, of course, one can't forget Aerials
@@aidanhinshelwood And Toxicity
Definitely BYOB next.
Your face when you heard the chorus and started to understand the meaning was beautiful. 👍 you got it Knox, proud of you
Love seeing new genres being brought forward 🔥 keep up the great work
If you dive deeper into the world of SOAD... oh man... Every single line that comes out of this man's mouth is a metaphor. They intentionally say lyrics that sound like total nonsense, but by digging deeper, there is always a meaning or a story to what is being said. It's nuts. So many interviews and each one never revealing anything because they want to leave everything open to whatever you think or feel things are lol. It's been like 25 years and never an explanation. Amazing!
Banana banana terracotta pie
Pogo pogo pogo bounce.
@@mochiluvr6753 What's better than pie? Pizza Pizza Pie!?
@@optimisticgnomerz The eyes of a horse on a jet pilot?
@@optimisticgnomerz Dude, one of the bands my kids and I HAD to have on road trips.
I am SO FREAKING GLAD you found system of a down!! They are one of my favorite metal bands ever! Their music always has a message, sometimes its political but its always very on point. You should check out BYOB, you wont be disapointed.
The fact that this guy is literally an expert and a prodigal genius in the whole rap genre and bar breakdown, but is completely oblivious and taken by surprise by the entire concept of instrumental and vocal harmony that a band like these guys have been doing for 20 years, is so fun and brilliant to watch. It's just fascinating to see him continue to grow. Respect
Seeing how you have deconstructed lyrics with rap, with metal you'll have some good surprises. Great reaction bro 🔥
Fun fact: It's called Chop suey because they couldn't put Suicide as the song name so they "chopped" sui/cide = Chop Suey.
And they were upset that they had to truncate the title, so I think that's why he looks so bored eating the food symbolizing how sterile they had to make the song title.
The band actually was forced to change the title by the label execs because label execs deemed the title suicide insensitive because it was slated to be released right after the 9/11 attacks.
I always assumed the lyrics were aiming at Jesus. Someone who knew he was going to die but didn’t do anything to prevent it. I don’t think I call that suicide, self righteous, maybe.
@@elisefincher4478 Daron recently clarified in an interview that the name change didn't really have to do with 9/11. He called the initial title "lazy" and didn't want to give the radio a reason not to play the first single off of their album.
@@elisefincher4478 9 = September. Song was released in 8 = August, before 9/11. I don't know where you heard that explanation, but it is wrong. It was an issue with the marketability with no connection to an event that had not yet happened.
The Metal community needs you Knox, it's understood and visible that you appreciate music, period !! And we love you for that and the in depth breakdowns as it comes to you. Please keep going 🙏
More metal reactions and a potential new series???!? Let’s fucken go!!! SOAD is a fantastic band! Their social commentary is so raw and real
The song talks about suicide so it’s not a stretch to say the wearing black could also represent mourning. Be it family and friends mourning said suicide or the person mourning the loss of something within themselves like the will to live
Some SOAD recommendations: the classics Toxicity, Aerials and BYOB. Some of my personal favorites Sugar and Prison Song
That was fun. Your facial reaction was priceless 😆 Glad you enjoyed it. ✌🏻💕😊
😂 right his face
Your brain will explode with B.Y.O.B. Great reaction!
I love this. Their songs are a journey, their transitions are delicious. I LOVE the drums in “Toxicity”. So crisp.
FINALLY! We got Knox into metal and what a choice to start with. Knox, you will enjoy SoaD and especially Terj, his word play to send statements is out of this world and I think something you can relate to and enjoy. Hope Metal Mondays sticks around for a long time because I am here for it and want to see which other songs and bands you breakdown
Great reaction to a great song. System of a Down are legends because they transcend barriers and genres and yet somehow still maintain respect from hardcore metalheads. I'm not a huge metal guy myself, but SOAD are a band I love. Serj's vocals are amazing, and extremely versatile between his pseudo-rapping cadences you pointed out, to his angelic tone, to his screams, plus he'll throw in some flourishes of the folk music of their home country of Armenia. Similarly, the way their instrumentations can vary wildly between sweet melodies and chunky riffs, with extremely fast, dramatic shifts that always keep it fresh is so unique. Add on the political awareness in their lyrics and you have something truly unique and incredible.
This band has saved me several times over the years. Serj is brilliant. I hope you dig deeper into him. He has some amazing singles out!
There's a reason why Tech N9ne collabed with Serg.. Straight Out The Gate.. Aerials is an amazing song also
I stumbled on your channel because I've been watching a lot of vocal coaches react to SOAD. Their lyricism is top notch, as you've seen, but Serj's vocal range is exquisite as well. They really are the whole package, and I wish they'd have been able to make more music. One of the best bands of my generation by far.
I first heard this song (and album) in 2001 when I was a freshman in High School. A few years later I was lucky enough to see them in concert in St. Paul, MN in 2005. I say I was lucky because I got to go for free, as my friend’s mom is blind and she actually had gotten two tickets for her and one of her friends to go but he had something come up and couldn’t go with her, so she called me and asked if I would escort her to the concert, and I was happy to. It was an awesome show, of course. SoaD has always touched me because of the complex emotional sense I get from the songs. It’s like a sense of pain and strength and a call to pay attention. As a teenage boy who experienced a lot of abuse as a child it was music I could identify with. They e always had a special place in my heart.
Also this song’s intro is one of the best of all time.
I remember hearing this song 5 times a day on the radio. It got real played out, but now going back I remember just how good it is
Would LOVE more SOAD detailed breakdowns! They have a phenomenal catalog and the main vocalist is also a super nice, laid-back guy. Very relatable stuff, this song still gives me chills even after 2 decades of knowing it lol
Omfg yesss!!!! System of a Down is the shit. The look on your face? Priceless!! Killed it @Knoxhill!
This is the 2nd video you have done that I watched and the way you break down the meaning of these lyrics gives me chills man! This music helped through a VERY hard time in life and SOAD is one of my favorite bands!
Rick Rubin recently said on JRE that the whole “father” verse was randomly pulled from a book when SOAD was struggling to finish this song. It’s creepy how well it fits.
Also saw him saying that on Joe Rogan.
My favorite band of all time.
Hell yes! SoaD is one of the best bands ever. I knew I was going to enjoy your breakdown! Speaking of Tech N9ne, Serj, the singer has a track with him called Straight Out the Gate. It’s 🔥
Yeah. I thought of that immediately as well. Funny how he mentioned Tech N9ne in this context. Hope he reacts to that at one point.
I am so happy that you understood the concept of the lyrics. So many people who react to this song miss the entire concept. You got it in its entirety in the end. I was sitting here watching you try to figure out the pieces of the story in your head saying to myself. "You"re so close!" Then you came through at the end like a bomb. That was so impressive. You have my respect dude, really. Excellent reaction video!!!
omfg chop suey is THE SONG of my childhood ❤❤❤ thank you sm for your positive reaction!! it means a lot to me
So happy that you're reacting to more types of music! You have absolutely nailed this SOAD that no reactor has even begin to understand. SOAD has a ton of great songs, please keep it up!
At the time of shooting this video they weren't very well known (well at least they didn't think they were). They posted a note on their website asking for fans to come along to an empty motel parking lot in, or close to their hometown to help shoot the video, only expecting maybe 500 people. 1500 people turned up, the band were in awe and this is why it has so much energy as they treated it like a live show rather than a video clip.
This whole album is a masterpiece, produced by Rick Rubin. The album's title "Toxicity" is a play on "Toxic-City" and in honour of Los Angeles depicting that Hollywood isn't all glamorous.
Loving Metal Mondays and loving your lyrical breakdowns, Keep it up champ.
please do more I love these videos
Loved this. You should definitely checkout more of their music. There’s so many layers to their lyrics.
Ps- for layered lyrics, try Placebo “Every me and every you”
I think this is the only reaction video thread I've seen where someone has recommended Placebo! Woot!!
You got it so quick dude. hats off!
Serj has such an incredible voice
SOAD are great at tension and release. Some of the best, imo. Also, I love watching people's faces when they hear the "FATHER" part on the bridge for the first time.
I will forever love this band...more than just music~!
I love watching your reactions, you seem genuine n honest n that’s just total respect 👍🏻🙂
One thing I knew before even listening to this would be that Knox will be able to pick up on the things most reaction channels would miss. There's a lot of hidden meaning when it comes to metal and heavy rock songs.
Fuck yeah ! Knox doing metal 🤘
I'm so happy he's reacting to this band. System of a Down is a masterpiece of a band that should never be forgotten. ❤
OMG. I Loovveeee your reactions! Lol I completely busted up at your comment about Daron Malakian's eyes. He definitely knows how to throw an intense gaze. As a longtime fan of System of a Down, your visual reactions to this video were priceless. So fun to watch you experience this song for the first time!!
Yeah Knox you just witnessed pure art IMHO it gave me goose bumps 20 years ago and still does today. I really fell in love with this whole album especially because of how they could so masterfully create contrasts in the same song mixing soft emotional melodic parts with pure onslaught and fury together. It blows my mind that people discover 'System' for the first time today. It's a good day for you brother haha
I'm so happy that you are diving into the metal lake! Keep exploring SOAD, pretty much all of their songs is applicable to our current time even though most of their songs was made 20 years ago. Such amazing band. I'm also here for you to explore more bands with this Metal Monday, great idea!
Thank you so much for bringing your lyrical breakdowns to the Metal Scene. I highly recommend the band Jinjer (Pisces is the obvious first reaction choice, but Perennial live at Wakken or Teacher Teacher I think would be particularly fun for you) or Sound of Silence by Disturbed.
SOAD is really amazing! Heard it all my youth and is great to see new people reacting to them
0:44 That cordinated head move with "wake up" part betrayed you.
SOAD is a real rabbit hole man. Serj is a genius.
It's crazy to think that I have been listening to this stuff for almost a decade (If not more) and I always thought "Everyone has heard this", This just makes me rediscover and give a fresh perspective on songs that I love. Keep doing you Knox!
Incredible interpretation 👏 Would love to hear you go into "BYOB"- System of a Down
The name of it is straight out the gate 🔥
Dude, not this song specifically, but I just saw another comment about how good your hearing is and God damn it is. There are songs that I can't for the life of me figure out a word or two and then I'll see you react to it and get it first try 😂🤣 I guess it's a gift
The first time I heard this, I wondered why they put the kids on the table in the first place, let alone leave them there lol
Seeing you understand the lyricism and depth metal has makes me happy. Because I’ve been into metal for years and have tried to explain exactly that to people. Sure it’s sounds aggressive and angry but it’s for a reason. When you read lyrics it’s people putting their pain on the fore front and helping realize it is okay to scream and feel your feelings and it’s not a bad thing. That’s why it’s so popular with men. It’s a way to process the pain we go through because we have a hard time showing and expressing it in other ways thanks to society creating a stigma of men being emotional
I’d love to see you dive more into metal. Just as a point of order, if you do official music videos/ album versions there’s a higher chance of the record label will hit the video.
If putting text over the video works, I for one don’t mind that, but if it gets to be more work than it’s worth, you might want to consider checking out live performances. Just know it’s a double edged sword, though, because you’re more likely to be able to monetize the video, but sometimes the live version of songs can be completely different from the album audio
Knox reacting to metal and breaking down the lyrics is everything right in this world.
Yeees, please do more metal! Been a long time sub for the rap content and indepth breakdowns, but found other channels to watch regarding my metal needs, as that is my main genre. Now you combined the two worlds, and it works wonderfully. Big ups🤘
I love this guy. It is so refreshing to hear a young person analyzing and understanding so many old quotes. Great Job K-Hill !!!!!!!!
Love the break downs, can't wait for you to do break downs in Rage Against the Machine.
RATM & SOAD -- So amazing. Pls check out Jinjer too. amazing musicians and vocals
Omg bro, if you do rage against the machine, please do Bulls on Parade.
It's my hope he goes far down the rabbit hole.
Bulls on Parade
Down Rodeo
Wake Up
People of the Sun
Would be just the start. ✊🏼✊🏽✊🏿
I've just recently found your channel and been watching a couple of your reactions. I can say you really have a natural talent (ans "ear") for music, not only your choosen genre.
That's my fav song from SOAD and one of the first ones I ever was able to sing in English (my third language)
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I'm also Catholic and the song put a smile on my face because even we see suicide as a sin, for us is not unforgiving. That commiting suicide is forgiven because the parson to come to such sin (even if egoistical) must have been suffering so much and deserves mercy
I don’t normally like lengthy reactions (this one ain’t bad), but I love how you break down the music and lyrics both. Reaction videos are usually one or the other. And you’re always so spot on and intuitive, a true lover of all things music. Much respect and appreciation from Oklahoma.
That was the best analysis I've heard good job bro
Great react. The song is about the perceptions people have on death depending on how said person died. Deep shit, man. Earned a sub with this one. Hope to see some more 🤘🤘
Daron Malakian is the backing vocalist and also the lead singer of Scars on Broadway
Serj has some opera training and it’s amazing. They switch up between slow and beautiful to heavy and fast. Great band and a ton of great songs.
I LOVE that you take lyrics into account. As a big lyrics person, that’s super neat and rare to have a music reactor notice these intricacies.
Now we need some Jinjer!! 🔥🖤 (Pisces)
I've been watching you foe about 2 years now, and I was a die hard metal fan who hated rap not long before I found your channel. Seeing one of the people who helped me appreciate rap break down the music I grew up on and catch things I never did is just awesome. Thank you Knox.
Also cool story about the line "Father into your hands I commend my spirit" was a filler line that Serj picked up from a random page in a random book because he didn't have any lyrics for that part. Which ended up being one of the main highlights of the song ironically.
JINJER - Teacher, Teacher! (Official Video)
| Napalm Records
Absolutely love that you're doing Metal Mondays now. I hope it sticks around. With how you react to and break-down songs lyrically, instrumentaly, and structurally I can wait to see the next one. Toxicity by System of a Down is definitely one I'd like to see you do soon
You mentioned Tech N9ne. Serj (singer) has a song with Tech N9ne called Straight Out The Gate . Check it out
I've watched dozens of reactions to this song and this reaction is BY FAR the smartest take. You even got some subtleties I still wasn't getting. Excellent job!
B.Y.O.B. and Toxicity by them are also epic. Anti-establishment stuff. Great reactions/analysis. Keep up the good work.
Loving the Metal Mondays!! Keep them up!
This song has always meant a lot to me, but when my grandad committed suicide, it hit me on a whole different level. A man whose job was to deliver food after the break up of the soviet union. Russia cut us off completely, so money couldn't even buy extra food as everyone had food tokens. He'd keep extras in his van and hand them out to families that were genuinely struggling and starving, which was illegal to do. He is the most genuine person I had ever known and after he took his life many years later, we had to fight the church in allowing us to hold a funeral for him because suicide is a sin. The tourment it caused instilled an anger in me that SOAD helped me to deal with ,without acting out in an angry way. They showed me that I wasn't alone in my anger. They showed me that many of us can see the hypocrisy.
damn dude.. thats rlly fuckin unfortunate.. i feel like youre describing a place i grew up in, Armenia.. cause after the collision of the soviet union and the Artsakh war in 92 Armenia was in a total lockdown and ppl got food with food stamps and lived in poverty
@josephkhajo9773 I'm sorry to reply a whole year later but I'm going over some of these reactions but I never comment. I had forgotten I commented under this video. It means so much to me. I'm from Lithuania. I feel like there is so much divide between Eastern European countries, but we all have experienced so many similar struggles. I think we all stereotype each other because of what steps governments took after the break up of the soviet union. Some governments kissed ass and they're very conveniently located on the map to boost themselves.Now they try to alienate themselves from their history. We are one and the same, brother ❤
That was a great breakdown. So good to see somebody pick up on the lyrics and meaning so quickly and explore what is underneath. Keep it up fella
its Jesuses tale
I loved how you reacted to this song and video. It felt like watching/hearing it for the first time. Thank you for this moment man!
I grow up listening to 'em and I still do , whenever things gets outta control and I need a break , I listen to 'em ,max my speakers volume and sing ma heart out !!!
6:39 - pure reaction right there! Haha. Stoked you're going this route bro.
This song is so double layered as it about how you are remembered after you die. Self Rightious Sucide can be drugs but it can also be being a martyr. Thus the biblical references.
A friend showed me System of a Down a few years ago been listening to them ever since such a amazing band and I just love their music so much
First video ive caught of your channel and as another comment has stated its crazy how much you caught at first glance which is badass. Glad you HEARD the song and enjoyed it. Its crazy af how relevant SOAD is throughout the ages. Love this band and the band is truly amazing. The sound, all of it. The way the drums and the music go hard is badass. Makes the lyrics stand out even more.
This reaction made me smile. I love it ☺️
I haven't been around for a while because of a car accident and a few other things but am so glad that when i got back around to it I see you reacting to Chop Suey, this just made my day better. I have been gone so long now I probably got quite a few videos to catch up on
Hey bro, your reactions are well thought and well said.
SOAD - B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bombs) and Aerials
Metal is the highest form of music because now a days everything else can be put into it (rap, classical, techno, and so on) and it energizes everything.
hey, hey, the little smile almost at the end it's like me when i listen to SOD.... great reaction!!
i saw tons of reaction for this song
but your reaction & explanations !!!
the BEST really