fuuuuuuuck me, this song can drink and has been able to for a year... does this mean I'm old? I was a freshman in high school when this came out... I think I might be old. Shit.
system of a down is the only band whos entire discography i can sing along to by heart. i never sang other than acapella in high school. i learned a lot just by listening to the 5 SOAD albums
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.
@@maryhagan6661 SOAD is the main rock band I know of that uses Armenian rhythm and harmonies. But I think you can probably search UA-cam for traditional armenian and see what pops up!
@@maryhagan6661hello. I have a recommendation for you. Myrath. Myrath is a Tunisian progressive metal band that has one of my favorite albums of all times. Listen to the song “merciless times”, by Myrath. I hope you like it.
she's lying. she stopped the video right before he started singing. how would she know that's when the vocals come in exactly then if she's never heard this before?
I find if you aren't personally interested in a certain genre of music, it's super easy to avoid even the mostvocalic artists from that genre. Especially the case for artists like SOAD who haven't really done much for a long time
Serj really new how to hook us with attention then blast those messages in anger. This is what made their music so amazing, giving us that outlet and also providing some of the best music my generation has ever heard. Truly this band is unique in many ways and to this day i never listen to their music without blasting it.
Honestly I reference some of the song lyrics sometimes. Not only that, but I saw lyrics spray painted from one of System of a Down’s songs in Huston TX
I don't think it's even slightly fair to say he's underrated. I grew up during the nu-metal era and let's be clear: most of the rest of the scene they were a part of has more or less been forgotten. System of a Down and Serj Tankian are already considered the high points of the era and worthy of a place in the rock/metal pantheon. They have their immortality and history has already decided that they're the ones to remember.
Came here to say that. My first thought when she said that was "well, it *is* quite obvious you've never listened to SOAD. Tone change is pretty much their entire schtick.
You’re right. A friend burned me their self titled album in 2002, he was a weird guy hahah. But that was just before they got huge with Toxicity. I remember going home and putting on that CD and being so intrigued.
I was on a high school trip to the Stratford festival. A buddy overheard limp bizkit on my discman… he handed me a soad cd and said if you like that, you’re gonna love this haha. 1999 and I still remember hearing sugar for the first time
It’s like the first time we heard Rage Against The Machine. SOAD and RATM are both totally unique. No other bands will be like them. They are totally them.
What she said in the beginning about the music video is exactly why MTV blew our minds when it first came out. It put unique visuals and tied them to iconic audio. Helped engrain those songs into our young minds.
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 know exactly what you mean, and I think it's best shown on their song Deer Dance (sorry if you know all this): The second verse goes "A political call, the fall guy accord", just before the "We can't afford to be neutral on a moving train" line. It's such a great melody line that SOAD do so well.
True observation. Also interestingly other artists like the Seattle based Layne Staley (R.I.P. Layne) in Alice and chains do this naturally in his vocals without the Eastern influence. Check out her video on "Down In a Hole" by Alice in Chains. Melismata is just a very cool technique in vocals.
I seem to be in the minority that I hate the guitarist's vocal. There's a couple of songs he ruins for me 😂🤦. Why would you have him sing when you have Serj?!
Just watching you for only a few 'reviews' has already given me such a broader appreciation for vocalists talents & skill. Your reactions & appreciation of the music that shaped my relative youth is fantastic. What those who are numb to music consider noise, you see as art.
Same. I went to a CD shop and my grandma wanted to buy me something so I chose this. Listening to it on my walkman later and my mind was officially blown
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.
Hey brother! That was my first time ever seeing them and was an absolute bucket list dream come true! I had hoped to see them my whole adult life, but by the time I could afford it they didn't really tour anymore. Making it there to see them put on a full set after the hot day in the desert sun was everything I could have dreamed of.
Watching this video as someone who grew up, listening to these groups that you are listening to, I am now realizing how special they were. In the 90's, there was so much Rock talent at the time, it seemed normal and not extraordinary - it's all I knew. But seeing and hearing you explain the special aspects of their sounds with critical eval, it's making me appreciate them more. Thank you for doing that! Also, having more life experience, these songs take on a different meaning - I'm glad they, and you, are here!
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.
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.
sounds nothing like serj but another interesting voice I've always liked was Wayne Static from Static-X. Weird to hear him backstage on videos and speaking regularly. RIP
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.
Makes me wonder what rock she has been living under😅 Like watching a colorblind person see color for the first time. It's been interesting also to see someone who I assume comes from a classical background (correct me if I'm wrong) be introduced to gunge/metal. There is such a different thought process about the relationship between the vocalist and the instruments. In classical it may be more like a vocalist as a performer and a piano/orchestra as accompaniment. The vocalist in these bands are definitely front and center but more often than not they are playing their voice as an instrument with the band. This is a big contrast in my mind between 80s pop and 90s alternative. Eddie Vedder, Chris Cornell, Maynard, all amazing at this. Serj does a great.job as well. Think of the vocalist as another sound texture like a different kind of guitar and your expectations come closer to what you will hear.. Think more choir with solo sections in the classical sense, but with a lot more raw emotion and intensity.
System of a Down has always been my favorite band. Seeing you discover them is quite an experience! I'm happy to see them reach people's heart artistically
Serj is a legendary vocalist. The control and range he has is absolutely nuts. He’s going to go down as one of the best rock and roll vocalists of all time.
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.
Ha, the uncertainty she was going through the first time through the into was killing me. I forgot what its like to hear SOAD for the first time. Those sudden switches in tone are my favorite thing about them.
@@JoshLsmith1I remember seeing the chop suey video for the first time when I was like 20. I feel like I had the same look on my face as she did. I was confused, and weirded out but wanted more. As a hip hop/rap kid back then this was so eye opening. The video ended and I was like “wtf did I just watch?!”
@chefinthecitybk same here...first time I watched that chop suey video I was like what the ****. Even my older brother was hooked, lol. Luv them ever since
You’re adorable! Love your unwavering acceptance and openness to a song/band/genre that clearly is not in your wheelhouse. That can be an aggressively abrasive song to someone who may not be a fan of this particular world. But you found the beauty and musicianship in it immediately. I’ve always been very aware of this song, but never took it as seriously as I do after watching this. Look forward to more of these.
@@orlagskapten9829 last I heard they disbanded because Serj wanted to pursue other things. They do get together occasionally and do concerts. One is coming up this summer but them actually being together and producing new songs isn’t something I’ve heard about except the one song they did a few years back.
@@DarknessNeverSleeps Serj wanted to pursue other things ..... There is more to the story. Serj occasionally coming back for performances says more about his character .... He still wishes the best for his bandmates even when they did him dirty
I love watching people that love music and can feel it in their bones. There's something magical about watching really good music wash over someone like that.
Mercury had a crazy unique four octave range… nobody has really matched that since… Serj is amazing but im not sure hes got that sort of range outside of 3 octaves at most
Serj is range in recordings is phenomenal. But, he has his limits. He is self-taught and doesn't have exactly optimal vocal tec. Lots of his live performances in more recent years have unfortunately not been very good. He's still an incredibly talented legend, its just a shame he didn't take better care of his voice
I love how you can hear the influence of their Armenian Folk music roots in every one of their songs, whether it’s a little vocal turn or a rhythm. You’re going to love exploring more of this band and both of the vocalists!
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...
When I started listen to SOAD as a Teen, I didn't understand everything they were singing about, but I knew if I sat down and had a chat with them, our view of how the system controls us what match up and that age, that is all that mattered and tbh, it still does. They are a group born out of a void justice missing in the world.
I was in Japan, walking in the ginza with this in my ear, I still remember the goosebumps. Over 20 years later and they are still there - maybe I have a medical condition - SOAD for life!
Effectively, a band that created their own genre! Chop Suey and BYOB (neither for the faint of heart), Spiders, Hypnotize, Aerials. Astonishing musically, vocally, lyrically.
Don't forget Metro from the dracula soundtrack. Or Snowblind from the Nativity in Black compilation album. To add to a Black Sabbath song... I mean come on.
@@bradprice8040 Metro is actually a cover of a Berlin song. You know, that band that did that Take My Breath Away song from Top Gun? Yeah, them. The original is pretty good though, I'd never guess it was the same band, but SoaD of course makes it so much better.
@@biothediso I know. Covers can be wild rides. Snowblind is a Black Sabbath cover. Mansion did a cover off Down in the Park originally done by Gary Numan the guy that did Cars. KMFDM did Material Girl. Good stuff.
SOAD, for its time, was so unlike anything else. That be a large part of how their music became so popular. New ways of approaching music are constantly being created around the world. SOAD is among the fortunate few to have created the right feeling at the right time to capture the attention of many people. I hope that Jinjer achieves similar levels of success and attention.
This song & album & band make me emotional. I can still vividly recall how excited i was to go pick this album up at target. It still moves me to this day.
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.
Back then, we never realized, how one day many many years into our futures, we’d look back, finally appreciating the importance of those experiences. Music is life. Thanks for sharing. 💯
Serj Tankian, the lead singer, is an operatically trained vocalist. I love the way he can effortlessly distort his voice and sing heavy metal while still singing so beautifully.
SOAD members are Armenians. Armenians are considered culturally, politically and historically as Europeans although the geographic location of their country is tricky in between Europe and Asia. They are considered Europeans partly because they are predominantly Christian and their language fall under the category of being Indo-European.
@Christ of ROCK n ROLL Ah, thank you for the information. Culturally, they always struck me as having closer ties with the Middle East. That's what I get for cutting classes a bit too much 🙃 Take care ✌️
@@rickhaddad7261 It gets even more vague when you take into account that the first usage of the term Caucasian as a racial term put West Asia/Middle East and North Africa alongside Europeans as a singular group. And most European cultures have strong West to Central Asian ties through things like the Migration period, Indo-European languages and of course the Abrahamic religions. But yeah Armenia is generally considered European but honestly it's a border state like Russia and Turkey it firmly sits between both regions with strong ties to both.
@@rickhaddad7261 No problem, wikipedia is just one click away. The Ukraine war and the US wars in the Middle East are really interesting in how they massively shape the way we look at the world. After 9/11 there came a period in which the Middle East firmly became 'the other'. It was an unnatural but not entirely new border between 'the west' and Islam. It had been created before under the crusades, Islamic invasion of Spain and the Ottomans. But at the same time, both Christianity and Islam come from the Middle East. Muslims have lived in Europe for hundreds of years at this point. Then the Ukraine war happened. And suddenly Europe exploded in size in Western media. Western media had operated in this realm where everything east of the Iron Curtain was 'the east'. Some countries there could be seen as European, mostly Central European countries. But anything east of that? Not really European, tainted former soviet states. Now everything between Ukraine and Western Europe is firmly Europe again. Effectively erasing the othering of the Cold War. The lines we draw dramatically change over time. The divide between the West and muslims will die down with time unless Iran joins an open conflict vs the West. But even then it's probably going to be Shia Islam specifically as we'd have many Islamic allies in placed like Turkey. What is part of our in-group heavily depends on politics.
@@psychologicallyspeaking - The sacred silence is before birth, while sleep is death. "somewhere between" is life, which is disorder compared to either of those.
The fact that its 6:32 and you're still impressed with Serj's voice, replaying the first line of the song illustrates how absolutely wonderful this song is.
what you've caught at 5:30 is Armenian throat singing or duduk singing and this song was my first experience of hearing it, and I've LOVED this sound ever since. Wherever I can find that slight reverberating quaver in a sung note it just makes me smile regardless, it's so good. and I see the swaying! Unprompted and on your own in a room just listening to the music! That's the power of this song! It's like it's entrancing you when you're listening, I have yet to see a person not just start the sway at that precise moment.
How are you? I've been singing for 8 years in a System of a Down Cover band, and every year that passes, it's a different learning experience regarding the band, and your video helped me to better understand many things, even after 8 years.. thank you!❤
Your initial reaction when his vocals come in are exactly the same as mine even after 20 years of loving this band. His voice is really fantastic - warm and clear with fantastic tone that cuts through the down tuned guitars so well.
I first heard this band in mexico city on some girls cd that happened to be her only English one and knew nothing of what i was listening to. Come back to america and i hear my sister jamming out and i immediately recognized Serj's voice and never forgot it. Fast forward to today, and im commenting on this, next to my dog named Serj! We witnessed a ckassic in its creation through history.
Explore this band as much as possible. There will never be another one like this. Unique sound, unique styles, and unique lives. Love your appreciation for the band.
Every band that has made it big has all those qualities you’ve listed there will never be another pantera Metallica megadeth the doors soad the list goes on I’m a lover of all music from every genre
I absolutely loooooooove hearing the way you spoke of THEEE man that got me threw my teen years! Serjs voice can show soooo many emotions in a 3 min song! Welcome to the beauty that is SOAD lol
I just loved his voice when I first heard it. Honestly, I loved it all over again just watching your facial expressions as you listened to it for the first time. I have enjoyed discovering your channel and your thoughtful discussions about voice and music. It's been great so far! Thank you for what you are doing.
Phenomenal song! I've always loved how they balance the overall tone of the music from hard and rolling into such lighter beauty at times. The back and forth really takes you on a lyrical journey.👏👏💜
If you want to listen to another System if a Down song, I’d highly recommend Dreaming. It’s not one of their most popular but there’s awesome harmonies and vocal layering.
I concur. Also to add to that list: Holy Mountains, Question, and Hypnotize. All songs that highlight their harmonies but rarely get reacted to because they weren't singles that got visibility.
You're a new fan. I love the fact that I got to see this happen in front of my face. I got to experience this same thing happen to others in my backyard. I literally drove 20-30 minutes to see System play like dozens of times in the late 90's and early 2000's
AGH!!! This video makes me so happy, seeing someone nerd out over Serj's vocal performance the way I do every time I listen to this song. Amazing video, you definitely have a sub from me!
I have never seen your videos, but I have to say I loved your descriptions, your smile and your enthusiasm, I'm impressed! There's something about the way you spoke and communicated that I loved very much. Thanks.
i don't understand half of what you are saying lol but i respect serj more than anything and i love hearing all the wonderful things you have to say about him
Serj has one of the most beautiful voices in rock that I have ever heard. My daughter introduced me to this band years ago, and I fell in love with them. One of the best bands ever, I think.
While the studio version is indeed the "intended" version of most songs, there's something more visceral and personal about live performances when it comes to some bands. Some bands are absolutely shit live. They're not necessarily bad musicians, but they're not *performers*. On the other hand, there are some bands who's live performances are enhanced so much by their stage presence, crowd interaction, additional flourishes, and raw unfiltered emotion, that the live versions of songs will always be superior to their studio versions. For an example of a band who is great both in the Studio and Live, check out Band Maid. I would recommend watching the Studio version of Domination, followed by the Live video of the same song that they have on their channel. In my opinion both are great, but the Live version is better.
Was acutely aware of System when they were really hitting, but never got into them. Most of the Nu/Alternative Metal (if you will) didn't do anything for me, but I always loved John Dolmayan as a player and a person and always thought Serj Tankian was a powerful vocalist who was perfect for the music. This reaction made me appreciate him even more. The song itself has Rick Rubin spray-painted all over it. Again, perfect for the style. The sound of an era.
I would recommend checking them out more. They may have come out during the Nu-metal genre, but they are so much more. They are a truely special group with their own sound.
@@sethcashman1011 Not the one you were talking to, but my favorites are Aerials, I-E-A-I-A-I-O and Psycho. The whole Toxicity album is just amazing and I highly recommend it.
22 years later this song and album still give me chills.
Yes!
fuuuuuuuck me, this song can drink and has been able to for a year... does this mean I'm old? I was a freshman in high school when this came out... I think I might be old. Shit.
@@hyrothepyro119We all get older brother, the important thing is to enjoy this short life we got
It's legendary. SOAD is so good, and nostalgic.
I know right, i was thinking the same thing
system of a down is the only band whos entire discography i can sing along to by heart. i never sang other than acapella in high school. i learned a lot just by listening to the 5 SOAD albums
same. not a bad song in it.
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.
Wow, that's a cool fact. Any band recommendations to hear more? It reminds me of jazz or reggae where there is a half beat.
I love them for their music, but it's especially magnified because of the shared Armenian ethnicity.
@@maryhagan6661 funny you should say that because traditional eastern European folk music has a very Ska element to it
@@maryhagan6661 SOAD is the main rock band I know of that uses Armenian rhythm and harmonies. But I think you can probably search UA-cam for traditional armenian and see what pops up!
@@maryhagan6661hello. I have a recommendation for you. Myrath.
Myrath is a Tunisian progressive metal band that has one of my favorite albums of all times.
Listen to the song “merciless times”, by Myrath. I hope you like it.
How is it possible she has never heard this vocal as a vocalist? In my world his voice is legendary.
she's lying. she stopped the video right before he started singing. how would she know that's when the vocals come in exactly then if she's never heard this before?
Music has cues and formulas. If she teaches it then she no doubt has an instinct for that.
.. Because she's full of shit and looking for attention.
I find if you aren't personally interested in a certain genre of music, it's super easy to avoid even the mostvocalic artists from that genre. Especially the case for artists like SOAD who haven't really done much for a long time
@@jeremymorley5670 She stopped it right AS he was starting? she already heard him begin for like half a second.
Serj really new how to hook us with attention then blast those messages in anger. This is what made their music so amazing, giving us that outlet and also providing some of the best music my generation has ever heard. Truly this band is unique in many ways and to this day i never listen to their music without blasting it.
Serj is both well-respected and underrated. History will reference his amazing artistry.
underrated is the right word
one of the best vocalists currently on the planet. there are a few thousand of them, but there are billions of people.
Nothing but facts here... that man has been so slept on for his vocals
Honestly I reference some of the song lyrics sometimes. Not only that, but I saw lyrics spray painted from one of System of a Down’s songs in Huston TX
I don't think it's even slightly fair to say he's underrated. I grew up during the nu-metal era and let's be clear: most of the rest of the scene they were a part of has more or less been forgotten. System of a Down and Serj Tankian are already considered the high points of the era and worthy of a place in the rock/metal pantheon. They have their immortality and history has already decided that they're the ones to remember.
"not expecting the tonality to change like it did " I feel like this was soad's whole vibe
really. this girl is just trying to get clicks
@@kevincollins8773 bro wtf??? she just gave her feeling, and is the same to all of us
Came here to say that. My first thought when she said that was "well, it *is* quite obvious you've never listened to SOAD. Tone change is pretty much their entire schtick.
@@storytellerdragon2711real
Dance Gavin Dance adopted it
None of us will ever forget the first time we heard SOAD back then. Or now. Classics
You’re right. A friend burned me their self titled album in 2002, he was a weird guy hahah. But that was just before they got huge with Toxicity. I remember going home and putting on that CD and being so intrigued.
I was on a high school trip to the Stratford festival. A buddy overheard limp bizkit on my discman… he handed me a soad cd and said if you like that, you’re gonna love this haha. 1999 and I still remember hearing sugar for the first time
THE KOMBUCHA MUSHROOM PEOPLE, SITTING AROUND. ALL. DAY!!!!!!!
Got a free cd with a magazine that had War on it 🤘
It’s like the first time we heard Rage Against The Machine. SOAD and RATM are both totally unique. No other bands will be like them. They are totally them.
The way soad go from hard and heavy to soft melodies is what always draws me to them.
What she said in the beginning about the music video is exactly why MTV blew our minds when it first came out. It put unique visuals and tied them to iconic audio. Helped engrain those songs into our young minds.
It was a magical time for rock radio. We didn't know it would end.
We took it for granted something serious.
Man I bought this album when it first came out. Had never heard anything like it. Why did it have to end
Amen.
the truth. . . the pain. . .
Holey.... Why did you have to say that. 😢
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.
Well put!
@@nikospapageorgiou2345 Thanks. Not only common there but also in Arabic, Persian, Armenian, Kurdish music etc as far as I know.
that a popular singing technic in Indonesia too , especially for dangdut / melayu song , and in Indonesia we called it " cengkok "
I know exactly what you mean, and I think it's best shown on their song Deer Dance (sorry if you know all this): The second verse goes "A political call, the fall guy accord", just before the "We can't afford to be neutral on a moving train" line. It's such a great melody line that SOAD do so well.
True observation. Also interestingly other artists like the Seattle based Layne Staley (R.I.P. Layne) in Alice and chains do this naturally in his vocals without the Eastern influence. Check out her video on "Down In a Hole" by Alice in Chains. Melismata is just a very cool technique in vocals.
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!
absolutely .. aerials
Question!
B.Y.O.B. 'nough said
Lonely day
I seem to be in the minority that I hate the guitarist's vocal. There's a couple of songs he ruins for me 😂🤦. Why would you have him sing when you have Serj?!
Just watching you for only a few 'reviews' has already given me such a broader appreciation for vocalists talents & skill. Your reactions & appreciation of the music that shaped my relative youth is fantastic. What those who are numb to music consider noise, you see as art.
Your face while listening to SOAD was exactly my face at 13. Love watching it.
Same. I went to a CD shop and my grandma wanted to buy me something so I chose this. Listening to it on my walkman later and my mind was officially blown
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!
OP needs to give the entire album a listen... hell all of the albums... even some of serj's solo stuff is good
isnt he opera trained now
All older artist didnt need any training lol. The new age sucks if they need training.
@@LazyNinjass lmao it's cute you think that
Amo su cara!
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.
Wait a minute?! Do they still have gigs?!
@@Mariangelmtdefinitely not as much as before, but they’re on tour this year for sick new world. the lineup is so good
Hey brother! That was my first time ever seeing them and was an absolute bucket list dream come true! I had hoped to see them my whole adult life, but by the time I could afford it they didn't really tour anymore. Making it there to see them put on a full set after the hot day in the desert sun was everything I could have dreamed of.
You're clearly a great father to them as well. God bless.
System Of A Down, legendary band!
My word exactly.
One of the most outspoken, true, heavy, melodic, and most BEAUTIFUL bands to every grace earth.
The most original and creative band since Faith No More.
Saw them 20 years ago and again a month ago in Vegas!!! Amazing
Wish they fix there differences and come out with a new album
They also the most funny music
I had forgotten how much I loved this band, Serj’s vocals in particular. So much emotion. Beautiful.
Yea a top band of the Era for sure.
Watching this video as someone who grew up, listening to these groups that you are listening to, I am now realizing how special they were. In the 90's, there was so much Rock talent at the time, it seemed normal and not extraordinary - it's all I knew. But seeing and hearing you explain the special aspects of their sounds with critical eval, it's making me appreciate them more. Thank you for doing that! Also, having more life experience, these songs take on a different meaning - I'm glad they, and you, are here!
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.
YES PLEASE!!!❤
Not to mention they got Grammy for it.
But Chop Suey is always a safe choice when it comes to picking SOAD's song for a reaction video.
I haven't been a bit SOAD fan but arrieal did it for me.... now im going to check their whole album.
@@Петърчо even aerial
@@ashwin.unlead *Aerials
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.
sounds nothing like serj but another interesting voice I've always liked was Wayne Static from Static-X. Weird to hear him backstage on videos and speaking regularly. RIP
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.
Huge her reaction makes me cry
For real. I’m on the third song. The other two were tool. Watching her enjoy something so awesome to me is making me tear up. Lol
Makes me wonder what rock she has been living under😅 Like watching a colorblind person see color for the first time. It's been interesting also to see someone who I assume comes from a classical background (correct me if I'm wrong) be introduced to gunge/metal. There is such a different thought process about the relationship between the vocalist and the instruments. In classical it may be more like a vocalist as a performer and a piano/orchestra as accompaniment. The vocalist in these bands are definitely front and center but more often than not they are playing their voice as an instrument with the band. This is a big contrast in my mind between 80s pop and 90s alternative. Eddie Vedder, Chris Cornell, Maynard, all amazing at this. Serj does a great.job as well. Think of the vocalist as another sound texture like a different kind of guitar and your expectations come closer to what you will hear.. Think more choir with solo sections in the classical sense, but with a lot more raw emotion and intensity.
too bad it's fake. it's impossible for someone to hear this for the first time in 2023 :D
Great comment
System of a Down has always been my favorite band. Seeing you discover them is quite an experience! I'm happy to see them reach people's heart artistically
Serj is a legendary vocalist. The control and range he has is absolutely nuts. He’s going to go down as one of the best rock and roll vocalists of all time.
System of a Down is probably my favorite band. Their music is just so unique and is so well constructed.
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.
I have tears for some dumb ass reason. Lol
Ha, the uncertainty she was going through the first time through the into was killing me. I forgot what its like to hear SOAD for the first time. Those sudden switches in tone are my favorite thing about them.
@@JoshLsmith1I remember seeing the chop suey video for the first time when I was like 20. I feel like I had the same look on my face as she did. I was confused, and weirded out but wanted more. As a hip hop/rap kid back then this was so eye opening. The video ended and I was like “wtf did I just watch?!”
@chefinthecitybk same here...first time I watched that chop suey video I was like what the ****. Even my older brother was hooked, lol. Luv them ever since
11:58 such a natural SOAD facial expression. That little flick of the mouth gave me goosebumps.
You’re adorable! Love your unwavering acceptance and openness to a song/band/genre that clearly is not in your wheelhouse. That can be an aggressively abrasive song to someone who may not be a fan of this particular world. But you found the beauty and musicianship in it immediately. I’ve always been very aware of this song, but never took it as seriously as I do after watching this. Look forward to more of these.
Well said
Exactly!
You MUST listen to "System Of A Down - Chop Suey!"
It is another masterpiece.
"Eating seeds as a pasttime activity" - I love that line!
SOAD has such a distinct sound, I’ve never heard anything like it and doubt I will again. I miss them terribly.
They are still together?
@@orlagskapten9829something like that, they still do concerts but no new music
@@orlagskapten9829 last I heard they disbanded because Serj wanted to pursue other things. They do get together occasionally and do concerts. One is coming up this summer but them actually being together and producing new songs isn’t something I’ve heard about except the one song they did a few years back.
@@DarknessNeverSleeps Serj wanted to pursue other things ..... There is more to the story. Serj occasionally coming back for performances says more about his character .... He still wishes the best for his bandmates even when they did him dirty
We all do 😢
i love her facial expressions reacting to this...also blows my mind she never heard this song before, this song was huge!
WAS????
As if these reaction videos are real. "20/30-year-old reacts to huge thing everything knows, somehow has never heard/seen it". Give me a break.
You’ll see that with a lot of react channels
Some people just never really expand their musical pallet when system was attheir peek
@@thatoneguy9437she watched Serj pick up the microphone and heard his inhale, that’s how she knew he was about to start singing.
@@matthewjroberts90yea some are bullshit but I believe her reaction. Also I've just never heard system on the radio.
I love watching people that love music and can feel it in their bones. There's something magical about watching really good music wash over someone like that.
fun fact Serj has a similar vocal range to Freddie mercury
Mercury had a crazy unique four octave range… nobody has really matched that since… Serj is amazing but im not sure hes got that sort of range outside of 3 octaves at most
I take back what i said i looked into it and the man has crazy range
@@thegingerjew8998 Yeah, I was also blown away by how high he can get...
Serj is range in recordings is phenomenal. But, he has his limits. He is self-taught and doesn't have exactly optimal vocal tec. Lots of his live performances in more recent years have unfortunately not been very good. He's still an incredibly talented legend, its just a shame he didn't take better care of his voice
I love how you can hear the influence of their Armenian Folk music roots in every one of their songs, whether it’s a little vocal turn or a rhythm.
You’re going to love exploring more of this band and both of the vocalists!
Absolutely.
yeah, they definitely have that distinct sound to it. always loved hearing it paired with metal.
Hye pride!
It was a powerful song when it came out and it still is. Great song.
SOAD is one of my favourite bands of all time...I just love their musicality and harmonies
7 minutes into the video and we are at like 40 seconds into the song. I love it.
Love his vocals in Aerials (but all their songs are so good).
Also chop suey. Ah this has reawakened my love for them. ❤
Aerials is a work of art !
Aerials is one of the first songs I learned to play on bass guitar, my god what a legendary band
@@user-ff5yt5dy2hYeah. Not a big hit, but the arrangement and vocals are dynamite! Some really pretty harmonies too.
Aerials is an absolute masterpiece
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...
When I started listen to SOAD as a Teen, I didn't understand everything they were singing about, but I knew if I sat down and had a chat with them, our view of how the system controls us what match up and that age, that is all that mattered and tbh, it still does.
They are a group born out of a void justice missing in the world.
I was in Japan, walking in the ginza with this in my ear, I still remember the goosebumps. Over 20 years later and they are still there - maybe I have a medical condition - SOAD for life!
Effectively, a band that created their own genre! Chop Suey and BYOB (neither for the faint of heart), Spiders, Hypnotize, Aerials. Astonishing musically, vocally, lyrically.
Don't forget Metro from the dracula soundtrack. Or Snowblind from the Nativity in Black compilation album. To add to a Black Sabbath song... I mean come on.
@@bradprice8040 Metro is actually a cover of a Berlin song. You know, that band that did that Take My Breath Away song from Top Gun? Yeah, them. The original is pretty good though, I'd never guess it was the same band, but SoaD of course makes it so much better.
@@biothediso I know. Covers can be wild rides. Snowblind is a Black Sabbath cover. Mansion did a cover off Down in the Park originally done by Gary Numan the guy that did Cars. KMFDM did Material Girl. Good stuff.
Metro is one of the best examples of taking a song and making it their own while still paying homage to the original and still coming out great.
They did! Transcended metal, few do
SOAD, for its time, was so unlike anything else. That be a large part of how their music became so popular. New ways of approaching music are constantly being created around the world. SOAD is among the fortunate few to have created the right feeling at the right time to capture the attention of many people. I hope that Jinjer achieves similar levels of success and attention.
Watching people react to hearing SOAD for the first time always gives me such joy!!
This song & album & band make me emotional. I can still vividly recall how excited i was to go pick this album up at target. It still moves me to this day.
Oh my goodness I’ve always thought Serj Tankian had the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard that’s what really got me hooked on them
They are the masters in this type of music transition, you will be blown away by Chop Suey I think
Serj voice is so angelic and warm just like him
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.
Who is chewy??
We car moshed (that doesn't look right to me) most weekends riding around with the album bumming. High School was fun
Sounds like an awesome memory 😵
Back then, we never realized, how one day many many years into our futures, we’d look back, finally appreciating the importance of those experiences. Music is life. Thanks for sharing. 💯
Serj Tankian, the lead singer, is an operatically trained vocalist. I love the way he can effortlessly distort his voice and sing heavy metal while still singing so beautifully.
Your reactions validate my love of SOAD for over 2 decades and why I still get chills. Thank you 🙏💕
Definitely hear his Middle Eastern heritage in his vocals. Always a fan of songs with a deeper meaning behind them.
Enjoy your reactions.
Take care ✌️
SOAD members are Armenians. Armenians are considered culturally, politically and historically as Europeans although the geographic location of their country is tricky in between Europe and Asia. They are considered Europeans partly because they are predominantly Christian and their language fall under the category of being Indo-European.
@Christ of ROCK n ROLL
Ah, thank you for the information. Culturally, they always struck me as having closer ties with the Middle East. That's what I get for cutting classes a bit too much 🙃
Take care ✌️
@@rickhaddad7261 It gets even more vague when you take into account that the first usage of the term Caucasian as a racial term put West Asia/Middle East and North Africa alongside Europeans as a singular group. And most European cultures have strong West to Central Asian ties through things like the Migration period, Indo-European languages and of course the Abrahamic religions.
But yeah Armenia is generally considered European but honestly it's a border state like Russia and Turkey it firmly sits between both regions with strong ties to both.
@@mormacil
Wow!
Thank you for the information. It makes me wish I knew more about the world around me.
Thanks again!
@@rickhaddad7261 No problem, wikipedia is just one click away. The Ukraine war and the US wars in the Middle East are really interesting in how they massively shape the way we look at the world.
After 9/11 there came a period in which the Middle East firmly became 'the other'. It was an unnatural but not entirely new border between 'the west' and Islam. It had been created before under the crusades, Islamic invasion of Spain and the Ottomans. But at the same time, both Christianity and Islam come from the Middle East. Muslims have lived in Europe for hundreds of years at this point.
Then the Ukraine war happened. And suddenly Europe exploded in size in Western media. Western media had operated in this realm where everything east of the Iron Curtain was 'the east'. Some countries there could be seen as European, mostly Central European countries. But anything east of that? Not really European, tainted former soviet states.
Now everything between Ukraine and Western Europe is firmly Europe again. Effectively erasing the othering of the Cold War. The lines we draw dramatically change over time. The divide between the West and muslims will die down with time unless Iran joins an open conflict vs the West. But even then it's probably going to be Shia Islam specifically as we'd have many Islamic allies in placed like Turkey. What is part of our in-group heavily depends on politics.
Oh I hope you do Chop Suey next! (commenting before I'm finished but loving your reaction to this so far!)
"Just one more time..." 8 times later lol. Love the breakdown of this and the attention to detail you give things. So much fun.
Watching someone discover SOAD for the first time gives me such warm and fuzzies
still scream this in my car and look crazy at stop lights.
For me,their song "Spiders" really shows the power of his voice.
Totally agree
"Somewhere between the sacred silence and sleep...disorder!"
How profound!
I really love this band🌷
The profundity in this band's lyrics is top notch. Easily top 5.
what do you guys think about the “sacred silence”? what is he referencing?
@@psychologicallyspeaking Death maybe? As in between death and sleep we are awake, and when we are awake we are living in a world of/in disorder?
@askhedning4610 - like that interpretation! 👍
@@psychologicallyspeaking - The sacred silence is before birth, while sleep is death. "somewhere between" is life, which is disorder compared to either of those.
The fact that its 6:32 and you're still impressed with Serj's voice, replaying the first line of the song illustrates how absolutely wonderful this song is.
what you've caught at 5:30 is Armenian throat singing or duduk singing and this song was my first experience of hearing it, and I've LOVED this sound ever since.
Wherever I can find that slight reverberating quaver in a sung note it just makes me smile regardless, it's so good.
and I see the swaying! Unprompted and on your own in a room just listening to the music! That's the power of this song! It's like it's entrancing you when you're listening, I have yet to see a person not just start the sway at that precise moment.
Metal opera. Powerful and majestic!
How are you? I've been singing for 8 years in a System of a Down Cover band, and every year that passes, it's a different learning experience regarding the band, and your video helped me to better understand many things, even after 8 years.. thank you!❤
Your initial reaction when his vocals come in are exactly the same as mine even after 20 years of loving this band. His voice is really fantastic - warm and clear with fantastic tone that cuts through the down tuned guitars so well.
His voice is both beautiful and abrasive at times. Very unique.
I first heard this band in mexico city on some girls cd that happened to be her only English one and knew nothing of what i was listening to. Come back to america and i hear my sister jamming out and i immediately recognized Serj's voice and never forgot it. Fast forward to today, and im commenting on this, next to my dog named Serj! We witnessed a ckassic in its creation through history.
💯
You hit the nail completely on the head! His voice gives me goosebumps. Such depth and variety too. Just amazing. Thank you.
Serj going hard on the vocals always gives me goosebumps.
SOAD is one of the most creative and unique bands of all time
I wish I could go back in time 22 years ago and listen to this song for the first time again.
I remember where I was and who I was with for sure. Blew my mind
Fun fact !!! Shavo, the bassist (the bald guy with the funny beard) actually helped direct this music video.
Watching people's minds get blown by listening to System for the first time will never get old.
“Wasn’t expecting the tonality to change the way it did” sums up SOAD as a whole I would say lol
Explore this band as much as possible. There will never be another one like this. Unique sound, unique styles, and unique lives. Love your appreciation for the band.
Every band that has made it big has all those qualities you’ve listed there will never be another pantera Metallica megadeth the doors soad the list goes on I’m a lover of all music from every genre
I absolutely loooooooove hearing the way you spoke of THEEE man that got me threw my teen years! Serjs voice can show soooo many emotions in a 3 min song! Welcome to the beauty that is SOAD lol
nothing makes me happier than a vocal coach reacting to SOAD for the first time. BYOB next maybe pls? 🥺
"Conversion, software version 7.0" is actually a brilliant line.
I'm Central European and 30yrs old I can't believe how you didn't know this song?! :O :O
My 9 months old son also loves this song in the car. :)
I just loved his voice when I first heard it. Honestly, I loved it all over again just watching your facial expressions as you listened to it for the first time. I have enjoyed discovering your channel and your thoughtful discussions about voice and music. It's been great so far! Thank you for what you are doing.
Always thought of SOAD as being a super heavy take on opera
Love that 😂
Funny thing serj did opera before creating soad
Phenomenal song! I've always loved how they balance the overall tone of the music from hard and rolling into such lighter beauty at times.
The back and forth really takes you on a lyrical journey.👏👏💜
Your facial expression when he started to sing was absolutely priceless
Noticed the same thing. Something I think we could all relate to when hearing System for the first time; just an “oh boy, this is gonna be special”
It's the stank face
the voice of an angel--wrathful, powerful, sorrowful, joyous, chaotic. That is Serj.
Who needs ASMR videos when we have Serj
If you want to listen to another System if a Down song, I’d highly recommend Dreaming. It’s not one of their most popular but there’s awesome harmonies and vocal layering.
I concur. Also to add to that list: Holy Mountains, Question, and Hypnotize. All songs that highlight their harmonies but rarely get reacted to because they weren't singles that got visibility.
@@TheSyncos Hypnotize is great, Spiders is another favorite of mine
@@TheSyncos Holy Mountains would take an hour for her to breakdown and I want it!! That song is eerie, creepy, terrifying, powerful. Incredible song!
We need too remember that Serj was before this an Opera Singer , wonderfull music !!
Was he really? I heard the same thing about Rob Halford of Judas Priest... cool if he was...
No he wasn't.
you can hear the Armenian culture in Serj's voice, his vocals are amazing
The most beautiful male voice.... it's just my opinion
Serj Tankian is really up there with the greats like Freddy Mercury, Elvis, Pavarotti, MJ, Sinatra, and so on.
You're a new fan. I love the fact that I got to see this happen in front of my face. I got to experience this same thing happen to others in my backyard. I literally drove 20-30 minutes to see System play like dozens of times in the late 90's and early 2000's
AGH!!! This video makes me so happy, seeing someone nerd out over Serj's vocal performance the way I do every time I listen to this song. Amazing video, you definitely have a sub from me!
I have never seen your videos, but I have to say I loved your descriptions, your smile and your enthusiasm, I'm impressed! There's something about the way you spoke and communicated that I loved very much. Thanks.
i don't understand half of what you are saying lol but i respect serj more than anything and i love hearing all the wonderful things you have to say about him
Serj has one of the most beautiful voices in rock that I have ever heard. My daughter introduced me to this band years ago, and I fell in love with them. One of the best bands ever, I think.
I know people like live songs (Ikd why) but hearing the studio version is a must if it's the first time. It's how the song was intended to be heard.
While the studio version is indeed the "intended" version of most songs, there's something more visceral and personal about live performances when it comes to some bands.
Some bands are absolutely shit live. They're not necessarily bad musicians, but they're not *performers*.
On the other hand, there are some bands who's live performances are enhanced so much by their stage presence, crowd interaction, additional flourishes, and raw unfiltered emotion, that the live versions of songs will always be superior to their studio versions.
For an example of a band who is great both in the Studio and Live, check out Band Maid. I would recommend watching the Studio version of Domination, followed by the Live video of the same song that they have on their channel. In my opinion both are great, but the Live version is better.
Iron maiden is one of the bands both good in live and studio
SOAD is all about the transition of styles within each song. Love em!
Was acutely aware of System when they were really hitting, but never got into them. Most of the Nu/Alternative Metal (if you will) didn't do anything for me, but I always loved John Dolmayan as a player and a person and always thought Serj Tankian was a powerful vocalist who was perfect for the music. This reaction made me appreciate him even more. The song itself has Rick Rubin spray-painted all over it. Again, perfect for the style. The sound of an era.
I would recommend checking them out more. They may have come out during the Nu-metal genre, but they are so much more. They are a truely special group with their own sound.
@@Desu-Desu-Chan-San Thanks, I will.
@@Desu-Desu-Chan-San what are some of your favorite tunes by the band?
@@sethcashman1011 Not the one you were talking to, but my favorites are Aerials, I-E-A-I-A-I-O and Psycho. The whole Toxicity album is just amazing and I highly recommend it.
@@chiritai.marius3491 thanks, appreciate the suggestions!
Ich bin nicht der größte System Fan, aber Toxicity ist trotzdem künstlerisch das beste Lied aller Zeiten für mich.
Yes!!! I love how I watched you just fall in love with soad!!! It's hard not to 😂
0:28 the "how is this relevant that I listen to that" face was priceless ;)
your face when he starts singing... even more priceless... love that ❤