First time reaction to System of a Down - Vocal analysis of Toxicity

22 years later this song and album still give me chills.

None of us will ever forget the first time we heard SOAD back then. Or now. Classics

"not expecting the tonality to change like it did " I feel like this was soad's whole vibe

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.

Serj is both well-respected and underrated. History will reference his amazing artistry.

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.

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!

i love her facial expressions reacting to this...also blows my mind she never heard this song before, this song was huge!

It was a magical time for rock radio. We didn't know it would end.

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!

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 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...

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.

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.

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.

System of a Down is probably my favorite band. Their music is just so unique and is so well constructed.

System Of A Down, legendary band!

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.

SOAD has such a distinct sound, I’ve never heard anything like it and doubt I will again. I miss them terribly.

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.