Toxicity

"Toxicity"
Cover of the CD 2 UK Import of "Toxicity".
Single by System of a Down
from the album Toxicity
Released	January 23, 2002
Format	CD, Airplay
Recorded	February - March 2001 Cello Studios Hollywood, California
Genre	Alternative metal
Length	3:36
Label	American
Writer(s)	Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian
Producer	Rick Rubin, Daron Malakian, Serj Tankian
System of a Down singles chronology
"Chop Suey!" (2001) "Toxicity" (2002) "Aerials" (2002)

"Toxicity" is a single by System of a Down, released in 2002. It was originally released on the Toxicity album (2001).

The writing credit for the song is Malakian/Odadjian/Tankian.

Although it never achieved the mainstream success of "Chop Suey!" and "B.Y.O.B.", Toxicity remains one of System of a Down's most popular songs among fans. It is known for its dynamic chorus, aggressive vocals, and prominent drum beat. The song was ranked #14 on VH1's 40 Greatest Metal Songs.^[1]

The song is in C minor key and is played on a dropped C tuned guitar.^{[citation needed]}

"Toxicity" is a downloadable song for the music video game series Rock Band, and is a featured track in Guitar Hero: Metallica.

Awards

• It made #53 on the Y2KROQ Top 200 Songs of the Century.

Music video

The video was directed by Shavo Odadjian. The beginning of the video shows the streets of Los Angeles, California, then cuts to the band. Daron Malakian can be seen wearing a Los Angeles Kings jersey with his last name on the back most of the time in the video. During the verses, a projector shows homeless people lined against the streets. The end of the video is a reference to a Pantera music video.

Track listing

Toxicity (Maxi-Single)

All lyrics written by Serj Tankian. 

Toxicity (Australian Tour)

All lyrics written by Serj Tankian. 

Toxicity (UK Release)

CD1

All lyrics written by Serj Tankian. 

CD2

Toxicity (7" Limited Edition Single)

All lyrics written by Serj Tankian. 

Toxicity (Promo Single)

Notes