Proof that numetal does not exist.
When a band is labeled as nu-metal, it generally means that the style of the band is either impossible to decipher or that they do not quite fit into any specific genre. This is why so many people hate nu-metal; no one knows where they truly fit. The biggest issue is that most bands that label themselves as nu-metal do not know where they belong.
The best way to prove this is by dissecting a band that most people consider nu-metal and proving that, in fact, there is no such thing as true nu-metal. The band chosen for this study is System of a Down, a band who broke up a few years ago and was always labeled as nu-metal. The reason this band is the best selection is because of the fact that the band is extinct. System of a Down no longer exists; therefore their sound is static and will not change beyond what they’ve already accomplished.
System of a Down released five albums beginning with their self-titled album in 2000 which did not receive much attention from anyone that wasn’t already a fan. They reached their height of fame after the release of their second album, Toxicity in 2001. With the release of the singles Aerials and the title track, the band became known to the world as a whole. Aside from Boom, F*ck the System and Innervision, Steal this Album went fairly unnoticed. Their next big sensation was with the release of Mesmerize and the subsequent release of Hypnotize a few months later. The two major singles initially released for these albums were BYOB and Hypnotize. The band collapsed shortly after the end of their album tour.
The first item to study is the music itself. There are, for the most part, only three instruments used: one guitar, one bass and a drum set. They also use keyboards and mandolins in a few songs, but this is a rarity. The guitarist is constantly moving between the roles of rhythm and lead, taking away from the ability to show any extreme prowess at either position. The rhythm section is blisteringly fast with somewhat simplistic yet extremely well done bass and an exceedingly talented drummer. The music overall is aggressive but not ponderous or clumsy in its movements. The last piece of the band is, of course the vocalist, Serj Tankian. His is a unique voice that few can match; a voice that realistically can only fit the sound of such an aggressive band. The semi-operatic sound he adds to the heavy music creates an odd blend that gives off subtle hints of madness lurking in the lyrics.
The lyrics are largely understandable, which is a rarity in modern metal. There are a few recurring themes throughout the band’s entire career. The primary subject that permeates the entire discography is politics, primarily antiwar and antigovernment songs. There are a few songs (presumably) about drugs, the most well known being Sugar, and the cover of the Black Sabbath song, Snowblind. They also sing about sex which is very typical for a metal band. Many Christians feel that System of a Down is anti-religion in addition to everything else they’re against. Although this seems to be the case in a couple of songs, it is possible to prove one way or the other. It would be impossible to know even through an interview, since SOAD was well known for giving confusing interviews.
After carefully examining the music and the lyrics very carefully, the only place this band truly fits in as is the mutated offspring of thrash. The music is fast and very well constructed, just like thrash. The lyrics express anger towards something going on in the world which stems from the punk roots of thrash. Weird vocals and peculiar imagery in songs are also very much part of the thrash genre. By the time the band had released Mesmerize/Hypnotize, they had started taking drastic steps away from their origins and were becoming a more generic metal, with more painfully slow and lackluster songs that pointed to the collapse about to take place. Perhaps it was good that SOAD chose to end now, because their fans fear what may have happened in the next album.
Comments
That made no sense. Awful write up.
is english your first language? i really hope not.
First of all, System of a down does exist, read an interview from Serj or Scars first. You will be ashamed of what you have written in 2 or 3 years. Your mistake is an attempt to predict their future, however you confessed that they have never repeated themselves. Fans fly with their music, no matter which album.
You didn't do your research did you? Their debut wasn't released in 2001. You are wrong about almost everything in this pitiful article. Doochbag
i)they released their debut album in 1998
ii) they still exist
iii) you didn't mentioned ingredible tracks like "chop suey" , "lonely day" to make people search and undrestand what is system of a dow
iv)all the fans wants soad back.. none said " its better to broke up we fear for the next album " ( if the next album was pop i'll still listen it every day .. as the already released albums ... because i'm a "fan"... and many others i think)
v) its better for you to wrote about jonas brothers
take care mate !
i thought it was great! mark
Its obvious he didn't study, besides all the mistakes, he didn't even mention Armenia!!!
don't vioce your opion first! that was the crapest (what do you call it?) you should have ask SOAD fans and music lovers about them and new meatal; Who doesn't like nu-metal.
Soad is the best band in the world!!!!!!!!!! Fu Who ever wrote this crap do your homework btch!!!!!!!!!
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to quash your attempts to cram a diverse band's repertoire into one genre; however, I do think you should do some more research on this band before making some of the claims in you above-posted article.
I do not claim to be the world's greatest expert on SOAD. However, I am not brave enough to make such stark generalizations about their "focus" on anti-government songs, etc.
One last *little comment, just because a band decides to take time off/call it quits does not mean that they've "collapsed"....It seems to incite drama when drama does not need to be incited. You seem very set on using that word and I just wanted you to know. (It's because I care)
Have no fear, though; I think you have a very good career ahead of you in a follow up biography on the Spice Girls (Where are they now? What new drama lies in store for them?) or politics....
if u cant get ur shi* right dont write about SOAD cuz they'er still here and all "fans" now that. and next time study your bands bofore writing some retarded page
so fu** u and have a fu**ed up day
This article sucks! How can you say that SOAD are over??? Have you been surfing on the internet lately????
From a writing point of view, this seems to be an opinion piece masquerading as a a researched essay. Many definitive statements are made, but none of are backed up with any sort of proof or sources. Factual errors are abound. The basic thesis of the essay is sound, and the fact that the band's sound is static at the moment made it a smart choice as subject. But lack of research and a rather high-handed and ham-fisted approach to the subject made this one a fail.
What planet are you from.....YOU ARE NOT PART OF THIS RACE.....BEING HUMAN, GO BACK TO YOUR PLANET
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!