Lars Ulrich picks his favorite System of a Down album. Metallica‘s drummer Lars Ulrich reveals his favorite SOAD album in one of the latest interviews.

Which System of a Down album is better according to Lars Ulrich?

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich recently revealed his favorite hard rock and metal albums in a feature with Rolling Stone, and while some classic acts were mentioned, his inclusion of nu-metal band System of a Down has raised eyebrows among metalheads. Ulrich also named the band’s 2001 album Toxicity as one of his top 15 favorites.

Released in 2001, Toxicity was System of a Down‘s second studio album, and it marked a significant departure from the band’s self-titled debut. The album saw the band refine their sound and delve deeper into political and social issues, resulting in a unique and powerful record that would go on to become a classic of its music genre.

In his discussion of the album, Ulrich praised its attitude and unique sound, noting that he was unaware of the band’s Armenian heritage at the time of its release. He specifically highlighted the impact of tracks like “Chop Suey!”, “Toxicity,” and “Aerials,” praising their political and energetic nature.

Lars Ulrich also commended the songwriting on the album, noting the band’s ability to craft short and effective songs, which was something Metallica had struggled with in the past. He described SOAD albuums as “incredibly well-crafted” and a source of inspiration for his own work.

“The first System record came out and it obviously had a lot of attitude. It was a new kind of sound, and Rick was doing it. You could hear that the music came from different roots and different influences, and I didn’t know they were Armenian at that point; you could just hear different things.

And then when Toxicity came out, which was obviously the second record, when you heard ‘Chop Suey!’ that was just amazing.

When that hit the radio on MTV and then the title track, ‘Toxicity,’ and ‘Aerials’ and all the rest of them and I started getting into the record and heard ‘They’re trying to build a prison… for you and me to live in,’ it was just… ah! It was political, it was crazy, it was kooky, it was energetic, it was incredibly, from a songwriting point of view, well-crafted.

It was very inspirational on what we did, and I loved the whole thing about how the songs were so short and to the point and that was something we never had a lot of luck with, and it’s just one of the all-time great records.”

It’s worth noting that Ulrich’s appreciation of System of a Down and their music is not unique. While some old-school metalheads may not be super fond of the nu-metal and metal music scene, System of a Down has amassed a dedicated fan base over the years, thanks in part to their unique sound and politically charged lyrics.

In fact, Toxicity is widely considered to be one of the greatest nu-metal albums of all time, and its impact on the genre cannot be overstated. The album spawned several hit singles, including “Chop Suey!” and “Toxicity,” and helped to cement System of a Down’s place as one of the most innovative and important bands of the early 2000s.

Beyond its impact on the nu-metal scene, Toxicity is also notable for its crossover appeal. While many nu-metal bands were often dismissed by critics and fans of other genres, System of a Down’s unique sound and approach garnered them respect and respect from a wide range of fans.

Of course, Ulrich’s admiration for Toxicity is just one example of the album’s lasting impact. Over the years, countless musicians and fans have praised the album for its energy, creativity, and message. It’s a testament to the power of music to inspire and unite people, even across genres and generations.

Lars Ulrich‘s picks of System of a Down‘s Toxicity as one of his all-time favorite hard rock and metal albums may have raised some eyebrows among metalheads, but it’s a testament to the album’s enduring legacy and impact on the genre. Toxicity remains a classic album that continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans alike, and its place in the pantheon of great nu-metal records is secure.

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