System of a Down

Toxicity

First released2001

Toxicity, the second studio album by System of a Down, was recorded in 2000 and released in September 2001 at the Cissoid and The Larrabee Sound Studios in Los Angeles. The album was produced by Rick Rubin, known for his minimalist production approach, alongside the band members themselves, with engineering work handled by Andy Wallace and others. Rubin's production style emphasized the raw power of the band's musicianship while maintaining clarity in the dense, complex arrangements that combined heavy metal with Armenian folk influences and unconventional song structures. The recording took place during a period of heightened global tension following the September 11 attacks, which coincided with the album's release and contributed to its thematic resonance. The album's distinctive sound was achieved through careful layering of distorted guitars, bass, and unconventional vocal techniques, with particular attention paid to the production of Serj Tankian's distinctive vocal performances.