Toxicity

I was excited to hear SOAD were re-releasing all of their albums on vinyl but I was a bit trepidious as I have been burned by so many dodgy pressings over the years.Thankfully the copy which landed on my doorstep (with a thump, *eyes Amazon courier*) has survived its sojourn through the Amazon warehouses intact and actually sounds great.I know that it's a major lottery finding a record that is pressed properly AND survives the transit but this one seems to tick both boxes.Now to see if the others survive...

When this unique Armenian band unleashed "Toxicity" onto a (mostly) unsuspecting public it was a very strange time for music, tv and pretty much everything in general. 9/11 had just occurred and Eminem was about to release his third album. Jackass and The Osbournes had the reality tv freight train ploughing along and some band were trying to convince us heaven was a halfpipe, seems like a day and an age ago. Now my friends and I got WELL aquianted with this album. Days merged into days spent in a smoke-filled haze with this album blaring in the background, good times. The reason for this rambling nonsense is because like all the other albums that we were listening to at this time and of this genre (Nu-metal), which have stood the test of time? Very few in my opinion. This is one of the albums that have. One explanation for this albums longevity is the lack of s'bombs and f'bombs permeating the air.The lyrics are of a very mature nature (grown up, not profanity laden as i've pointed out). Subjects such as totalitarianism in the brilliant call to arms opener "Prison Song" and "Deer Dance", drug addiction in "Needles", and lest we forget drugs and groupies in the brilliant "Psycho". The album certainly carries an air of punk about it...actually make that Hardcore Punk as demonstated in the ultra fast and catchy "Jet Pilot" and "X" to the quirky (almost comedic!) "Bounce" and the jazz influenced (check the break in the middle section) "Shimmy".The album isn't short on stellar big juicy fat bastard hits either like the cleverly crafted "Chop Suey" and the emotional closer "Aerials". As far as showmanship is concerned (flashy solos etc) it's off the menu (one guitar solo inhabits the entire album). What DOES make the cut is absolute pin-point tight musicianship, supreme drumming skills and song structure, especially prevalent in the likes of "Toxicity" and "Forest", which for me are the two standout tracks. The latter being an album track, all the more satisfying.I'm not usually one for going into extras as I feel they take up too much time and are usually more geared towards die-hards anyway. However seeing as they're so short and compact i'll give 'em a quick mention. Four live tracks are shown at a gig in DVD format which certainly expands on the package and gives people a handy insight into what they were/are like live, pretty damn good is the answer.So yeah, a more mature sober listen years later has proven this one to be a bit of a dark horse. The fact that I love the album despite very rarely going for this type of band/music is testament to it's quality, add it to your collection.

One of the best albums ever released, and it sounds great on Vinyl.Buying on Vinyl can be a bit hit and miss, all depends on the quality of the master they use for pressing, no fears here though, its an excellent sound.

Great album..just got into this really..Vinyl is lovely and quiet too.

Totally bonkers album now on vinyl

I woke up, grabbed my hair brush and put on a little make up. Noticed I left my keys upon the table, where are my manners I writing a fable.Took me back to when this first came out on cd. Amazing vinyl.

Superb album, great sound and an absolute classic

Awesome