Opera Singer Reacts to System Of A Down "Chop Suey"

[@maggiereneemusic]

Who should I react to next? And just for you: ‘Sing Better Instantly" my FREE Singing Course: skl.sh/3aHdSuy and for EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS AND PERKS: www.patreon.com/MaggieRenee

[@wolfgangengel4835]

System of a down - Toxicity That has to be the next one 😊

[@wolfgangengel4835]

Serj Tankian = my favorite singer in Rock by far. He is like Zappa or Freddy Mercury for my generation.

[@gofyi]

Probably the best SOAD song is a non-commercialized song called “Soldier’s Side”. By far probably one of the slowest songs they have but the amount of musical range and emotion makes this one (chop suey) look like a dumb hamster wheel with a fat hamster trying to run

[@jackt883]

Oooh please could you do a Rammstein one? Something like Zeit, Ohne Dich, or Ich Tu Dir Weh?? 😁

[@towerofresonance4877]

Mikhail Zlatopolsky! The loudest opera bass in history!

[@Incubansoul]

Watching KZbin convert opera singers to metal heads is one of my favorite pastimes 🤣

[@maggiereneemusic]

🤣🤣

[@slayer18726]

I'm glad I'm not the only one.

[@Grizzlox]

Usually it's Nightwish doing that job

[@anaisr-p2.085]

That's so fun to watch them all fall for soad 💛

[@alyshaharper8730]

I like seeing rappers being converted to.

[@dorkyvonmunchmunch9912]

Very happy to sponsor this one. This song was one of my favorite early 00's songs. SoaD is definitely worthy of a deeper dive soon. 👇

[@maggiereneemusic]

So glad you enjoyed! Thanks so much! Can't wait to see you in 2 hours! 🤗💟

[@Петърчо]

@@maggiereneemusic and Dorky thank you both, respectively for sponsoring it and allowing it on YT. Firstable I want to point all that I didn't have any special message when Rosco asked, except for Maggie learning that this song has 1.2+B views on YT alone. As a side note, "npu3pak" stands for "призрак" (Bulgarian, Cyrillic), which translates as a ghost, literally. Origin of the nickname roots back in the days (the early 2000s) when Cyrillic wasn't well supported and we had to get creative online (mIRC, CS, Diablo 2, and so on) to type Cyrillic names using Latin letters (I believe it's called Phonetic String Matching and you can see how identical these words look but it's pronounced more like "prizrak").

[@MikaTarkela]

That last chorus hits right in the feels, damn it. Such a beautiful piano/keyboard part and the vocals are beautiful as well!

[@scottpitts5414]

Chills every single time…

[@realburglazofficial2613]

Serj and Daron are probably the best vocal pairing in metal/alternative music ever. Their harmonies just compliment each other perfectly.

[@dnrdni1466]

For me: AIC 1. SOAD 1A

[@e.paradigm7415]

100% agree!! I add that although both are talented artists in their own right, when they come together for System they are just magical. I absolutely love hearing how different yet harmonious their voices are, you just don’t hear that often in other well known bands.

[@Crosis89]

Oh yeah man, their harmonies always put me somewhere else.

[@katarzynab946]

@@dnrdni1466 Alice in Chains have great charmonies, but those of Daron and Serj are just iconic.

[@IsaacDDuke]

Does anyone in thrash/heavy metal have harmonies?

[@ShawnsLoop]

The pain and longing to just understand why, of feeling forsaken (whether it's true or not) in that last chorus cuts through me every time and brings me to tears. A great example of reading the lyrics hinting that it's a heavy comment on belief, but then you HEAR Serj sing it, and he makes those words hit so much deeper.

[@oojumaflip1]

First metal band to reach 1 billion views on this specific song on KZbin 🤘

[@mollyvarnum7762]

Music lovers hear beauty in All music. Everyone has their preference granted. But to respect the musical aspect is sublime. Ty. Ty from all us metal heads that want ppl to HEAR what we hear....

[@bigalthelegend5007]

well said

[@L0vac]

I like how Daron always looks like: "Coke? Not even ounce!"

[@imopen2]

Deer dance, prison song, spiders, hypnotize, lonely day, lost in Hollywood, forest, needles, soldier side… these are just a few of the dozens of amazing songs by system

[@jasonmoore9295]

My favourite band of all time deserves a deep dive! Serj is an opera singer as well.

[@jennyconfer7765]

Amen girl love SOAD no band can ever compare!! Even serj by himself is amazing !!!

[@davidmcmullen6485]

It’s the piano coming in at 9.39 on here that gets me everytime. Gives me goosebumps

[@1938superman]

10:20 You DEFINITELY need to hear more of System of a Down. They're amazing. Toxicity, Aerials, and many more. Spiders is another of their songs I really like that I don't hear people talk about much.

[@heorldofrock]

I saw a video recently of when SOAD was working with Rick Ruben on the song and Serj didn't know what he wanted to do with the Father section so Rick told him to go into his library and pull a random book and open to a random page and that is how they got the whole father section of the song.

[@jamesw1313]

If you didn’t go to church growing up, the book he grabbed was a Bible and opened it to when Christ was on the Cross. Father, why have you forsaken me…

[@travisbeckner6849]

"Sugar" was the first video most of us discovered SoaD, also their first one of the first album, definitely aa good. "Peepholes" and "P.L.U.C.K." are 2 more off the first album that go by unnoticed more often than not and they are awesome and you would enjoy the vocals on those as well

[@TheChiraagG]

Sugar was indeed the first song I heard and I can't believe it's been 20 years since I saw them live. I kept missing the Download Festivals they were at but I am so glad I caught them at their own gig in London in 2002.

[@losxdescabezados]

It sucks that most reactors start at the Toxicity album and only move forward, maybe stopping at the debut only to listen to Sugar. The self titled album is so good: I've been listening to that album from time to time for the last 20+ years!

[@dadjeans391]

So this album came out my senior year of high school, and even today I can listen to the entire thing without getting bored. I think if they had continued to put out albums they would be the biggest band on the planet

[@BINGOOOOOO]

Love System Of A Down. So Good. Glad you got to hear, watch and experience Them lol. Opera singers love opera singers lol.

[@chupitolepame5357]

They're an amazing band. Nice reaction Maggie, I'm looking forward for more SOAD reactions!

[@mjvdg4194]

Serj and Daron have some of the most amazing harmonies!! I definitely recommend Suggestion

[@thetalantonx]

7:35 - When you talked about that run, I said aloud, "...Serj, man." You can hear the influence of his Armenian background in those runs.

[@carmenohio8735]

Serj has a 4 octaves range,registering from D2 to F5(-E6) Baritone. Allegedly, damn near the same as Freddy Mercury

[@ukdnbmarsh]

this is still a magnificent tune, it gives you serene peace and then blows your socks off, i love it !!!!

[@Darkshock25]

This is the first song I’ve heard that has VERY fast lyrics to sing in the verses back in the day. I would recommend checking out “Toxicity” and “B.Y.O.B.”, they’re both really good songs by this band. 😉

[@Darkshock25]

Oh yeah! “Science” is one of the best songs in my opinion by this band too!

[@avoncalling7886]

You might want to check out the lead singer, Serj Tankian - he’s an incredible, classically trained vocalist outside of rock. 😊

[@echopryme]

For an opera singer... you should hear 'Aerials' by them. Vocals are ALOT more dynamic, and the "scoops" he pulls are crazy (both up and DOWN... to like a two octave down on a single end-line scoop)

[@TheSomeq]

Nice reaction ) If you want more SOAD, then Toxicity, Hypnotize, Radio/Video, B.Y.O.B, Sugar, Aerials may be next. But I recommend "Question!" for really wild vocals. Also most of their songs have a deep meaning in them.

[@tehs3raph1m]

Yes, Question! Is great

[@IamError87]

Dont forget about spiders also

[@TheSomeq]

Also just remembered Lonely Day for Daron's vocals, Holy Mountains and Serj's singles - Empty Walls, Sky is Over. And in duet with his father - "Bari Arakeel".

[@velinion1]

I've loved every reaction I've seen to Aerials, but all the above are great.

[@dna3930]

This band is one of the few bands that I put the CD in and just let it play. Crazy good.

[@BuzzaB77]

Armenia + Metal + Rick Ruben = A sound never heard before or since.

[@Dagobah359]

Serj has said the song is about how people view/judge others differently depending on how they died, rather than just based on their life.

[@marine6680]

I believe the band has stated that the lyrics “angels deserve to die” is in reference to how society will completely condemn a person over one aspect of themselves or bad deed they did, declaring them unworthy of redemption and even deserving bad things happen to them… Even if they are otherwise good people. So if the addiction angle others mentioned is accurate, then it fits pretty well. We as a society tend to write off addicts as hopeless cases not deserving sympathy.

[@jurgnobs1308]

the song is largely about how different society judges mental illness and physical illness. we commend people for beating cancer. we mourn them respectfully when they succumb to it. we often disrespect those who die from mental illness. and we often disrespect them during their suffering aswell.

[@Vintech64]

The lead singer Serj was trained in Armenian opera. He has gone one to appear in many musicals, and has performed vocals with many of the best Orchestras in the world. He now lives in New Zealand, and puts out his own solo music. Most of his music is to raise awareness about the atrocities that have happened to the Armenian people. Such as the attempted genocide of the Armenian people by the Turks.

[@Петърчо]

Attempted? ~1 million people died.

[@richardsinclair7661]

@@Петърчо The goal of the Armenian genocide was the complete eradication of the Armenian people. Seeing as they were unsuccessful, "attempted" is correct.

[@alexflores7652]

Hey there kiddo I love seeing your reactions, sorry I've been gone. 👇. I first got turned onto this band back in 2000 a year before I got out of the Air Force. And the song that got me listening to them was Sugar.

[@maggiereneemusic]

YAY! So glad you are back! Hope to see you tonight?

[@trixiebella]

Another classic! Great job Maggie!

[@spfadden082711]

The biggest surprise for me was how good the guitarist was at singing.

[@thetalantonx]

9:04 - As a song it's looking at the difference in how society treats people who died of a drug overdose after self-medicating, or got drunk and got in a car accident, and people who just outright committed suicide.

[@svtpower03]

Go to almost any metal concert and in between bands when they play music, if this song comes on the entire crowd will sing along with it. Everybody knows the words because the song is so iconic

[@clarissagarza7284]

Hypnotize is a freaking BAAAANGER!!!!

[@inf3rno1982]

I've seen several reaction videos to this particular song, you are the first who "caught" the Bible references.

[@christorbert7004]

Imagine being 21 when this came out and just it blowing your mind. It was just a time for music

[@deusifer30]

This is my 17year old son’s favorite band ever…and he is angry he missed their heyday…but got to see them at Sick New World this year…so happy I could give him that…

[@gorgarath]

Don't know how I missed you posting this. Love SoaD. Saw them live with Slipknot back in 2001. Right up in the front for System and then in the mosh pit for Slipknot. Was a great night. 👇

[@maggiereneemusic]

So glad you enjoyed! 👍

[@crystalmartin3060]

They originally called the song Suicide, but changed it to Chop Suey (chopped suicide in half). It definitely focuses on how there is a stigma associated with suicide, hence all the accusations and answers and asking "the Father" "Why have you forsaken me?"

[@that-avr-drummer]

I love that you point out and respect the drums...thank you for that 🙂

[@jimidave6281]

The vocal scream exchange between Serj and Daron always struck me as the emotions of anger and desperation of someone contemplating taking their life - followed by the questioning of the abandonment by God in their hour of need. It's beautiful, but full of anguish and despair. I always thought that the chorus and end section of the song purposefully resembled the liturgical music of the Eastern Orthodox Church as part of the overall theme for this reason.

[@arnelljames7777]

The lyrics Father into your hands I commend my spirit.....is actually a bible verse that they pick at random when they were writing the song with Rick Ruben.

[@gabrielgarcia4906]

The songs: Question! And Spiders are so deep...

[@TheRober82]

Great reaction! System will shock you everytime..

[@Moncada10]

Aerials- System of a Down should absolutely be your next one. The singing is second to none

[@tristanlyons2883]

I think she will appreciate his singing as he comes from a classically trained background like herself.

[@ReXtion88]

You should definitely react to Aerials, it's a very strong candidate for being SoaD's best song, really interesting melodic choices and a lot of power in the writing and the performance. What a band

[@JU-ov5fo]

Aerials, spiders, holy mountains, revenga, streamline and byob all by system of a down are worth listening to as well. Honestly all of SOAD is worth listening to tbh

[@mwhitehead1461]

I recommend Aerials highly, and the video is intriguing.

[@shaneomacfan3]

Yup, big fan of SOAD, you should check out Hypnotized, B.Y.O.B. and Toxicity.

[@nineteenninetyfive]

I knew a few people who were studying classical music at university. They were all into really heavy metal. I think its a balance.

[@Stick-a-fork-in-Gmorks-tort]

SOAD's 'Question' is a must.

[@gegart01]

Wanna more soad on this channel! Question official video is just for you😁

[@Edrogrimshell]

You should listen to Serj's solo works, Empty Walls is a good one, as is Sky is Over.

[@noahl.5092]

Lonely day is great as well, but then again you can't go wrong with any of their songs

[@vaidas1217]

Aerials by SoaD is a must 😉

[@veRGe02]

Great song and reaction. This band has so many bangers. Tool does too.

[@maggiereneemusic]

Thanks! 🤗👍

[@Iansco1]

SOAD was a band we all liked but never realized how great they were till they were gone.

[@sekara9866]

Had no idea how to dance to this until it came on in the club. It just works...

[@sykheincosmonaughty5628]

It always cracks me up that the song after this on the album is 'Bounce' XD such a tone shift!

[@krisdavis3888]

it's my understanding that this song is about addiction, as a recovering addict myself, I can attest to the message, so many good people I've known are addicts, and we are used to but tired of being judged, to everyone else they think why can't you just stop? but it's not that simple usually...I think this song is trying to relate to that experience

[@trishap.6931]

Love your channel! This song was originally called suicide. And, it’s about how we judge people based on their demise. Here’s a quote from the guitarist/vocalist… “It occurred to me how we are judgemental towards people, even in death,” explains Daron. “If someone died in a car accident, you'd say, 'Oh, poor thing.' But if they died in a car accident while they were drunk, that would change your whole perception of how they died, and judging his or her death a in a different way. For some reason, that thought was weird to me.”

[@GeorgeSmith-ev8jp]

Fun fact, the song was originally named Suicide but the record execs said that’s a no go. So the band “Chopped” the name suicide to Suey (sui) thus Chop Suey.

[@dunessanful]

system of a down ariels, hypnotize or B.Y.O.B are all very interesting songs that a successors to this

[@cestrella0108]

Nice review; SOAD doesn't have one bad song. Music, lyrics, it's a journey each time.

[@SkIzOjImBo]

For the growl you have to lower your voice tune A LOT. At the point you feel your vocal cords shaking and safely "squeeze" the area where your nose tunnel cross the throat. But they don't growl in System. They scream (witch is the same technique but you have to "squeeze" less and push more air) Not everyone can do it too it's reserved for certains tones of voice but I think almost everyone can do at least one of the 2. It's just hard to learn. I do both.

[@Tatev157]

So you’re telling you listen to them for the first time? I don’t believe you!

[@system_killer]

какие прикольные рожицы получаются. :)

[@filosofae]

nice! one of my favorites

[@demonyakku3710]

Part of the song, Father thee hands I commit my spirit, was a totally random addition made during recording when Serj did not have it filled and composer said pick up a random book open it and first phrase you read that's gonna be in the song.

[@joachimmuller4930]

They aren't using false cord growls in that song. This is fry scream, I think. It works without using your false vocal cords just by bringing a lot of thightness to the actual cords.

[@chrisburrelljr9270]

At 4:44 I didn't realize how pointy his nose was

[@BeardedKayakFishing]

SOAD is pure awesomeness

[@kengaroo67]

This is my morning alarm on my phone.

[@Петърчо]

Same 🤣🤣🤣

[@gagago302]

Suicide/2=chop suey. When the label wouldn’t allow them to name the song “suicide”, this is they genius name they came up up with.

[@Grizzlox]

Serj is one of the best and most unique male vocalists in Rock, but even if you took him away this band would still be killin it

[@atvena]

I bet when you read the final lyrics you didnt think it would be as epic as it was

[@ginaarendtson9478]

Serj has a classical album btw

[@codydsimmons615]

I learned very recently (after years of listening to this song) that they originally wanted to call it suicide but it’s called Chop Suey (Suicide chopped in half). There’s also a little funny bit in the video where they are eating Chinese takeout presumably chop suey in reference to the song. But it’s actually a really deep song that since I’ve known the meaning of it gives me chills now every time I listen to it!

[@WilBgames]

Yeah the record label didn't want to put out a song called suicide. So they "chop"ped the "sui"cide.

[@arthy27]

Definetely you need to listen to "toxicity"

[@NondescriptMammal]

Yeah he definitely has one of the best growls in all of rock history

[@DarkAngel1985Mike]

I always took the song to mean that the people who commit suicide are angels meaning they are good people who just couldn’t stand the pain of the life they were given so the singer is sad when those angels had to die to find peace, because I have almost been one of those angels many going back to the 3rd grade

[@Touchpadse]

Another one bites the dust! Welcome to the System of a Down world

[@maggiereneemusic]

Thank you for the welcome and for your suggestion! 🤘🤗

[@rbpattersons81]

Serj and Daron are also trained opera singers.

[@diogomartins9349]

Very cool reaction! Should do SOAD - "Aerials" next! Subscribed!

[@Raven5150]

Glad you like system of a down they are really good serj made a solo album and the single empty walls is really good

[@aratakasuga4095]

I would love to hear you react to more system of a down tbh.

[@AwesomeFish12]

I don't know why I ended up here, but I'm glad I did. On very, very rare occasions the "algorithm" makes a correct mistake.

[@maggiereneemusic]

Welcome! Glad you are here too! 🤘🤗🤘

[@stacym31]

Chop Suey (suicide "chopped" in half). It was going to be titled Suicide, but decided on Chop Suey.

[@jacobtulak2090]

when they were almost done recording this song...they had a brain fart and didn't a chorus... and the engineer had book case and said pick a book with out looking and use the 1st paragraph it turned out it was a religious book and the System Of A Down twist

[@davidnajor7536]

Mind, Peephole, I E A E A I O, B.Y.O.B., Sad Statue, Hypnotize, Holy Mountains, Vicinity of Obscenity, are the System Of A Down songs you just have to do if you're as cool as I think you are. Oh yeah, also Cigaro. You'll love it.

[@Hermagesty4theHorde]

9:11 this part is actually very powerful. These are the words Jesus cried out during his crucifixion. As he felt the separation from God he cried out why have you forsaken me. For the human race to be granted forgiveness Jesus needed to experience the pain of being judged. He was placed in Hell for the three days prior to his resurrection. As he died upon the cross he felt God abandoning him. Just before his last breath he said Father into thy hands I (condemn or commit (depending on the translation) my spirit. With this he was saying he was ready to be the sacrifice. So these lines are very strong to show a deep emotion of abandonment and surrender.

[@WilBgames]

So the song is about people, rock stars and such, who take drugs to cope with the pressures of the world and end up dying to an OD. The line "I cry when angels deserve to die" is a commentary on how some people and media will treat these deaths like the person deserved to die, even though they didn't hurt anyone. The "father" bits at the end are referencing the words of Jesus on the cross as retold in the bible, "Father into your hands I commit my spirit" and "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"

[@prefono]

I don't think there was much technique in their screaming, in fact Serj had a wonderful voice and today it's like hearing Donald Duck sing with a sore throat.

[@Damoinion]

My favorite SoaD track is "Spiders"....(most of the time), closely followed by B.Y.O.B.