Angels & Suicide?! "Chop Suey" Vocal ANALYSIS and a deep dive into Serj Tankian of System Of A Down

I don't think I've been this excited for an artist since I heard Ronnie James Dio. Serj Tankian's vocals are so intriguing and have incredible depth that leaves me with absolute butterflies. "Chop Suey" was your next most recommended analysis, but I need more. I NEED MORE! Let me know down below which System Of A Down or Serj song I should check out next!
Join professional opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff, as she listens to System Of A Down performing "Chop Suey" for the first time.
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Performed by System Of A Down - Words and Music by Daron Malakian, Serj Tankian
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I definitely recommend watching the original video without interruptions. Here's the link: • System Of A Down - Cho...
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Elizabeth Zharoff is an international opera singer and voice coach, with 3 degrees in voice, opera, and music production. She's performed in 18 languages throughout major venues in Europe, America, and Asia. Currently based somewhere between Los Angeles and Tucson, Arizona, Elizabeth spends her days researching voice, singing, teaching, writing music, and recording TONS. She also plays Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons.
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Want a free voice lesson? Sign-up to WIN at mailchi.mp/the...
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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
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#systemofadown #Reaction #TheCharismaticVoice
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[@TheCharismaticVoice]

We just released merchandise! Check out the full line-up here: thecharismaticmerch.com

[@rimbaxrays5164]

. Hai.. salam kenal, saya salah satu pengemar anda dari Indonesia 🇮🇩, jika anda mempunyai kesempatan saya ingin meminta anda untuk reaction Dir En Grey Vinuskha Live HD English sub . Terima kasih 🙏

[@J7C3B]

Those dark thoughts that you don't necessarily want to happen are called intrusive thoughts.

[@mohamadriduanmadding8119]

Hey.. U should make a reaction 'Hypnotize' song from SOAD..

[@dochouse6911]

Maybe I can't find it but have you done B.Y.O.B. or Prison Song yet? Both are a must listen!!

[@donsmith1198]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXKyaKmplLZsn9U&feature=shares

[@Doctor-Stoppage]

Daron Malakian and Serj Tankian singing together is one of my favorite harmonies ive ever heard. They compliment each others voices like brothers.

[@maxscardanelli6185]

Yeah, they're the metal version of Simon & Garfunkel. Which obviously isn't a bad thing lol.

[@bowel_movement]

One of the most beautiful things is they switch up who sings the higher lines and who sings the lower lines. In classical western theory, crossing different voices like that is shunned, but SOAD shows that it can be beautiful.

[@reneelikesramen4335]

Yes!!, actually “Revenga” blows my mind.

[@bornedonia8970]

Agreed

[@thrillrtflc]

On par with the Layne Staley/Jerry Cantrell duet.

[@Toad_McLoad]

Watching her listen for the first time is the closest feeling to actually HEARING it for the first time. Hearing someone accurately articulate WHY the song feels the way it does is awesome.

[@devcor]

That. It's like I listened to the song for the first time again, and those emotions are back now, but its like it added something new to it as well.

[@scumdog666]

this is actually the first time I've cried listening to this song. Hearing this as a teenager when it came out, I never really thought deeply about the lyrics. Now I'm 42, and this shit hits on all levels.

[@sentoo7606]

@@scumdog666 same for me with 30 now. As a teen is just loved the song but never thought about why.

[@sushileafbeats]

@@scumdog666 yupp felt that. then caught myself, shocked at these new found feelings over the song. music is powerful stuff.

[@panman2568]

So true

[@petamarsh3026]

It's funny how you can hear a song so many times over the years and yet all of a sudden find something in it you never realised previously. That's the beauty of fantastic music.

[@Quazimoto5]

This woman’s passion for music is beautiful and easily felt through the screen. People with such a passion for what they enjoy/love are almost always entertaining when you can feel the authenticity of their emotions

[@MrNoName31130]

I know right I hate when people go off of what they hear like if someone listened to this song they would be like “dude it’s just noise” but it’s nice to see someone appreciate the deeper meaning and creativity of the song.

[@TheSmeltork]

SOAD has a unique ability to be simultaneously silly, serious, ugly, angry, sad, and beautiful. The end of this song is so beautiful.

[@keesbeukelman7817]

Exactly, it flies from craziness to sheer melancholy to super heavy completely naturally. Heard every song hundreds of times, it still blows my mind.

[@crispybacon556]

This is the best description I have heard about Soad

[@jzapien1377]

Could apply it to them using the stages of grief in the songs the denial fanatic chaotic intro, anger focused or lashing, bargaining in a balanced but still energetic, depression in a sudden or slow snap back, and acceptance in a slow fade or resolution.

[@DeepVoicedDude]

For real. Even the most ridiculous-sounding songs like 'Cigaro' are about heavy topics.

[@gamingpc5459]

I've loved this song (and SOAD in general) since I was little, there's something magic in that "hauntingly-beautiful" ending of the song that instantly draw me to them. I think there's a lot I have to thank them for, I've come to understand music deeper and it's mostly because of SOAD

[@mattlebel]

It’s so nice to see someone taking this music seriously and seeing the artistry and talent. I’m guessing that’s why so many metal heads watch this channel. Like, I am not really interested in the mechanics of singing, but I can’t stop watching just because she actually appreciates music that we’ve all been told is trash for decades.

[@DanKaschel]

Wait who told you soad was trash

[@mattlebel]

@@DanKaschel Speaking generally about metal, not just SOAD.

[@hotbutterypopcorn9652]

If you claim to be a metal head and you say SOAD sucks...you're not a metal head in my book. I can't stand some metal bands and I don't listen to them, but I can give credit where credit is due and I can appreciate the music that those bands make, people have this idea that if they don't like a band then they automatically suck and it's kinda sad TBH. That is my definition of a true metal head. SOAD is one of the best bands and they were pretty influential in the early 2000's.

[@SuWoopSparrow]

@@hotbutterypopcorn9652 Yea this may be true, but the reality is when SOAD was starting out more metal heads hated them than liked them.

[@jeremymiller3800]

Well said.

[@chrisr6402]

For more SOAD recommendations, "Question!" is a wild one. "Hypnotize" could be a good one for analysis as well since if gives both Serj and Daron solo vocal sections as well as combined sections.

[@guen4413]

"Question!" is one of my favorite System songs and would be a great one for Elizabeth to react to because of the odd time signatures and the vocal harmonies. I agree with "Hypnotize" too. But, honestly, you can't go wrong with any System song

[@mreggy2535]

Yes I agree nananananana

[@pitilessnightmare6879]

I second this!!

[@grzesiek0386]

Yes, Question must be next

[@stefanos7724]

yep... quiestion is probably my favorite soad song. Soo good

[@alwolfy1782]

Whenever this song gets played in our local metal bar everyone sings along. When it gets towards the end (Father, Father etc) the passion everyone has given me goosebumps every time. There are a few metal songs that seem to connect to the metalhead spirit and this is definitely one of them.

[@MorwenWhyte]

It's been more than 20 years and I still can't listen to Serj Tankian's voice without getting emotional. That's how powerful a performer he's.

[@chainsawrosenberg7209]

he is awsome

[@Anjohl]

Such a shame we're been deprived of him at his best. A classic case of too much success.

[@harissamim3063]

Serj is a musical gift from the Heavens 😭

[@camillosteuss]

same brother, same... he truly is a gift from heaven sent to grace the destitute plains of the earth...

[@thevorace]

You can't end on a contraction my guy

[@javiervigil2511]

This song mimics the highs and lows someone with depression feels. The moments of calm interspersed with the chaos of your thoughts.

[@davie9070]

Bpd

[@bubbly1179]

No one asked

[@MaxWolop]

@@bubbly1179 🤡

[@IraessRanza]

That makes sense, Soad always adds so much to their songs

[@PrimetimeD]

Exactly this. So accurate.

[@SKy_the_Thunder]

"Mood Whiplash, the Song" This song sounds how depression feels. The constant tension, only interrupted by either emotional outbursts or bouts of melancholy, switching unpredictably; self-blame ("You wanted to!") questioning existence itself ("Why have you forsaken me?"), feeling fundamentally misunderstood ("I don't think you trust...") and so much more... And they still manage to turn it into an "acceptable" outlet for those feelings...

[@Capitan_Captain]

That's really on point. Exactly how it feels.

[@postfraction]

This verse is actually totally random as SOAD did not have text for that part of the song so they just picked a book and sang the first thing they saw, its explained in one of Joe`s podcasts kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4HCkKSgi6dsisU&ab_channel=VictimsOfADown

[@keegy5378]

@@postfraction Love this, but the unpredictability and highs and lows were not on accident. Musical geniuses, and knowing that the bridge came from a book in Rick Rubin’s library makes it even better to me

[@uberfeel]

​​@@postfraction >Random book No offense but, I think that "random book" is the bible because the lyrics "Father, Father, Father why have you forsaken me?" Is clearly inspired from Mark 15:34. Which is fitting because the whole song has "Self righteous suicide" and "Angels who deserves to die" lyrics line.

[@MommaButters]

​@@uberfeel the book was the bible. I don't think the book was completely random. I think serj chose it due to the rest of the song but the line "Father, into your hands i commend my spirit" was the first line Serj read and they formed the rest of the verse around that. The song is originally about suicide and how judgemental people are when someone who was depressed commits suicide. All of SOAD songs yes have a "subject" but how they're interpreted by the audience is up to us as individual listeners/fans. SOAD has said it before they're not gonna say what the lyrics mean cause they want people to interpret it their own ways. The most they'll ever give is what topic they were thinking of when they did the song. The sad thing about Chop Suey is it's original name was "Suicide" which is ultimately what the song is about however it was overshadowed by the "biblical lyrics." They had to change it to Chop Suey because the record label didn't like Suicide as the name so they chopped the word in half and added the thing they did to the beginning of the track name hence Chop Suey.

[@PunkrockTSG]

4.5 minutes into the video and you haven't gotten past 20 seconds of the song. You are appreciating EVERY moment of it, and I love that. This is by far my favorite band, and I'm glad you're giving them the appreciation they deserve for their artistic value. Again, thank you!

[@Skarimir]

As a long-time musician and fan of metal, people who don't listen to it always ask me how I can listen to it, as to them it's just noise. I tell them that to the average consumer, bread is just bread; but to the baker, it's a series of ingredients: yeast, sugar, salt, etc. that come together to make something wonderful. Metal is the same way for me, and I think you portray it the same way in your analysis of music, and I can really appreciate that. Some people think that Mozart or Bach or Chopin would be appalled if they could come back and hear what music has become today, but I'm not so sure. I think they would analyze it in much the same way, and really see the goodness in the way the ingredients all come together.

[@MrBranx3]

Well said

[@alanholowaychuk6788]

agreed, they would be impressed by some of what metal has accomplished

[@phil0934]

I really can imagine Bach listening to that wonderful piece of music and start jamming with the rest of the band.

[@mightyakkylex]

Beethoven was a metal head before metal existed. Guy wrote some badass songs

[@ManMan-nw7yi]

Yeah ✊

[@nunoalmeida8997]

Can we all take a moment to appreciate the passion and detail she puts in this videos?

[@anggeraprasetyo5616]

yeah, she is very detail.. and repeat it again and again. thats awesome, she really pour her attention to every element of the song. sorry for my bad english.

[@shteebh]

@@anggeraprasetyo5616 Your English is better than some English people I know.

[@thosetwodudes]

Moment taken. This is my new KZbin obsession

[@AnxiouslyGaming]

I just discovered her a couple weeks ago with AIC "Down In A Hole" Unplugged.. I've been hooked ever since. I can't sing but she's very informative and her smile is absolutely contagious.

[@toaster4693]

This is the only legitimate reaction channel. The rest just sit there and make one or two minor comments to get views.

[@moonhowler13]

"Lonely Day" is a great one for hearing more of Daron. The harmonization gives me chills every time. It has little more of a somber and restrained soft of feel to it.

[@zlobaplays]

And if you go, i wanna go with you .. and if you die, i wanna die with you ... taaaaake my hand and walk awayaaaaaaayy ....

[@mogewara97]

Yeees

[@Y20XTongvaLand]

Roulette is a lot better, I think.

[@mateversole990]

I'm not even emotional but I have to say this one had me like...damn dude. Stop it. Don't do this to me.

[@petttybettty]

Ughhhh one of my favorites

[@paulbrooks4395]

This song made me weep many times. It speaks of rejection, emptiness, denial, and hope that someone may hear our cry.

[@RobertoWCruz]

perfectly said

[@pippafinland]

The strangest thing is, when you already love a song and then someone with the greatest insight goes through it, and you love the song even more. Thank you, Elizabeth! ❤

[@TheBobbymcd]

yea im really enjoying listening to my fav songs via reaction videos now....i watched a young guy called 'pope' listening to 'suppers ready' by genesis and it blew my mind watching him experience a 20 minute song , progressive rock for the first time...dunno if your a peter gabriel genesis fan but if you are then check it out.

[@silly_programme5061]

If you liked this, highly recommend checking out 12tone's video on the song kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4K5i5ekm6-kos0 (Elizabeth, you should watch this too if you see this comment; he dives deep into the chords used and how they change at the end to emphasize that emotional swell you were talking about, and it's absolutely beautiful)

[@kidomega13]

Oh yes. You are correct. I already love this song for 20 years. Now i love this song even more after watching this video.

[@ireallyreallyhategoogle]

Yep, definitely. Same as when she did Korn - Freak On A Leash

[@shawa666]

@@silly_programme5061 Love me some 12 tones.

[@traillesstravelled7901]

The amount of joy I get when "trained professionals" actually listen to "hard/heavy" etc. type music and realize how talented they are. 🤘

[@rai1879]

As a fully trained symphonic orchestra violinist... My favorite genre is absolutely heavy metal. The amount of debates I've had with my professors on how metal music is actually very similar to baroque hahaha

[@cristiancandio9566]

@@rai1879 Metal guitar players like Malmsteen and many other are clrearly influenced by baroque and classical music in their style of play. Many metal bands have deep roots in classical music. Some are also adding orchestrations to their music too. And i am not just talking about only symphonic metal bands like nightwish but also about more extreme bands like Celtic Frost.

[@ananthropomorphictalkinggo6641]

If you look at how easy it is to combine orchestra music with heavy metal, and how good it actually sounds to put the two together, you realize that they're more similar than most people think. The first time I heard them put together was when Metallica released S&M, where they redid their songs with a full symphony, and it sounded amazing. You can also see it in bands like nightwish too.

[@nocturnal101ravenous6]

@@ananthropomorphictalkinggo6641 You beat me with Nightwish, you also have Evanescence that heavily leans on Classical music. Honestly IMO Metal/Hardrock and Symphony together make the best fusion of any other genre of music as at their core they are giving off that Gothic essence that plays off each other, Game soundtracks like Guilty Gear, BlazBlu, Final Fantasy, Devil may Cry, and Anime have always explored a variety of musical styles and fusions of styles some hit or miss, as music tends to set a mood or pacing for the media. Also taking it 1 step further, Metal Hellsinger and Bullets per Minute or BPM for short incorporate the beat and music into the actual gameplay itself. People tend not to really give media its due when it comes to music production other than a few forms like TV and Movies.

[@ananthropomorphictalkinggo6641]

@@nocturnal101ravenous6 I don't know if you ever played the game Quake back in the day, but Trent Reznor actually did the soundtrack for it. That's what made me realize that a lot of game soundtracks weren't just throwaway background noise, but actually a legitimate art. Halo 2 had the guitarist from incubus make a bunch of music for it too.

[@soulrebornofficial]

Am I the only one who still shivers despite having listened to SOAD songs thousands of times?

[@cheffboyardee123]

Nope gives me chills everytime

[@robballinger9994]

Chills in a BAD way, I'm sure. Absolutely horrible.

[@cheffboyardee123]

@@robballinger9994 If you had any ear for music you would be able to appreciate this caliber of songwriting. You probably listen to country music. Politely screw off.

[@Vielleichtja]

Absolutely amazing you mean ?

[@Vielleichtja]

@@robballinger9994 .

[@IKurtC]

imagine what we felt back in 2001 the first time we heard this band and song... damn. still hits like the first time

[@petrosbabinn1695]

I was a very small kid. I was confused as hell. I had no idea why I loved this song so much.

[@arminguillen1795]

And was released on 9/11

[@arminguillen1795]

The impact was huge

[@luiscrakson]

I was in high school. Remember it. I was young

[@SolaireofAstoraFH]

Ive heard this song so many times over the years that ive grown numb to the emotional aspect of it and seeing you experience it for the first time makes me remember all the feelings i had the first time too. I almost teared up 🥹

[@carinaisstillhere5474]

Honestly I am halfway through the video and fought back tears so many times already

[@SolaireofAstoraFH]

@@carinaisstillhere5474 its beautiful lol

[@Sky-TheYouTubeAccount]

I feel you there.

[@starrynyte158]

Same.

[@nmorgan2380]

I have cried during every single one of her vidoes on SOAD songs for that exact reason. It is unreal how well she articulates the emotion but how well they convey it in the first place.

[@michaeldavies47]

I'd like to recommend "Forest" for its delicious vocals, "Psycho" for it's dark tone that'll probably have you close to tears, and "Deer Dance" the very Serj vocals mocking the absurdity of the modern evils that the song is shining a light upon. Or just pick literally any other song from the Toxicity album because the entire album is golden.

[@gualeshadow]

And after every song from Toxicity do every song from every other album because they're all golden.

[@ingredi8409]

Spiders is an amazing one as well!! It was written by Serj, and it allow him to do a bunch of interesting things with this voice

[@bababooey948]

Forest is definitely my favorite SOAD song.

[@cartergrimes6752]

Gotta do Soldier Side for sureeee

[@AlexanderForsman]

Forest is my personal favorite

[@avivyoutube6683]

Her: "this is so deep, emotional and exciting at the same time, I am so moved" Me: "drums go BRRRT"

[@ishaantiwari8969]

😂

[@StrangeDuck]

yes, drums do indeed go brrrrrt!

[@ikeeelewe4204]

Is that you, Animal?

[@williammatthews693]

BRRRT?

[@kriswood8999]

@@williammatthews693 yea brrrrt? Noises made by drums and a-10's

[@OhGrowUpPodcast]

I love the juxtaposition of someone who’s clearly extremely knowledgeable and talented musically, appreciating Chop Suey in a child like wonder. She can explain why this is such a schizophrenically beautiful song.

[@spilltheteasis5826]

I’ve heard this song a million times, and the chorus still give me goosebumps every time.

[@SeliahK]

Instant chills. Every. Single. Time. Yes! That chorus had such an impact on me that the first time I heard it, the location I was in was absolutely seared into my memory. I completely disengaged from my physical surroundings because it just took me right out of the setting. I was totally unresponsive until the song ended. I spent the next three MONTHS trying to find the name of the song and the artist/band. (Bear in mind this was back before internet was so prominent. LOL) Fell in love with SOAD's music on this song, and loved every single piece of theirs that I heard afterwards - and Serj's solo works, too.

[@hermitrob5481]

Absolutely man. Makes we wanna drives fast alone on a summer night with the windows down. Takes me back

[@twelveeighteenofficial7487]

The bizarre part for me was that I always put the bridge "Father..." together with the chorus and assumed they were taking a shot at religion, but the reveal that it was actually about suicide makes it so much more poignant.

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

@Madara is OP yup. it's subtle, but those arpeggios are great.

[@wayneballard1060]

Every time! It brings me back the a very dark time 20 yrs ago like it was yesterday and it definitely brought me through that time

[@sabrinakay4100]

I still highly recommend Serj Tankians solo song “Empty walls” performed with the elect the dead symphony. Highlights his vocals amazingly

[@hugoribeiro9260]

Yes this one is a good! Metal singer with a symphonic orchestra! That is something that she needs to see

[@ganeth2616]

Yes please this...

[@RickReasonnz]

Ahem... The Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra supported him here. As a long time SOAD fan, I'm still kinda chuffed that here lives here in New Zealand now. It's an amazing performance.

[@kazen1986]

I think my favorite from his solo stuff is "Sky is over"

[@Peterphoskytos]

And he sings that album live with am orchestra too, its beautiful

[@zlette]

No matter how many times I hear, " Father into your hands I commned my spirit. Father into your hands, why have you forsaken me? In your eyes forsaken me? In your thoughts forsaken me? In your heart forsaken me?" It makes me shed a tear, not as much as the first time... but a tear shed none the less.

[@christopherfreeman3442]

Most interesting part is where that line comes from. Serg was stuck writing and asked Rick Ruben for help - they flipped a book open, randomly pointed to a line, and used it. Ruben talked about it on JRE recently

[@David-fc1uf]

@hakimmohamad6216 Amen. Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

[@Isaac-eh6uu]

It apparently has no meaning.

[@marcus5977]

@@Isaac-eh6uu Yeah when they were recording with Rick Ross (i think it was him) they were struggling to find words for that portion of the song. So Rick said "go to my library, pick a random book and see if anything comes to mind" so Serj goes and choses a random book and see's the words and thought they sounded call and appropriate

[@thiccbaby2967]

@@marcus5977rick ross lmao. Good one

[@westonlong]

It is so fun to watch someone who knows what they are talking about explain to me why I fell in love with the stuff I did when I was forming my music taste.

[@spiderman4x]

After all these years that final chorus still gives me goosebumps.

[@suzanneartiss1490]

you aren't alone there

[@dominiksnopek7695]

Exactly 😬

[@nicolasaloni4282]

Yeah, it just moves something inside of you. Your body can't ignore it.

[@atvena]

Those vocal runs bring tears to my eyes

[@panman2568]

Every single time

[@guen4413]

I'm so glad you've been enjoying your journey into System of a Down so much. People always talk about how wacky they are, which is one of the reasons I love them, but not enough people acknowledge their incredible musical ability. As for recommendations, you can't really go wrong with any System song, but I recommend "Question!" or "Spiders."

[@jordan9339]

Just wacky doesn't work usually. You need to be wacky and talented.

[@josephbrowne3533]

Was just about to say spiders or war.

[@LordNelsonkm]

Spiders - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaK9f4Csfqp7ntU Lonely Day (Daron main singing) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep-qlaJ7lpanhsk

[@cornbredx]

I've never heard them referred to as "Wacky"

[@xxxchek4xxx]

Questions! second!!!!

[@evangarydeans]

Absolutely love her passion, the giggles and the laughs and the visible excitement - why she’s so so much better than all the other voice coaches on this platform

[@CorePathway]

Music tickles her internally, and I see nothing wrong with that 😂

[@harissamim3063]

I love it. It’s actually insanely charismatic but it comes naturally to her 😍 you just wanna be her friend fr

[@belanagy5595]

Because she's onest, and really can live the feeling of the music. She's not just a musician and singer she goes beyond the songs and she has the sensitivity to let the music touches her inner feelings...

[@markfrombriz]

100%

[@Goofyuncleproductiondotkom]

Cute bubbly fun and authentic with it. Like this is her not a facade for sure. She is probably a lot of people’s best friend 😆 😊

[@mmorales8841]

This song was played on repeat at my buddies wake with a video of him... one of the niceset and coolest people I've had the pleasure of knowing. RIP Jason

[@NagaTen]

Serj is an amazing vocalist, but Daron complements him perfectly despite how different they sound. Toxicity was probably one of the most played albums of my teenage years, and i still love to listen to it, top to bottom

[@brianmincher716]

It’s as good of an album as I’ve ever owned. Literally not a bad song on the whole CD, which was how I bought it.

[@dragonpaulz_]

Toxicity is one of like 3-4 albums ive ever owned where i would regularly listen to every track on the album and each track was a banger with multiple of them being all time classics.

[@forformgamer]

I'd put it up with the greatest albums of all time. Groundbreaking, no skips, powerful...

[@EdwardVGrimm]

15+ Yrs later for me and still kicks ass from song 1 all the way through the last song. One of the best rock albums of all time IMO. 👌🏼

[@ashleykellon]

So very much this.

[@usmcyounggun6879]

“Spiders” would be My recommendation for a System of a Down song to check out next. It has a pretty wide dynamic range and the vocal performance is pretty great as well.

[@gravija666]

as great as the first album was, this was the one that hooked me, and is still one of my favs

[@usmcyounggun6879]

@@gravija666 I used to have the Scream 3 soundtrack years and years ago when I was a kid and that song was on it. I fell in love when I heard it and that’s what actually got me into SOAD.

[@jakeswett242]

I'm so disappointed that I had to scroll down so far to see someone suggest spiders.

[@usmcyounggun6879]

Lol, I know right! It’s just a great song but especially for a channel that really focuses on the vocals it doesn’t get much better imho.

[@chiefgl1161]

Great song

[@metalmark1214]

The original name of the song was "Suicide," but Columbia Records made them change it to make it radio friendly. In the beginning of the song, you hear lead singer Serj Tankian say "we're rolling suicide." The title is a bit of a play on words - "Suey-cide." Guitarist Daron Malakian, who wrote it with lead singer Serj Tankian, explained: "The song is about how when people die, they will be regarded differently depending on the way they pass. Like, if I were to die from a drug overdose, everyone would say I deserved it because I abused drugs, hence the line 'Angels deserve to die.'" Rick Rubin, who had worked with Slayer, Beastie Boys and LL Cool J, produced the Toxicity album. Speaking with Rolling Stone about "Chop Suey," he said: "It's an unusual song because the verse is so frantic. The style is so broken up and unusual. It's both difficult to sing and arguably difficult to listen to, but then the chorus is this big, soaring, emotional, surging, beautiful thing. And then it's got this incredible bridge: Father, father, father, do you commend my spirit? Father, why have you forsaken me? It's just real heavy, biblical and grand. It's so unusual that it goes between these crazy rhythmic explosive verses into this emotional, anthemic ending." Source: Songfacts

[@TomasLKarlik]

I'm aware you most probably mean well, but you do realize most of this was said in the video, right??

[@Metalphan1990]

Also if you “chop” suicide you get suey.

[@nthsum5509]

Who comments before watching the video? Lol

[@derpderpin1568]

@@nthsum5509 more than half of the people who comment

[@metalmark1214]

@@TomasLKarlik You might want to realize that this was posted BEFORE the full video was played, right?

[@alanbragais7736]

i love how professionals are so articulated and precise. love hearing your whats on your mind ❤ keep this up. - from Philippines 🇵🇭

[@salty8058]

The part where he’s saying “father why have you forsaken me” is actually the words that Jesus spoke in Hebrew on the cross before he died. The context that Serj used in the song makes it that much more powerful and moving. Such a brilliant song!!

[@kingdavey90]

👍👍

[@silentglacierfang]

He said that in Aramaic, not Hebrew.

[@anthonysiler8844]

Also, if I remember correctly I read that Serj was having trouble finding that piece to finish the song. He went to a friend's house that had a big library, his friend told him to pick any book and open it up for inspiration and that was the first he came across in the Bible. Perfection

[@salty8058]

@@silentglacierfang was it Aramaic? My mistake. In the movie they did Hebrew

[@silentglacierfang]

@@salty8058 Yes. Aramaic. He was quoting Psalm 22:1, which was in Hebrew, but he said it in Aramaic.

[@rootbox]

Daron and Serj's vocal arrangements are interesting and perfect for their songs. Daron doesn't get enough cred for his vocals and guitar work. Amazing guitar tone.

[@LuisLopez-id4zc]

Yep,he has an amazing and nice voice too

[@TiLeo]

The video actually makes it pretty clear when both are singing. Darons vocals are really prominent in the song. You can clearly here them both a lot of the time.

[@Tankt0ptig3r]

Daron's vocal is definitely underrated, he's amazing especially on hypnotize

[@Siberius-]

During some of the really smoothly soft spoken moments, that's when Daron seems to be doing the heavy lifting in particular from what I could pick up. Edit: Oh, just found out that Daron is the lead vocalist on "Lonely Day", I never paid enough attention to notice that lol (was quite a while ago when I'd hear it). So that's all making sense with what I said at the start.

[@fightsewbig]

His solo work is awesome too. I love his voice just as much.

[@camdenC34]

I’ll always appreciate Elizabeth for making me not feel like a fool for getting emotional during massive moments in metal songs. I love this channel so much, please never stop!

[@magalieleplus]

Same

[@desrever1138]

No shame. I cry when I hear this song everytime.

[@Snitsky9]

Never regret feeling emotional in any situation ever. Metal and rock music is beautiful, powerful and passionate, is very logical that we get touched by it.

[@JPM2k22]

She is genuine

[@weswesaw1094]

I’m a classically trained musician/singer but I’ve always loved metal. To me both genres have always been filled with so much passion, so much drama, so much emotion. When I sing the classical stuff I’m always so emotionally wiped out. Very similar to doing metal vocals. Then there’s the absolute musicianship that both genres have. Love this channel.

[@chrisrussell8245]

I love seeing these songs get reviewed like this, it makes you appreciate them even more

[@lwleydes4129]

The "why have You forsaken me?"... always gets me...bring tears to my eyes, the way he sings it as well as with the emotional breakdown into the half time.

[@furyplanetk4448]

Fun fact about that the man who helped serj write the lyrics gave home the idea for that part. Serj said he didn’t know what to sing there and the guy said pick up a random book flip to a random page and read the first thing you see and he did and that’s the lyrics came from for that part

[@josechavez2148]

Same

[@VogMasu]

@@furyplanetk4448 The man who helped write this is Jesus for gods sake. 😅These are his last words being nailed to the cross. You can be sure that nothing about this is random.

[@lounasty69]

@@VogMasu it is because the "random book" was the Bible. He grabbed it and just pointed at those exact words. Look up the video explaining it

[@VogMasu]

@@lounasty69 None of us were there when they wrote it, but think about it: you are writing a song about suicide and dying angels and then you pull out the most famous quote from the most famous book in history which happens to fit perfectly to the rest of the song and all that happened by coincidence and you had now idea what you were looking for in that library? Really? It was either Jesus himself who guided his hand on that day or he is trying to fabricate a myth about his songwriting. 😉

[@digitalbath263]

One of my favorites by them is "Spiders" from their early days and they do an awesome live performance on Conan O'Brien's Late night show.

[@bradsimpson9396]

Completely agree on Spiders. Amazing song

[@VeryVery1]

YEEEEES my fav!!!!!!

[@theuglyalien]

Spiders is the first song i learned on bass guitar. Great song

[@rhonoz1175]

Yes! Spiders next.

[@moobutt]

YESSSS

[@m1st3rr33d]

I’ll keep saying it. You listen to music the way it should be. Appreciate the technical ability, but really endive into the emotion to feel the song. The nuances you hear make me realize how much I miss when I listen. I have heard this song 1000 times and never thought so deeply about it. I cried.

[@Unherist]

True. Though the many many pauses kill the momentum imo. Still interesting, but it's bothering me a little.

[@iconofsin1043]

@@Unherist i mean it is analysis, no? Just go listen to tge real song like wtf lol. The more she pauses the better, as a musician i found her commentary and the things she points out - pure gold

[@skytex9227]

best comment

[@Unherist]

@@iconofsin1043 It is really interesting, I said it. And of course I'm not watching her videos just to listen to the songs, it'd be stupid, I'm here for the analysis. But still, I'd like to be able to enjoy the songs along with her, but maybe that's just me. And it's no big deal.

[@iconofsin1043]

@@Unherist i get your point, but in a context of "rapper reacts to pantera" and then pauses in middle of solo etc..

[@JustinLangemo]

Thank you so much for your input on this band. I've listened to them for over 20 years and love em, but your educated opinion about them makes me love them even more. Please keep up the good work. 👍

[@johnnystombaugh5139]

Another amazing song by Serj is "Empty Walls". I would love to here your breakdown of this fantastic song. Serj puts so much emotion into it. It's an absolute masterpiece.

[@Stevie28]

Empty walls with elect the dead symphony is soo good!

[@BoydOfPray]

yessssss

[@zakkmylde1712]

Lie Lie Lie would be even better, his vocal range in that song is amazing.

[@daillew1990]

Came here to vote for Empty Walls

[@slimchans]

I always say that SOAD's genre is Chaos rock. You never know where the song is going when you listen to it for the first time

[@nightsgrow6575]

Perfect description for sure

[@wesleysolomon5364]

I love this classification of their music!

[@mr.logicpants2835]

"Holy Mountains" is a great song and so is "Dreaming" from the hypnotize album. "B.Y.O.B." and "Revenga" are good from hypnotize album. Really every song on both of those albums are good.

[@travisrose7164]

It's crazy how Holy Mountains is a general overture of the Armenian Genocide, which many people to this day deny even happened; and S.O.A.D put it in such an amazing song.

[@tdwz1652]

revenga is a great song

[@ekramer2478]

@@tdwz1652 Definitely Revenga and Holy Mountain. Both extra amazing. This and Spiders, and those I think are my favorites.

[@pants6951]

God a video on Dreaming would be 2 hours

[@Tiggler80]

Yes Holy Mountains and BYOB plz!!!

[@paladinsarchives]

The thing I like most about this video is how genuine of a reaction there is. I used to be a professional musician in the Marines, and watching someone react and give their input on this song made my day ❤

[@ahileasvforv9709]

Now you understand why we are waiting all these years for one more album.These guys spoke inside you so deep...

[@skatyna1]

there will be no album. Serj is not going to record any.

[@Dubblebass]

AMEN!

[@chayoto]

It is such a delight to hear someone this knowledgeable speak with so much passion about the songs we love yet obviously usually remain largely oblivious as to why they get us.

[@nikkikhoo2255]

I've heard this song repeatedly for 20 years and that chorus still brings me to tears today cos it's so packed with desperate emotion. Truly one of SOAD's greatest.

[@jlrthebassplayer]

I just recommended this vid to a friend and music pal. This is the reaction that drew me into your channel, filled with amazing insights both musically and about the song itself. Thank you for your work Elizabeth!☺️👍

[@SneakyCheeseThief]

The loveliest thing about your videos is that you are giddy. To love music that much, to love all the intricacies and creativity and emotions that it just overwhelms you. To see other people’s emotion transfer to someone so completely - it’s really beautiful.

[@mattwilliams9506]

I would recommend “Soldier Side”. When my brother went off to Iraq in the late 00’s, that song resonated with me because of it’s gut-wrenching lyrics, beauty, and harmonies. Luckily, he returned home with only a broken back.

[@zlobaplays]

I'm happy for your brother, but thisnsong was exactly about those nasty interventions the US and it's allies did back in those days ...

[@chillvibesstudios9025]

Tell ur brother thank you for his service and welcome back. Hope him the best!!!

[@sinsidious6663]

Such an underrated song by them, I honestly can say it’s my favorite song with Hollywood being a very close second

[@jasonbetancourt990]

As a veteran of the Afghan war it has a special place for me as well. Great song.

[@jasonbetancourt990]

@@zlobaplays that maybe but for those of us who served or had loved ones serve during the Iraq Afghan wars this song is special to us. It encapsulates a lot of the emotions that we feel.

[@avalikesinemine]

"Lost in Hollywood" is such a multi-layered song that deserves your attention for sure.

[@ТатиК-й3к]

Can't agree more. I was literally crying while Daron was singing it at the concert

[@aaronvanzile3824]

The dreamy floaty ethereal bridge, the 'you're lost in the letters and look at all of them beg to stay' is so so so so so so so good. It's gone as quickly as it arrives but it's so gorgeous

[@c-kotyko294]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2G7knSnbZWKerc

[@sinister906]

Live in Rio in amazing

[@danielchabeda2157]

Could not agree more

[@dalemonk3403]

I love how excited you get when experiencing this music. It’s even more exciting for me that I know what’s coming up and I get to enjoy seeing how you react to the special moments of the song. Your insight also gives me a better understanding of a song I’ve heard so many times, yet I’m still learning more about it and getting to enjoy it all over again… so thank you

[@TheBalintKosa]

I absolutely love the fact that you keep covering SOAD. I would love to see you do Lost in Hollywood just because the roles are a little bit reversed in that song, Daron takes the lead singing and Serj is doing amazing background singing. Same with Lonely day. Keep up the good work! :)

[@bobbysauce]

Please! Some of the best vocals SOAD have ever done!

[@casraw4345]

Lonely Day too

[@typicalswine7779]

Lonely day is one of my absolute favorites of all time

[@moonhowler13]

@@typicalswine7779 Same! I love everything SOAD did, but Lonely Day always gives me chills when the harmonization kicks in.

[@starrynyte158]

Just have to say thank you. I haven't been able to listen to this song in about 15 years. I was scared to listen to the music I loved because it was such a huge part of my severe depression and once I was stable, I feared how emptional it could make me. I'm finally in a place where I feel safe enough to feel emotions without them taking over and your video helped me feel safe. I know its ridiculous, but its true. So thanks❤

[@eraiht2604]

It's not ridiculous, makes total sense. Glad you could hear it again without that fear.

[@gwieser]

Thx for sharing. For me it went totally opposite, I wasn't able to listen to this kind of music when it was published as I had severe depression back then. Now, as this luckily has long been resolved, this music finally touches me without the fear of "cooking" things up that would have destroyed me in my bad days.

[@jfb919]

You expressed perfectly how I've felt until recently. Scared to listen to music that got me through a very dark period of my life. How irrational! But at the same time demonstrates the drive for self-preservation by our minds perfectly.

[@RobbRR1]

I feel this comment. These are helping me realize I can start listening to my favorite songs again and not be broken

[@Skittenmeow]

Yeah the water is deep dark and scary... sometimes it's not even conscious avoidance and can sneak in. And you suddenly realise a favourite artist has been unplayed for years. "Emotional deprivation schema" is the term my psychologist used when trying multi-modal treatment, and it it made so much sense. Starving myself of emotions, and even now after successfully getting the deprivation managed it relapses. That fear/avoidance runs so deap and seems to take priority over every other emotion.

[@drecosnis]

“Holy Mountains” is a very emotional song about a brutal part of Armenian history but worth a go as they do a lot with the vocals. Also, I know you looked at some killswitch engage with Howard Jones singing. Their best song, imo, that you should experience is “Arms of Sorrow”. It’s a big song, and their lead guitarist Adam D. does great backup vocal support. Not a lot of channels react to this song, so it would be awesome if you did.

[@desertsavagery]

I've got some new stuff to look up...

[@Krossiant]

Holy Mountains is one of the best in an immaculate discography

[@rextervoid5884]

Im surprised i haven't seen anyone else mention this but i think it's a cool fact. There was a point in the song writing process where Serj went to a producer friend's house and explained how he hit a point where he didn't know what to write next, so his friend pointed to a bookshelf and said "pick a book, flip to a page, and sing the first line you see." So he did and thats where he got the line: "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit..." and so on.

[@rl3045]

That producer friend was actually music producer Rick Rubin

[@renfields.syndrome]

“Lonely Day” is a must for SOAD!! It has Daron (the guitarist) as the main vocalist and Serj is harmonizing with him. It’s hauntingly beautiful:) I’d also recommend “Suite-Pee” if ur looking for more harsh vocals.

[@AgeofJP]

imo the best songs with Daron as lead are Dreaming and Soldier Side...and I feel like I'm the only one but I think Daron's vocals in Chop Suey are better than Serj's. He sounds downright angelic, especially in the last chorus. There's a version on YT of only Daron's parts from this song and while the quality kinda sucks it still really demonstrates how beautiful his voice can sound. As far as I recall there's no other song where he sings in this particular style, it's much softer than his usual voice and if you ever tried it: it's really not easy to belt this softly

[@xxEwenxx]

Lonely Day got me connecting to SOAD on a whole different level

[@journeysa]

I’ve been listening to this song for 21 years and I never knew Chop Suey was ‘Chopped Suicide’. That’s crazy. Great video!

[@champboehm7863]

Right? I was like wtf?

[@onefromthemodem]

They've got it slightly wrong I think from what I've read - in interviews it's been said that the original cut of the album came back from the record execs with the instruction to "chop sui!" (perhaps even written on a post it) as they didn't want a song with that title and the new title was born!

[@superdemonboy]

Mind blown all the same; holy shit! 🤯😂

[@TodorKatsarski]

I think the working version was called just "Suicide" but I might be wrong. I think there's an interview about the making of the song with SOAD's producer at the time - the legend Rick Rubin.

[@thevcountdown9824]

wtf? Im 41 years old and also listened to this song for decades. Chopped Suicide? WTF

[@sweethands4328]

Serg is a special talent. He throws around his voice in so many impactful and creative ways. His vocal choices are really interesting and superbly executed.

[@daevski]

I’ve known this song for so… so long, but had absolutely no idea how beautiful it was until you analyzed it. It’s SO powerful and emotional.

[@Lttlemoi]

Going through suicidal ideation for a long time now, this song does bring a lot of comfort during my darkest moments. It's the perfect combination of screaming out your anger and voicing your sadness, insecurity, shame and despair.

[@AaronAlthaus]

Thanks for sharing. You aren’t alone, even when it feels that way. I hope you have the support and help you deserve. ❤️‍🩹

[@bangla3342]

❤

[@kristenaberasturi7403]

I'd have to recommend Serj's solo album, particularly his song "Sky is Over" for another wonderful delve into his voice!

[@crazedspam999]

Imagine hearing this song for the first time, 12 years old, with a ton of festering emotions. The song still hits me the same from the very first time.

[@christopherhooker1346]

Imagine listening to SOAD early September 2001 with all their anti American sentiment and then September 11 happens, and you relisten to the album hearing about jet pilots flying over the bay and wondering what the hell js going on there..

[@JoonasValtonen]

i was 14 man i can feel ya :o

[@oceanresq]

I was 18. It hits hard.

[@Nicoleaf510]

Same. Funny thing is I was on my way home from seeing the Nutcracker with my mom 😅

[@kelleymurray2907]

Exactly

[@ambersather7460]

This is a beautiful video. Your reaction, your facial expressions...im literally tearing up here. Youre amazing!

[@nairam.9819]

Hearing them makes me proud of my Armenian origin. After the reunion SOAD performed for the very first time in Armenia on the 24th of April in 2015. The date is the commeroation of the 1915 events in Turkey. There were mixed reaction from the public and also the government on whether they should allow the concert to happen on that date. At the end, SOAD performed on the 24th of April in the sport-concert complex which is literally on the same hill where the memorial of Armenian genocide is located (very strong sy bolism)... Sadly, I missed this concert and also later Serj's solo concert (open-air free!), but long story short, please, please, check out Holly mountains! And if you want to hear more of the Armenian style ornamenting in their songs, you should definitely listen to i-e-a-i-a-i-o! And thanks for the amazing analysis, really enjoy watching them ))

[@Compendyum]

And you should be proud, as this goes as one of the best modern songs ever written.

[@colinhoag703]

Holy mountains is the only song that competes with Chop Suey and Toxicity for me as best songs. I like every song, but Holy Mountains has such an amazing build and then the background yell in the last chorus. That yell has to be my favorite System moment.

[@flapjackson6077]

Be proud! I’m not Armenian but I’m proud of my Armenian brothers and sisters. SOAD is one of my very favorite groups of all time. Personally, I’ve never understood their left wing political bent, but I’m happy that John Dolmayan is more conservative. For what it’s worth, I was happy to see the Armenian community in Glendale CA standing up to the education system that’s trying to force sexual perversion on their kids.

[@alexanderbousman1990]

Հայե՛ր։

[@rembrandao]

So glad you finally reached this masterpiece. 1 billion views is not a joke.

[@ranid0072]

More than. More than 2, if im not wrong

[@trevscott93]

I bet 1/4 of those views came from me 😂

[@VeroSD]

The first time I heard this song years ago, I literally broke down crying in the 'father why have you forsaken me' part. To this day, I can't listen to this song without tearing up at that part. It's been a joy to see you react to so many songs that had a great impact on me over the years.

[@truenough86]

Her reaction is what we all imagined when we shared our favourite music with a new friend

[@janelson41]

The original name of this song is "Suicide," but they changed it at the last minute for obvious reasons. If you listen to the album version, at the beginning, someone says "We're rolling Suicide."

[@Puschit1]

There is a reason why this song is popular among all kinds of people including those that aren't into metal. It's one of the most emotional songs ever and yet energetic, it gets under the skin of almost anybody. And since these guys can actually sing they aren't driving anybody away with "metal growls". You can see grown men almost cyring on the dancefloor, almost everybody is spreading out their arms during the "father" sequence. It's a song where nobody is ashamed to go free-dancing because you just don't care (and also because you know everybody else will be be busy dancing themselves so nobody has the time to judge). I am a hobby DJ and this is one of the very few "overplayed" songs that I will not hesitate to play because it never fails and never comes across as cheesy. "Killing in the name of" from Rage against the Machine is one of the few others of this category. If that song hasn't been covered on this channel yet, it should.

[@amagab2346]

This was released Aug 13, 2001 and hit hard after 9/11. It was number one in the local evening top ten for over three months. The lyrics hit. The anger hit. The confusion hit. If you are too young to remember 9/11 listening to this song through that lens is a whole ‘nother thing.

[@LeKingSpoon]

It definitely is. I was born in 2004 and never really had thought of it in that light. That being said, I can entirely understand that feeling. My grandfather passed within the past few years and when he passed, the anger and confusion of it all is the only way I believe I could even remotely understand how living through the attacks felt. Thank you for the insight, it brings my view on the attacks just ever so slightly further into the scope of one who truly lived through those events.

[@Xrafice]

BYOB even more so, imo

[@HollywoodColt]

I remember the radio stations banning it because they thought it was about the attacks.

[@HollywoodColt]

@@Xrafice true true

[@b.welchh4095]

I never looked at it that way, I never even knew that honestly, thank you for that

[@Moose_VII]

Listening to you talk about a band that shaped my teenage years the way you do gives me goosebumps. It's a completely new way for me to look at them outside of what we would talk about amongst friends. Thank you!

[@SirSwolls]

What you do here is wonderful. This genre of music is often regarded In a negative light, such as being summarized as shallow teenage anger, etc. After just a little bit of critical analysis into it and most people see how deep and thought provoking much of it is. Real existential meaning of life types of questions are posed and stories told.

[@edwardmunoz7853]

💯facts

[@BatkoNashBandera774]

If you saw how he came up with that middle portion due to Rick Rubin being the producer, Serj was stumped on what to fill a portion of his text with and approached Rubin [who] handed him the Bible and Serj opened it [bewildered] to a page and began reading and it became the most intense part of his song. Truly legendary

[@badbatch974]

I saw that on a Joe Rogan podcast.

[@kathychaparro6321]

It’s BRILLIANT AND COULDN’T BE MORE PERFECT!

[@sleazeberg]

@@badbatch974 LMAO me too

[@Phunkophil]

As far as I know Rubin sent him into the library of the studio they were recording at and told Serj to pick a random line for a random book, which just by chance turned out to be the bible and the now infamous line.

[@iansamuelson3666]

When I heard Rick describe that event it felt like he was sharing an almost spiritual experience. While I don't think that Rogan "got it", I don't believe they found that passage simply by chance. Reading the comment section you can tell how much this song means to anyone who has had suicidal ideations or dealt with the suicide of a loved one.

[@sorrisocdo2759]

Serj Tankian is soooo underrated. One of the top singers in my oppinion among Mercury and Sinatra. Essencialy I started listening to System because of him.

[@LorraFae]

He has one of my all time fave rock voices and I’m not even a huge SoaD fan (i do like them tho)

[@max_jank3247]

Who told you that he is underrated? Where do you come up with this bull shit?

[@rahatmahmud5435]

Serj is one of the greatest singer of all time. Not so much can top him, maybe one or two. He is million light years away from "UNDERRATED"

[@StabStabStabStabby]

Lol Serj is not underrated. SOAD were huge. It's a shame they broke up because of all the big egos in the band.

[@nickgomez5573]

Cant forget Steve perry But I definitely agree

[@jjorissen]

After all these years, Chop Suey still gives me goosebumps.

[@GrimGrenadine]

It's a joy to see someone get to experience SOAD for the first time. Recommendations: BOYB, high energy track, probably the other big song of theirs at least here in Aus. Spiders is a beautiful track, much more melancholic. Hypnotize would be very interesting to see, since other commenters have mentioned, Serj and Daron both sing prominently in it. Soldier Side is one that was more of a B-side track, beautiful harmonies, personal favourite of mine So excited to see you do more SOAD vids. (also another term for 'toilet bowl thoughts' would be 'intrusive thoughts')

[@Nate_has_Dogs]

You get my vote on spiders. If you haven't done that one yet its definately worth a look.

[@thepiratecats801]

Spiders is a great shout.

[@cornbredx]

I'm pretty sure it's B.Y.O.B It's easy to remember because colloquially it famously means Bring Your Own Booze however in terms of this song they are talking about Bring Your Own Bombs because it's making a statement about the effects of war.

[@AgeofJP]

BYOBs live version (the mtv one with 10m+ views) is highly underrated...imo better than the studio version and I rarely think that. Top notch performance and mixing but Daron's vocals are what put it over the studio version for me. Serj+Daron > Serj+Serj

[@boryswolszczak5293]

BYOB best cos is awsome and both serj and daron have solo vocals.

[@horstschafer1839]

As a non native speaker, who heard this song a hundred times, you gave me the feeling to understand it not only by words. Keep on girl, you're doing great work for help people understanding music from the roots!! My Appreciation to you!!!

[@LinksBetweenDrinks]

Watching an expert like yourself giggle and gush over other musicians is so sweet and wholesome. I think I've said that before! Your analysis is so deep and your sheer joy is so endearing. Your channel is a delight to watch.

[@michaelmiller6064]

Listened this song a million times, but you made me think of it in a completely different way that makes me appreciate it even more

[@cncs2806]

I love how she takes her sweet time to analyze the songs and rewinds as many times as necessary. Love it.

[@Rudlbugg]

This reaction is reminding me of someone I grew up with who became a pastor. A few years after getting established in his first congregation, he took his own life. He was in his early 30s. The attitude in the congregation he had grown up in and even from his own extended family was “how dare he leave behind a wife and kids and a congregation. So selfish!” It struck me as a cold response considering the professed belief is that now his soul was also lost. You would think there would be more empathy from a religious community. Even while writing this comment, I’m disturbed and saddened enough to have to fight tears thinking about his situation. Depression isn’t something to be taken lightly. Thank you for this review Elizabeth.

[@freecandynvan2816]

Jesus says there is only one unforgivable sin and He did not say suicide. So I do not, for the life of me, understand where my fellow Christians get that idea from.

[@obsidianet]

@@freecandynvan2816 Don’t test God. Satan told Jesus to jump from a cliff. Matthew 4:6, Psalms 91:14 throughout the Bible we are instructed to avoid temptation. Is there a stronger temptation than suicide?

[@jessea1218]

The idea that a church would have empathy is funny.

[@angelramirez936]

@@obsidianet you need therapy if you think there's no greater temptation than suicide.

[@theholyduck5520]

@@freecandynvan2816 Well, if you view suicide as a moral failing, then you don't need to understand why or how it happened,. You can blame it on them, or on Satan, and declare that they failed God and everyone else. Declare them selfish and you don't have to understand, and you don't have to care.

[@rishycup]

System of a Down is one of my favorite groups and I feel like people don’t talk about their vocal abilities enough. The song Attack has some gorgeous harmonies in it.

[@annak_b]

Right!? I love them! Serj Tankian's voice is so unique. His voice matches Daron's voice very well. And of course their crazy/genius lyrics. Pure talent.

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

In total agreement. "Attack" is one of the best SOAD deep-cuts... gorgeous harmonies _and_ pummeling riffs! They're a top 5 all-time band for me.

[@Mudokon885]

Attack was a great song to lead off that album, and that whole album is chock full of gorgeous harmonies.

[@ichduersiees8374]

one of the best songs I know

[@jarrodblakely6031]

Serj and Daron’s voices were made to go together…so beautiful

[@HomicidalTh0r]

What's really cool about SOAD is that even though I've met a lot of people that weren't really into Metal or its counter parts, they almost always loved a SOAD song or the band its self. They really have a way of reaching people regardless of their tastes and preferences. They really are one of a kind.

[@audeobellicus]

I simply CANNOT wait for you to cover "Question", "Hypnotize", and "Holy Mountain" these are just such visceral songs from SOAD!

[@mafgirao]

Holy Mountain!!!!

[@MrJake9998]

@@mafgirao holy mountain underrated af

[@Grover91]

Try "Lonely Day". It's such a beaut from these chaps. I could spend all day recommending their songs, but they're all so good I'd say them all. I would say as a SOAD newbie you won't be quite ready for their first album though. 🤣

[@doejon9424]

That song is featured in a movie called "Disturbia". It's a pretty good movie, yet forgotten.

[@gb232434]

lonely day is easily top 5 by soad. 100P recommended

[@DjavoJ]

Perhaps spiders would be a more accessible song from the first album and maybe worth analysing.

[@talarohanes6840]

“Holly Mountains” and “Question” are some other fantastic songs by SOAD. I also see a lot of other great recommendations in the comments. You can never go wrong with SOAD

[@ragnaroek6577]

"Holy Mountains" is a fantastic one, i agree and the best part i like the most of this song is the very long endurance in the voice of Serj. Very epic. :)

[@kodyeldridge5847]

The last minute and a half of Holy Mountains is absolutely captivating.

[@drewfu2671]

Holy mountains fs ⛰️

[@ledganache]

Even though it's not my favorite soad song, I think Holly Mountain is their best song.

[@stevenrs11]

I second Holy Mountain!

[@scurvybearproductions]

I would love to see this as a television show where the band watches her reactions and reacts to it.

[@nunograca7814]

I am sure that you will love all the melancholy of "Lonely Day". It's a really touching song where the lead vocalist is Daron instead of Serj. Another one that has a strong message is the B.Y.O.B. Hope you like it ☺️

[@tylarjackson7928]

B.Y.O.B and Chop Suey are easily my two favorites

[@nunograca7814]

@@tylarjackson7928 they're amazing! They also have such good songs such as Question, I-E-A-I-A-I-O, Holy Mountains, Soldier Side, Radio Video. Serj does averything... High and low notes, he can rap, he can do metal, he does everything he wants with his voice

[@tylarjackson7928]

@@nunograca7814 I've only really heard like 5 of their songs. I'm not huge into metal or rock in general, but they have some crossover appeal for me. Good music is just good music, regardless of genre. Except country. That stuff can get right in the bin.

[@nunograca7814]

@@tylarjackson7928 I just knew 5 or 6 also, but in these last days I listened a bunch of other songs and some of them are just outstanding! I think you would like those ones 😁

[@animal579]

I listen to lonely day on my worst days to help me not feel so alone.

[@deano584]

I've listened to SOAD my entire life and had no idea just how much talent, sadness, and raw emotions were in this song. I'm moved almost to tears. Thank you for this analysis.

[@lachlanbell8390]

I came of age during the 2000's, and nu metal was always my jam. I couldn't tell you how many times I've listened to this song, but Elizabeth just made this a thousand times more meaningful & emotional for me. Admittedly I'm not very good at deciphering lyrics so a lot of songs - even my favourite ones - I just go with the sound and what it makes me feel without knowing exactly what the lyrics are, so that's probably why I never fully got what this song was about, but even still.... blows my mind the way that Elizabeth is able to add so much depth & insight to things I have loved practically my entire life. I can't get enough of her content. Discovered her channel a while back and it's binge after binge after binge hahaha

[@medarby3066]

@@lachlanbell8390 same. I love soad, but i listen to a lot of Bside SOAD. havent turned up this song in maybe 10 years. It's getting turned to 11 from now on. Great review as always

[@bagelblades]

Please do the criminally underrated songs “Dreaming” and “Mr. Jack”! A lot can and should be said about Serj’s vocals, and these songs highlight the AMAZING harmonies of Serj and Daron that are not talked about enough!

[@stephantom8237]

Yes!!

[@Azihayya]

Mr. Jack, yeah... I would recommend Suite-Pee. I'm not messing around with the suggestions. I'm playing hardball.

[@ericalost4405]

I like Mr. Jack so much

[@hddbdbsbzb4026]

Dreaming is my favourite Soad song.

[@Karl_Drogo55]

Daron's vocal harmonies are really the dark horse of the final bit of the song for me...Can't get enough of those two harmonizing this song.

[@evalyer]

I wish ANYTHING made me as genuinely excited and as "in love" with it as music does for Elizabeth. You can see the awe and love for music in her eyes and face every time she finds something new to her.

[@games-i-remember]

Two songs that are great examples of Serg playing his voice like an instrument are "Forest" and "I-E-A-I-A-I-O". Highly recommend them.

[@FGSFDS]

Both of these are so good, but the latter especially I feel is very under rated despite it being awesome!

[@slap_A_flamingo]

Dude....How good is Forest!!

[@Mhill08]

God I love "I-E-A-I-A-I-O" more than I can describe

[@mjacup]

I waited with so much impatience for you to reach the "Father" part and "why have you forsaken me". Each time it gets me, there's so much emotions, kind of despair and sadness and tears in his voice. I love it so much. Thank you for your video it's as awesome as always. Kisses from France !