Let?s face it, System of a Down is worth rioting over, and “Toxicity,” the metal band?s sophomore album, proves it. System?s over-the-top, cutting-edge sound first caught on with the single “Sugar” and metal-heads have been waiting in anticipation for more ever since.

For those unfamiliar with System?s music, think Slipknot with a brain, or Rage Against the Machine except harder and not as preachy. Don?t call them pop and don?t call them sellouts, because System?s music is as intense and their lyrics are as fierce as those of other metal acts.

System?s “Toxicity” proves that just because you?re famous doesn?t mean you have to be a wuss.

The first single, “Chop Suey!” is catchy but unsettling, with vocalist Serj Tankian showing his fans his softer side by assuring them that, yes, he does “cry when angels deserve to die.”

“Prison Song” delivers a poignant and relevant message about the overwhelming prison population in the United States and the need for drug policy reform. This is counter-balanced with the track “Bounce,” a simple song about a girl and a Pogo stick.

System isn?t for everyone. Their hard-core sound might cause some listeners to develop headaches, which is probably intentional.

What sets System?s “Toxicity” apart from the rest of the pack is that the carefully written lyrics provide shock value without vulgarity, which shows true talent.

System of a Down was under great pressure to deliver another cutting-edge metal album, and they have surpassed expectations.