CD Burners 65: The Chaos Behind System of a Down’s Toxicity
Jul 22, 2025
Meredith Hurley, from Millionaires and Emo Nite, joins to unpack the chaos behind System of a Down's iconic album, Toxicity. She shares how the album's unique blend of heavy music and catchy hooks drew her in and became a generational anthem with hits like Chop Suey. The discussion dives into the turbulent backdrop of its release, including the Hollywood-inspired album art and the riot at their release show. Meredith highlights the album's mix of political themes and cultural relevance, making it a timeless piece in metal history.
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Meredith's System of a Down Origin
- Meredith Hurley recalls her first exposure to System of a Down in a friend's truck blasting their music in a trailer park.
- This moment sparked her entry into emo and heavy music scenes.
Iconic Toxicity Album Art Origins
- The iconic album art for Toxicity was inspired by the Hollywood sign but altered to feature the band's name.
- Despite being an original creation, the band paid the city of Hollywood $20,000 to license the likeness.
Political and Social Themes in Toxicity
- Toxicity addresses themes like media toxicity, mass incarceration, police brutality, and social justice.
- The band united through Armenian genocide awareness, highlighting Serge's activist-first approach.
