System of a down album covers
System of a Down Album Covers: The Meaning and Symbolism Behind Them
System of a Down is one of the most influential and successful rock bands of the 21st century. Their music combines elements of metal, punk, alternative, and Armenian folk, creating a unique and powerful sound that has captivated millions of fans around the world. But their music is not the only thing that sets them apart from other bands. Their album covers are also distinctive and memorable, featuring striking images and symbols that reflect their themes and messages.
In this article, we will explore the meaning and symbolism behind some of the most iconic System of a Down album covers, from their self-titled debut to their latest release. We will also look at how these covers relate to the band’s history, identity, and vision.
System of a Down (1998)
The first album cover of System of a down features a hand holding a red flower against a black background. The flower is a poppy, which is a symbol of remembrance and sacrifice. The poppy is also associated with opium, which is a reference to the band’s name. System of a Down is derived from a poem by guitarist Daron Malakian, titled “Victims of a Down”. The poem criticizes the system that oppresses and exploits people, especially those who suffer from drug addiction.
The cover also reflects the band’s Armenian heritage and their activism for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The poppy is a national flower of Armenia, and the red color represents the blood of the victims. The band has been vocal about raising awareness and demanding justice for the genocide, which was perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire during World War I and killed 1.5 million Armenians.
Toxicity (2001)
The second album cover of System of a down features a distorted image of Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. The image is overlaid with a grid pattern and a barcode, suggesting that the city is corrupted by consumerism and capitalism. The title Toxicity refers to the pollution and degradation of the environment and society caused by these forces.
The cover also relates to the band’s experience of living in Los Angeles, where they witnessed the social and political problems that plague the city. The album was released on September 4, 2001, one week before the 9/11 attacks. The band had planned to perform a free concert in Hollywood on September 3, but it was canceled due to security concerns. The concert was rescheduled for September 15, but it was again canceled after the attacks. The band eventually performed the concert on November 19, 2001, attracting over 150,000 fans.
Mezmerize (2005)
The third album cover of System of a down features a painting by Malakian’s father, Vartan Malakian. The painting depicts an old man with a long beard and a hat, holding a hypnotic device in front of his face. The device consists of two discs with spirals that rotate in opposite directions. The title Mezmerize comes from the word “mesmerize”, which means to hypnotize or fascinate someone.
The cover represents the theme of manipulation and control that runs throughout the album. The old man symbolizes the authority figures that use media, propaganda, religion, and war to influence and deceive people. The hypnotic device represents the tools and techniques that they use to brainwash and exploit people. The cover also suggests that people are willing to follow these figures blindly, without questioning or resisting them.
