B.Y.OB stands for Bring Your Own Bombs, it came out during the war. They often have politically charged lyrics. I'd suggest doing 'Aerials' for a great softer song, it also has a good official video.

Serj Tankian's solo music is definetly worth a listen as he is much more experimental with his voice. The single Harakiri is a good starting point. If you wanted to go deeper down the System of a down rabbit hole Spiders is a beautiful song.

Daron is a good vocalist too. He screams, yes, but also do harmonies and melodic parts. Check out Lonely Day for Darons lead vocals. Also his solo project Scars on Broadway. Serj is of course the focal point vocally and his solo stuff is great too. I love the song Harakiri. Amazing. Serj also did a show with a symphony orchestra and just his vocals.

Serj is a phenomenal vocalist and musician.

At the time this was definitely a protest of the Iraq War. The most direct reference is the blowing up the desert. The guitarist does a lot of singing, either harmonizing on top of Serj, or sometimes even carrying the song. My impression is that Serj was the main writer behind the Toxicity album, but the guitarist was the main writer for the Hypnotize/Mesmerize albums from which this comes.

Daron Malakian (the guitarist) is vocally no slouch either. The songs "Lonely Day" and "Hypnotize" really showcase what he can do.

I love how "why don't presidents fight the wars? why do they always send the poor?" aren't asked, but sound more like accusations, to remind us that no matter what delusions we individually choose to use to cope with existence, we are still collectively and individually responsible as participants in society for what our leaders do. They don't just send us out, we let them, go for them, despite them having no real skin in the game because the fight won't hit their doorsteps til they're too old to care anyway and have already enjoyed the power of standing on our backs. Generals used to ride the front lines and lead the charges, now they have luxury bunkers and can't tie their own shoes. Revolution is a responsibility

one of the best voices in the world. Been listening to SOAD for ages and still my favourite soad song changes every 2 weeks

I love Daron’s voice, combined with Serj’s is just amazing. Been a fan since the early 00’s, their music is so multifaceted and spans over many genres. They do it all and they do it perfectly. From metal, rock, to funk and cultural influences. Their albums are just filled with gems which is rare. Most albums contain a couple of good songs but not all. Spiders, Toxicity, Chop Suey, Revenga, Radio/video, Old School Hollywood, Lost In Hollywood, Dreaming, Holy Mountains etc. Do Questions! next, the vocals in that song are amazing.

Definitely recommend Spiders, Question!, Aerials, Toxicity, and Holy Mountains for songs that really highlight how amazing Serj's voice is (and how well it meshes with Daron's). I really hope you feature more of their music!

Idk if someone already mentioned it, but Serj was classically trained musically and utilizes a lot of operatic sound. Amazing talent from these guys glad to see the react from ya!

SOAD is heavy metal with a twist! Their music changes radically within songs ( in wonderful ways) and the message is always deep. Great band, great singer great stuff

soad is crazy, but serj did a lot of his own work with his personal touch, that is worth watching. Serj Tankian - Lie Lie Lie

7:02 is one of the best & most succint explanations of the song/video i've heard, which is absolutely wild when at the start of the video i was like "this guy's not gonna get it"

My favorite thing about SOAD as a whole is how beautifully Serj and Daron harmonize

Hello, message from japan🇯🇵． This song has been produced by every music elements. That is heavy metal，hip-hop，punk，hard-core and various other． I can't say it all，this song is so comical，heavy and well kneaded． Thank you for your awesome reaction !! With love，respect and compliment from japan🇯🇵 !!

I never understood why is Serj overlooked many times amongst other metal singers. He is pure gold. You should check his solo concerts with orchestras.

Funnily enough when you mention Serj being classically trained. He actually has a live performance of a collection of some his solo works performed with a full symphony orchestra. It's stunning

7:00 - WELL PUT! You get it, the lyrics are tremendously meaningful and the delivery is spot-on. As it goes, "there's a method to the madness". Please do more SOAD...Chop Suey, Toxicity, Holy Mountains, and Hypnotize to start off. They are so much more than talented musicians!

Next do Aerials!

This are two of the best rock singers ever. Their vocal range is amazing. Great reaction!

I loved that you said it was ‘prophetic’- they truly understand the political climate of the world and the fact that this was actually released in 2005 makes it more impressive.

song is actually from 2005, it was just uploaded in 2009

I would love to see him reacting to Tankian's performance in Elect the Dead symphony. The match of his voice with a full orchestra behind him was incredible

Lonely Day is a must reaction. It showcases both Serj's voice and Daron's, and the harmonies are on point.

Soad is in the top 3 of my all time favorite times. I love them alot. The cool thing about this band is that Daren Malakian (the guitarist) also sings and has in my opinion a very beautiful harmony with the lead singers voice. Serj Tankian is indeed a trained opera singer. And he has a solo career with songs you could also make vidos to. Their lyrics and musicianship is on a very high level and vocally i think there could be alot to talk about as they sometimes do some really whacky weird stuff in their songs. Listen to their song "Spiders" pls.

You should listen to some to Serge's solo work. After he did his first album he rearranged it for an orchestra. It would be cool if you could listen to both versions of the same song. Something Like "Empty walls" or "Sky is Over".

That reaction to the opening scream was fantastic! These guys play a lot with dynamics and taking you by surprise with abrupt changes, and they've never done it more radically or effectively than in this song. The other part that tends to shock people is the second time they go into "Where the fuck are you?", actually interrupting the groove to break into it. Hard-hitting stuff, and the perfect vehicle for the lyrical message. They want to shock people out of complacency.

S.O.A.D.- Chop Suey!!! It's absolutely amazing

Can't wait to hear the next exploration

your channel is what I like to watch the most! big hug from Brazil

I have liked your channel for maybe a year or so and it will be very interesting to see you do more System of a Down!

I’m not a singer but I find vocal coach videos for bands like this so interesting. I love Serj. Thanks for it.

You are such a great music reader. Congradulations ! Love your comments.

Daron Malakian is the melodic* vocalist. While System's on hiatus, he's in Scars on Broadway, which is similar to System in creating music with a message *Edited to change other to melodic

Adding a vote for Aerials next. Great range of singing in that song in a different way

You might go from here to Chop Suey. I remember your favorable reaction to the cover by Halocene. System Of A Down's original has more of a satiric bite. Worth listening to. Great reaction as always, Ken. When you have a moment, I think you'd enjoy analyzing Felix Irwan, an alumnus of The Voice Indonesia. His cover of When We Were Young has a surprising country tinge to it.

You're an awesome vocal coach! Freakin' amazing! :D

This song is actually from 2005, the video was uploaded 2009

B.Y.O.B was one my first metal songs from S.O.A.D that instantly made me love them, I was going through middle school when this song came out in a movie that played it.

As a vocalist myself, if you want to see another incredible side of Serj and his vocals, please may i suggest "Suggestions" It's the song that hooked me as a SOAD fan!

I love that Ken appreciates crazy stuff like this on its own terms, and not saying it's no good simply because it's not done "right".

Oh my god, thank you Keviiiin! SOAD is so good. Please do Questions! I love Serj’s voice in that one.

Love it!!

As your a vocal gymnast. Check out "lonely day" Keep checking out metal. As you have found it will surprise you!

Great reaction!) btw, the man screaming is Daron Malakian, SOAD’S guitarist) P.S. BYOB means Bring You Own Bombs, because this song, as far as I understand it, was written as the some kind of protest against the Iraq War that was going at that time)

Thanks, Kevin!

May I suggest “Sugar” or “Aerials” for a video observation Ken? Talented artists, too bad they no longer create due to artistic differences but still tour from time to time. I’d love to see them live. But Covid already jipped me out of “Rage Against the Machine” (My kid got us tickets) Hopefully things go back to normal soon. Enjoy your vids Ken

Serj Tankian IS a classically trained Opera singer. Daron Malakian is the guitarist who screams "Why do they always send the poor..?"- at the beginning and throughout the song, and he does the harmonizing with Serj. This was an Iraq War protest song. SOAD are Armenian, some of their families fled to America due to war and all the horrendous things that come with it... 🎯

I really enjoy your reactions. Your fascination with and enthusiasm for metal and screaming proves the rule: Don't judge a book by its cover XD Keep up the great work man!

This is an awesome band. It would be great if you would do more videos on them 🤗

You should definitely check out his solo song “Empty walls” the live version performed with the elect the dead symphony. Great songs to actually listen to his vocals as well as his song “Sky is over” live version as well

Love this band...Every single song!!! Love Serj too, he is amazing! I think you would like some of his music that he does alone! I wish I could see them live! Alot of people think metal is just loud screaming, angry people but most is so much more! But this band has alot of deep messages in their songs! Besides Pantera, this is my second favorite band! I really enjoyed watching your reaction to the song and I hope you have listened to more of their music! Check out the song that Serj does called "Rumi" if you haven't already!

The thing I love most about this band is the masterful musicianship and the amazing vocal play between Serj and Darren. They are both great individually while Serj has a huge range and skill set. I recommend checking out "Chop Suey" I think it's an even fuller display of there skills.

Great reaction! You should check out Serj's solo stuff. I recommend "Gate 21 {Elect The Dead Symphony}" where it's only Serj with a piano. It's a beautiful song.

I’m a little late to this party , but wow this guy is so likable , fav reactionist so far .

Best system vocals has to be question. It gives me chills every time. I think you'll love the harmonies. Its possibly one of their most under rated tracks but is an absolute masterpiece

Their biggest hit, by far, is "Chop Suey". It has over 1 *billion* views here on KZfaq currently. It still has their unique sound, but it's probably more widely palatable than some of their others. "Toxicity" is another one that's good like that. Here's "Chop Suey": kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ebmmedNztMuclY0.html Are you familiar with Evanescence and their lead singer Amy Lee? They were massively popular in the early 2000s (winning Grammys, selling like 17+ million copies of their first album, etc. 3+ Billion views on their YT channel). They have lots of great songs, and here's one if you'd like to check them out: "My Heart is Broken" - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nJeBetGintC5hWQ.html Listen to the first 5 seconds or so and see if it catches your ear (she sings from the first second).

Loved it love system of the down

One of the best guitar licks of any song over ever heard. Such a dopamine hit. Theees songs that give a seratonin dump or a norepinephrine/adrenaline dump, this kick gives me dopamine. I feel like I will survive when I heard it

I enjoy this reaction

Ken I love your breakdowns. I'd love to see you break down Will Ramos' new one-take playthrough of To the Hellfire.

It makes me happy when a vocal coach pays a bit of attention to the lyrics as well (even tho, I know it's not his job). Thank you for that. Great video. And if I may make a suggestion, I would love to see some Evanescence, either "My Immortal" or "Bring Me To Life" or "Lithium"

Awesome video as always! I’d like to suggest Canadian band Protest The Hero - blindfolds aside. It was their “breakout song” from many years ago but I think a great place to start for a first reaction. I think the singer will surprise you that’s all I’ll say.

Daron Malakian is amazing, he has his own song called Lonely Day which shows his vocals really well also. the rock in rio live is amazing kzfaq.info/get/bejne/g7qnqsubz6mpZn0.html this song was about the Wars in the middle east, it was a very vocal protest against Bush.

Your analysis of the song's meaning is really on point. We are sleeping and trying to party but the reality is harsh and we need to wake up right now. "Why don't presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor?" Why do the poor always fight the wars of rich people?

You definitely should have had CC on for this one. This song released in the midst of the Afghanistan and Iraq war. It was put on youtube in 09. It released in 05. "Why don't presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor?" is one of the hardest hitting lyrics.

Hell yeah!!. Now you have to check out Daron Malakians solo stuff with Scars On Broadway.

Recent subscriber but long time follower. You always pop in the recommended section. Going back to the Aurora era! Although a metal head, she is what brought me to your channel. She is the Best. LOVED the Eddie the Head series. Recent watched B.Y.O.B. if your interested in the "Serj" rabbit hole, Spiders is my all time favorite. Studio version is amazing or their is a Conan O'Brian live version you can check. I leave it to you Sir.

@ken Lavigne U deserve my respect I rarely subs to people i don't know And u earn my respect

System of a Down music is just something else love the message and I listen to their music every day xd

Love their curly hair and their outfits.

I strongly reccomend you to check out the "Select the dead Symphony" from Serj as solist.

What a fucking great band

It's cool you're getting into all this badass rock and metal. You should really check out AFFIANCE. THE LEAD SINGER IS A BEAST

Chop Suey is a great one! Omg you can tell you have never heard this song. That reaction was awesome!

Serj definitely deserves a lot of love as an artist, activist and genius all around...

Fun reaction. You can’t go wrong with System of a Down. :)

This definitely came out before 2009. I remember listening to it in 2006

Ken would enjoy QUESTION! a LOT System is amazing.

It came out earlier in 2005. They're a brilliant band.

Try their song "Question!" really good singing and some acoustic elements to it. Also has the more aggressive vocal sections from Serj as well.

You 100% need to react to some of Serj's solo work - I'd recommend Empty Walls or Harakiri personally.

SOD are truly awesome and have such meaningful lyrics. Check out Chop Suey next or Lonely Day

I love Soldier Side. Both a soft song and a song that hits!

classically trained opera singer just goes perfect with their style

Thats great Sir, I appreciate the System love. I do not normally write but honestly there are many more songs you could listen to to have a in-depth view on Serj‘s voice and the bands incredible harmonies. I mean it, incredible harmonies. John (guitarist) is also major a vocalist and together they are magic. I recommend, Aerials, Questions (or Chop Suey! for Harmony). Great work on your channel! Keep it up Ciaran

I graduated high-school in 2009, I went to school and graduated with 68 people and watched my friends go to war and die. As I drank my way though college my friends less fortunate died in 130 dehree farenhiet sands, it took a while but when my eyes were opened it was impossible to close them. We are pawns in a larger game where the prices are generations of lost Souls.

After your deep dive into System be sure to check out Serj's "solo" project under his name. Definitely check out System's library first, it is incredible.

Fun fact, Serj has never once been trained vocally so this is all natural.

I love SOAD! Cool to see this. If you ever get a chance, check out A Skylit Drive. Amazing vocals and drums

Please please please do system of a down aerials , it’s amazing!

You should react to toxicity by system of a down

SOAD excels at creating the complexity of 15-min prog rock tunes and squeezing it into 3-min songs. Such generous time savers, haha.

I’d love if you’d react and dissect the vocals in the song Spiders by them as well.

The guitarist, Daron Malakian also has his own band, The Scars on Broadway, Their albums are also pieces of art. Listen to The Dictator album. Serj on his own also is awesome. He has a great duet with his dad.

This band is so dope live! You should check them out even if it's just in your time!

You would love sugar by system of a down too. Lots of cool vocal stuff and an interesting message. They flash the hidden message a few times through the video.

Daron Malakian is the guitar player and he sings leads and harmonies. Bring Your Own Bombs, it's about war. Innervision is an amazing song and so is Question. Really great vocals.

PLEASE REACT TO "AERIALS" !!!!!!