System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian recently opened up about what he believes to be the greatest nu-metal album of all time, and his choice may surprise some. Despite System of a Down’s pivotal role in the nu-metal era, Tankian didn’t choose any of his own band’s work. Instead, he pointed to Korn’s self-titled debut album, released in 1994, as the defining masterpiece of the genre.
The 57-year-old Armenian-American musician made the revelation in an interview with Revolver magazine. When asked about his pick for the greatest nu-metal album, Tankian responded without hesitation, “I’m gonna have to say Korn’s first record because it seems like that was the time that the term ‘nu metal’ was created. I actually think people don’t think of System of a Down as nu metal. But Korn, for sure.”
Korn’s Influence on Nu-Metal
Korn’s self-titled debut album is widely recognized as one of the most influential records of the 1990s and is often considered the genesis of the nu-metal genre. Released in 1994, Korn’s distinctive sound blended elements of metal, hip-hop, and alternative rock. The raw, emotional depth of frontman Jonathan Davis’s lyrics, combined with the band’s unique fusion of downtuned guitars and unconventional rhythms, set them apart from their contemporaries.
The term “nu metal” began circulating around the time of Korn’s rise, with many fans and critics acknowledging the band’s role in defining the genre’s characteristics. The album’s tracklist, featuring hits like “Blind,” “Clown,” and “Shoots and Ladders,” showcased Korn’s ability to merge aggressive soundscapes with deeply personal themes, making it a groundbreaking release for metal as a whole.
Tankian’s choice of Korn’s debut over any of his own band’s work speaks volumes about the lasting impact the album had, not only on him but on the entire heavy music scene. Korn laid the foundation for a new era of metal music, one that would soon explode with the rise of bands like Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, Deftones, and Soulfly, all of whom credit Korn as a major influence.
The Seismic Impact of Korn’s Debut
Metal Hammer journalist Stephen Hill wrote in 2022 about the enduring importance of Korn’s debut album. He described it as a “seismic shift” in the metal world, explaining how from the moment Jonathan Davis unleashed his signature growl with the words “Are you ready?” on the track “Blind,” the landscape of metal was irrevocably altered.
Hill elaborated: “Korn’s debut album instigated a seismic shift in metal. From the moment [frontman] Jonathan Davis asked us if we were ready on ‘Blind,’ he changed our scene forever. They drew on the influence of Faith No More, Rage Against The Machine, and hip-hop, but turned it into something brand new.”
This mix of genres and emotions was the catalyst for the rise of nu-metal, a subgenre that went on to dominate the late 1990s and early 2000s. With Korn at the helm, nu-metal introduced millions of listeners to a different kind of heavy music, one that was more emotionally raw, introspective, and accessible to a wider audience. It wasn’t just about heavy riffs; it was about tapping into the frustration and alienation felt by a generation of youth.
System of a Down’s Role in Nu-Metal
While Korn is widely acknowledged as one of the pioneers of nu-metal, System of a Down, which broke into the mainstream with their 2001 album Toxicity, often gets grouped into the same genre. However, as Tankian himself points out, many fans don’t necessarily consider System of a Down as strictly nu-metal. Their sound, though rooted in metal, incorporated a wide range of influences, including Armenian folk music, progressive rock, and experimental elements that pushed them beyond the confines of any one genre.
Tankian’s comment about System of a Down not being seen as a nu-metal band reflects this diversity in their music. Unlike Korn, whose sound was more closely associated with the nu-metal movement, System of a Down’s blend of political commentary, absurdist humor, and eclectic musical styles often set them apart.
Despite this, System of a Down was a major part of the nu-metal explosion of the late 1990s and early 2000s, helping to bring metal to a mainstream audience with albums like Toxicity and hits such as “Chop Suey!”, “Aerials,” and “Toxicity.” While their sound may have diverged from the traditional nu-metal template, their success and influence during this era are undeniable.
Tankian Reflects on His Worst Concert Experience
In the same Revolver interview, Tankian took a trip down memory lane to recall what he considers one of his worst performances. Surprisingly, it wasn’t a System of a Down concert or a typical rock show, but rather a collaboration with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. “One of my worst shows was in Atlanta with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra,” Tankian confessed. “In fairness to them, orchestras in the U.S. don’t get a lot of preparation time for modern compositions. Whereas in Europe, they give you some time to actually work through the material, so it turns out way better. But we did the Atlanta show with just a soundcheck, and they just couldn’t get it down. It was a f*cking disaster.”
The complexity of performing with an orchestra, combined with the lack of rehearsal time, led to what Tankian recalls as a subpar performance. This glimpse into his non-metal musical ventures provides a unique perspective on the challenges artists face when stepping outside their usual genre.
Tankian’s Recent Projects
Despite System of a Down’s absence from the studio for nearly two decades, Serj Tankian has remained active in the music world. The band hasn’t released a new album since 2005’s Hypnotize, but they still perform live together, much to the delight of their global fan base. Outside of System of a Down, Tankian has been involved in various solo projects and collaborations.
Earlier this year, Tankian released his memoir, Down With The System, which chronicles his journey from an immigrant family in Los Angeles to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in modern rock. The memoir delves into his musical influences, political activism, and the creative process behind some of System of a Down’s most iconic songs.
In addition to his writing, Tankian recently released an EP of solo material titled Foundations, which showcases his diverse musical interests, ranging from orchestral compositions to experimental rock. Despite being best known for his work with System of a Down, Tankian continues to explore new creative avenues, proving that his passion for music extends far beyond the boundaries of nu-metal.
Serj Tankian’s endorsement of Korn’s debut album as the greatest nu-metal album of all time solidifies its place as a cornerstone of the genre. As a key figure in the metal scene, Tankian’s opinion carries weight, and his recognition of Korn’s influence highlights the lasting impact the band has had on heavy music. While System of a Down may have taken a different path within the nu-metal explosion, the respect between these pioneering bands is clear, as they both contributed to shaping the future of metal for generations to come.
