System of a Down, the influential Armenian-American alternative metal band known for their unique sound and politically charged lyrics, recently gave fans a brief scare, but their iconic album Toxicity is now back on Spotify. The 2001 multi-platinum record vanished from the streaming platform on April 30th without explanation.
Toxicity, known as the band’s best-selling work with over eight million copies sold globally, was unavailable on Spotify for roughly a day. During this time, listeners could still find the album on other services like Apple Music. The band itself has not issued any statement regarding the temporary removal. As mysteriously as it disappeared, the album reappeared on Spotify on May 1st, resolving the issue.
Formed in California in the mid-90s, the band – consisting of Serj Tankian (vocals), Daron Malakian (guitar, vocals), Shavo Odadjian (bass), and John Dolmayan (drums) – quickly gained recognition for blending heavy metal, punk rock, folk influences, and various experimental elements.
Despite not releasing a full studio album since 2005’s companion albums Mezmerize and Hypnotize, System of a Down remains a potent force. They surprised fans in 2020 by releasing two new songs, “Protect The Land” and “G*nocidal Humanoidz,” to raise awareness and funds concerning conflict in their ancestral homeland of Artsakh. Their continued touring demonstrates their enduring appeal, making the current South American tour a significant event.
This streaming glitch coincided with the band embarking on their “Wake Up! South America” tour, their first series of performances on the continent since 2015.
The tour began on April 24th in Bogotá, Colombia. The nine-show run will take the band through Peru, Chile, and Argentina before finishing with five concerts across Brazil, hitting Curitiba, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo.
Following the South American leg, System of a Down has a North American tour scheduled:
