# Toxicity (album)

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2001 studio album by System of a Down

Toxicity Studio album by System of a Down Released September 4, 2001 (2001-09-04) Recorded March–July 2001[1] Studio Cello (Hollywood) Genre Alternative metal nu metal Length 44:07 Label American Columbia Producer Rick Rubin Daron Malakian System of a Down chronology System of a Down (1998) Toxicity (2001) Steal This Album! (2002) Singles from Toxicity "Chop Suey!" Released: August 13, 2001 "Toxicity" Released: January 22, 2002 "Aerials" Released: June 11, 2002

***Toxicity*** is the second studio album by the American [heavy metal](/source/Heavy_metal_music) band [System of a Down](/source/System_of_a_Down), released on September 4, 2001, by [American Recordings](/source/American_Recordings_(record_label)) and [Columbia Records](/source/Columbia_Records). Expanding on their [1998 eponymous debut album](/source/System_of_a_Down_(album)), *Toxicity* incorporates more melody, harmonies, and singing than the band's first album. Categorized primarily as [alternative metal](/source/Alternative_metal) and [nu metal](/source/Nu_metal), the album features elements of multiple genres, including [folk](/source/Folk_music), [progressive rock](/source/Progressive_rock), [jazz](/source/Jazz), and [Armenian](/source/Music_of_Armenia) and [Greek music](/source/Music_of_Greece), including prominent use of instruments like the [sitar](/source/Sitar), [banjo](/source/Banjo), [keyboards](/source/Keyboard_instrument), and [piano](/source/Piano). It contains a wide array of political and non-political themes, such as [mass incarceration](/source/Mass_incarceration), the [CIA](/source/Central_Intelligence_Agency), the [environment](/source/Natural_environment), [police brutality](/source/Police_brutality), [drug addiction](/source/Drug_addiction), [scientific reductionism](/source/Reductionism), and [groupies](/source/Groupie).

*Toxicity* was recorded at [Cello Studios](/source/Cello_Studios) in [Hollywood](/source/Hollywood%2C_Los_Angeles), California. Over 30 songs were recorded, but the band narrowed the number of songs on the album to 14. The album peaked at number one on both the [*Billboard* 200](/source/Billboard_200) and the [Canadian Albums Chart](/source/Canadian_Albums_Chart), selling 220,000 copies in its first week of release. It was certified sextuple platinum by the [Recording Industry Association of America](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_America) (RIAA) in July 2022, signifying at least six million copies sold in the United States.[2] All of *Toxicity*'s singles reached the [*Billboard* Hot 100](/source/Billboard_Hot_100). The final single, "[Aerials](/source/Aerials_(song))", went to number one on both the [Mainstream Rock Tracks](/source/Mainstream_Rock_Tracks) and the [Modern Rock Tracks](/source/Modern_Rock_Tracks) charts. *Toxicity* received highly positive ratings and reviews from critics, among them perfect ratings from [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic), *[Kerrang!](/source/Kerrang!)*, and *[Blabbermouth.net](/source/Blabbermouth.net)*. Many critics praised the album's sound and innovation, and it ranked on multiple "best albums" lists.

The promotional shows for *Toxicity* resulted in a number of controversial incidents. A six-hour riot ensued at a free concert in Hollywood the day before the album's release as a result of the show's cancellation due to the venue being overcrowded; the crowd in attendance was estimated to be at least twice the size that was expected. Another scheduled System of a Down performance was canceled to prevent a similar riot. The band then toured with [Slipknot](/source/Slipknot_(band)) on the [Pledge of Allegiance Tour](/source/Iowa_World_Tour#Pledge_of_Allegiance), and bassist [Shavo Odadjian](/source/Shavo_Odadjian) was harassed, racially profiled, and physically beaten by guards when he tried to enter backstage at a concert in October 2001.[3]

In 2021, the staff of *[Revolver](/source/Revolver_(magazine))* included the album in their list of the "20 Essential Nu-Metal Albums".[4] In 2025, Rae Lemeshow-Barooshian of *[Loudwire](/source/Loudwire)* included the album in her list of "the top 50 nu-metal albums of all time", ranking it at second.[5]

## Music, writing, and recording

"Going into it, I knew Serj wanted to sing more, so I guess that was a kind of a progression and an evolution for the band. I wanted to do all that, yet not lose the heaviness of the band and I guess the hard, punk, metal aspect. You could lose that sometimes when you get a little too eclectic. So we were just trying to balance that fine line and not lose the fans."

— [Daron Malakian](/source/Daron_Malakian), speaking about *Toxicity*'s sound.[6]

Primarily considered an [alternative metal](/source/Alternative_metal)[7][8][9] and [nu metal](/source/Nu_metal)[10][11][12] album, *Toxicity* has also been described as [thrash metal](/source/Thrash_metal),[13] [art metal](/source/Art_rock),[14] [hard rock](/source/Hard_rock),[15] [progressive metal](/source/Progressive_metal),[16] and [heavy metal](/source/Heavy_metal_music).[10] *Toxicity* features elements of multiple genres of music: [folk](/source/Folk_music),[17] [progressive rock](/source/Progressive_rock),[17] [jazz](/source/Jazz),[17][6] [hip hop](/source/Hip_hop_music),[18] [Middle Eastern music](/source/Middle_Eastern_music),[6] and [Greek music](/source/Greek_music).[6] Guitarist [Daron Malakian](/source/Daron_Malakian) said that he "wanted to add a bit more harmony for" himself "in the songs and that required tastefully mixing in some softer guitars between the really heavy parts".[6] Malakian also cited [the Beatles](/source/The_Beatles) as an influence on *Toxicity*.[7] Sounds of instruments other than drums, vocals, electric guitar and bass guitar, such as [sitar](/source/Sitar), [banjo](/source/Banjo),[19] keyboards and piano,[20] are also featured on *Toxicity*. The majority of the album's music was written in the tuning of [drop C](/source/Drop_C_tuning).[21]

System of a Down recorded over thirty songs during the recording of *Toxicity* but narrowed the number of songs on the album to fourteen.[22] Several of these recorded songs that didn't make it onto *Toxicity* were re-recorded for System of a Down's next studio album *[Steal This Album!](/source/Steal_This_Album!)*, an album released in 2002.[23] *Toxicity* was recorded at [Cello Studios](/source/Cello_Studios) in [Hollywood](/source/Hollywood%2C_Los_Angeles), California, mixed at [Enterprise Studios](/source/The_Enterprise_Studios) in [Burbank, California](/source/Burbank%2C_California), and mastered at Oasis Mastering in [Studio City](/source/Studio_City), California.[20] According to bassist [Shavo Odadjian](/source/Shavo_Odadjian), the song "[Chop Suey!](/source/Chop_Suey!)" is "about drug addiction, but [System of a Down took] something really serious and made it a little quacky".[24] Vocalist [Serj Tankian](/source/Serj_Tankian) compared the song to [Guns N' Roses](/source/Guns_N'_Roses)' "[Mr. Brownstone](/source/Mr._Brownstone)".[25] "Prison Song" is about [mass incarceration](/source/Mass_incarceration).[24] Serj Tankian said: "It's about the unfairness of mandatory minimum sentences and how there are about 2,000,000 Americans in jail, and a lot of them are in there for marijuana possession and things of that sort. [...] Instead of rehabilitating men who have drug problems, they're throwing them in prison. That's not really solving anything."[26] Tankian said that "Prison Song" also addresses "how drug money is used to rig elections in other countries by the [CIA](/source/CIA)".[26] "Needles" is about drug addiction, comparing drugs to a tapeworm in the chorus[27] "Bounce" is about [group sex](/source/Group_sex).[24] "Psycho" is about [groupies](/source/Groupie).[10][26] "ATWA" (an acronym for ["Air, Trees, Water, Animals"](/source/ATWA)) is about [Charles Manson](/source/Charles_Manson)'s beliefs on the environment. Malakian has said that "[Manson is] in jail for the wrong reasons. I think he had an unfair trial".[22][25] "Deer Dance" is about [the protests surrounding the 2000 Democratic National Convention](/source/2000_Democratic_National_Convention_protest_activity).[28][29]

## Promotion and touring

On September 3, 2001, System of a Down had planned on launching *Toxicity* at a free concert in Hollywood, California as a "thank you" to fans. The concert, which was to be held in a parking lot, was set up to accommodate 3,500 people; however, an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 fans showed up. Because of the large excess number of fans, the performance was cancelled by police officers just before System of a Down took the stage. No announcement was made that the concert had been cancelled. Fans waited for more than an hour for the band to appear, but when a banner hanging at the back of the stage that read "System of a Down" was removed by security, the audience rushed the stage, destroying all the band's touring gear (approximately $30,000 worth of equipment) and began to riot, throwing rocks at police, breaking windows, and knocking over portable toilets. The riot lasted six hours, during which six arrests were made. The band's manager, [David "Beno" Benveniste](/source/David_Benveniste), later said that the riot could have been avoided if System of a Down had been permitted to perform or had they been allowed to make a statement at the concert regarding the cancellation. System of a Down's scheduled in-store performance the next day was cancelled to prevent a similar riot.[30]

Later that month, System of a Down embarked on tour in the United States and Mexico with [Slipknot](/source/Slipknot_(band)). During their concert at [Grand Rapids, Michigan](/source/Grand_Rapids%2C_Michigan)'s [Van Andel Arena](/source/Van_Andel_Arena) in October 2001, Odadjian alleges he was harassed, racially profiled and physically beaten by some guards when he attempted to enter backstage. Slipknot had instructed that no one could enter backstage due to their use of fireworks. After the attack, he received medical help from the arena personnel and the police in place. Odadjian then filed a lawsuit against DuHadway Kendall Security, the company the guards were working for.[31] Despite this incident, the tour, as a whole, was a success and System of a Down later co-headlined the [Pledge of Allegiance](/source/Iowa_World_Tour#Pledge_of_Allegiance) leg of Slipknot's [Iowa World Tour](/source/Iowa_World_Tour).[32]

## Reception

### Critical

Professional ratings Aggregate scores Source Rating Metacritic 73/100[33] Review scores Source Rating AllMusic [10] Alternative Press 9/10[34] Blabbermouth.net 10/10[35] Entertainment Weekly B−[17] Kerrang! 5/5[36] Los Angeles Times [37] Pitchfork 8.2/10[38] Q [39] Rolling Stone [40] The Rolling Stone Album Guide [41]

On [review aggregator](/source/Review_aggregator) website [Metacritic](/source/Metacritic), *Toxicity* holds a score of 73 out of 100, based on reviews from nine critics, which indicates "generally favorable reviews".[33] [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic) writer Eduardo Rivadavia called *Toxicity* "hands down one of 2001's top metal releases" and wrote that the album "may well prove to be a lasting heavy metal classic to boot".[10] *Toxicity* is one of only 21 albums to achieve a perfect rating from *[Blabbermouth.net](/source/Blabbermouth.net)*, with writer Don Kaye praising System of a Down in a contemporary review of the album as "one of the few bands that people may still be talking about ten years from now".[35] *[Drowned in Sound](/source/Drowned_in_Sound)* writer Don Kaye praised the band as "probably the most vital band around in the big, wide world of metal right now".[42] Ben Myers of *[Kerrang!](/source/Kerrang!)* stated that the band had "gone and bettered" their [debut album](/source/System_of_a_Down_(album)) and hailed *Toxicity* as "metal album of the year, hands down".[36] *[Q](/source/Q_(magazine))* wrote that *Toxicity* "matches [Slipknot](/source/Slipknot_(band)) for manic intensity while employing a freeform approach to songcraft which invites comparison to the lunatic-fringe [rock](/source/Rock_music) of the '60s".[39]

Referring to *Toxicity* as "both manic and schizoid", Keith Harris of *[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)* noted Tankian's ability to veer "easily from sing-rap rhythm to [Korn](/source/Korn)-ish hysterics to demonic baritone growl to doomily ruminative" and that "the music insists on forward motion without trapping itself in a thrashy lock-step rut".[40] Tom Sinclair of *[Entertainment Weekly](/source/Entertainment_Weekly)* called the album "strange and engaging", with a wide variety of sounds which "all adds up to bizarro type of metal that has a warped majesty and strength".[17] [Robert Christgau](/source/Robert_Christgau) of *[The Village Voice](/source/The_Village_Voice)* cited "Prison Song" and "Bounce" as highlights and later assigned the album a one-star honorable rating.[43][44] *[Spin](/source/Spin_(magazine))*'s Joe Gross wrote that the band "have an undeniable nerd-prog charm".[45] *[Uncut](/source/Uncut_(magazine))*, on the other hand, panned *Toxicity* as "virtually unlistenable".[13]

### Commercial

*Toxicity* peaked at number one on the [*Billboard* 200](/source/Billboard_200),[46][47] selling 220,000 copies in its first week of release.[48] The album also topped the [Canadian Albums Chart](/source/Canadian_Albums_Chart).[49] *Toxicity* sold at least 2,700,000 copies in the United States,[47] and at least 12,000,000 copies worldwide.[50] On July 19, 2022, the album was certified sextuple platinum by the [Recording Industry Association of America](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_America).[2]

All of the album's singles reached the [*Billboard* Hot 100](/source/Billboard_Hot_100); "Chop Suey!" peaked at number 76, "[Toxicity](/source/Toxicity_(song))" at number 70, and "[Aerials](/source/Aerials_(song))" at number 55. "Aerials" would remain the band's biggest domestic hit until "[B.Y.O.B.](/source/B.Y.O.B._(song))" surpassed it, reaching number 27 in 2005.[51] "Aerials" peaked at number one on the [Mainstream Rock Songs](/source/Mainstream_Rock_Songs) chart[52] and number one on the [Alternative Songs](/source/Modern_Rock_Tracks) chart.[53] "Chop Suey!" and "Toxicity" were both top ten hits.[53] In 2005, *Toxicity* went to number one on the [Catalog Albums](/source/Catalog_Albums) chart.[54] Added to the [2001 Clear Channel memorandum](/source/2001_Clear_Channel_memorandum),[55] "Chop Suey!" was temporarily pulled from playlists of most radio stations after the [September 11 attacks](/source/September_11_attacks) in 2001, as it featured some lyrics that [Clear Channel](/source/IHeartMedia) deemed inappropriate following the attacks. The song returned to the airwaves when things settled down.[56]

### Accolades

The album is listed on *[Blender](/source/Blender_(magazine))*'s 500 CDs You Must Own.[57] [MusicRadar](/source/MusicRadar) held a public poll and *Toxicity* was ranked as the 28th greatest heavy metal album on its list of The 50 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time.[58] The album is ranked number 44 on *Rolling Stone*'s 100 Best Albums of the Decade for 2000s[16] and 27th on the magazine's "100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time".[59] *Toxicity* was voted the 27th best album of the year in *The Village Voice*'s annual [Pazz & Jop](/source/Pazz_%26_Jop) critics poll for 2001.[60] *[Spin](/source/Spin_(magazine))* named the album one of The 300 Best Albums Of The Past 30 Years, with *Toxicity* being one of the highest-listed heavy metal albums on the list.[61] *Spin* also named *Toxicity* the Album of the Year in 2001, and finally ranked it number 38 on its list of The 40 Greatest Metal Albums Of All Time.[62][63] *[Kludge](/source/Kludge_(magazine))* ranked it number five on their list of best albums of 2001.[64] *[Alternative Press](/source/Alternative_Press_(music_magazine))* ranked it number nine on its 25 Best Albums of 2001.[48] [*Mojo*](/source/Mojo_(magazine)) ranked it number 93 on its 100 Modern Classics.[65] The album won a 2001 *[Metal Edge](/source/Metal_Edge)* Readers' Choice Award for Album of the Year.[66] *[Loudwire](/source/Loudwire)* listed the album at number one on its list of Top 11 Metal Albums of the 2000s, number two on the Top 100 Hard Rock + Metal Albums Of The 21st Century, and number 11 on its list of Top 50 Metal Albums of All Time.[67][68][69] *[NME](/source/NME)* listed the album at number six on its list of 20 Greatest Metal Albums Ever.[70] *[Metal Hammer](/source/Metal_Hammer)* declared *Toxicity* the best album of 2001.[71] *[The Observer](/source/The_Observer)* ranked *Toxicity* as one of the Top 50 Albums Of The Decade, at number 34.[72] In 2007, *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)* placed the album on its list of the 1000 Albums To Hear Before You Die.[73] *Entertainment Weekly* also put *Toxicity* on its list of the 100 Best Albums of the 1983–2008 Period, at number 90.[74] [*Revolver*](/source/Revolver_(magazine)) named *Toxicity* the eighth greatest metal album of all time on its list of the 69 Greatest Metal Albums Of All Time.[75] The album was included on *[The A.V. Club](/source/The_A.V._Club)*'s list of the best metal records of the 2000s.[14] *[PopMatters](/source/PopMatters)* ranked *Toxicity* at 62 on its Best Albums of the 2000s list.[76] "Chop Suey!" was nominated for [Best Metal Performance](/source/Best_Metal_Performance) at the [44th Grammy Awards](/source/44th_Grammy_Awards) in 2002 and "Aerials" was nominated for [Best Hard Rock Performance](/source/Grammy_Award_for_Best_Hard_Rock_Performance) at the [45th Grammy Awards](/source/45th_Annual_Grammy_Awards) the following year.[77] In 2020, the album was included at the 100 Best Albums of the 21st Century list of *Stacker*, being ranked at 85.[78]

## Track listing

All lyrics are written by [Serj Tankian](/source/Serj_Tankian) except where noted; all music is composed by [Daron Malakian](/source/Daron_Malakian) except where noted.[20]

Original release No. Title Lyrics Music Length 1. "Prison Song" Tankian, Malakian 3:21 2. "Needles" Tankian, Malakian Tankian, Malakian 3:13 3. "Deer Dance" Tankian, Malakian 2:54 4. "Jet Pilot" Shavo Odadjian, Malakian 2:06 5. "X" 1:58 6. "Chop Suey!" Tankian, Malakian 3:30 7. "Bounce" Odadjian, Malakian 1:54 8. "Forest" 4:00 9. "ATWA" (Air Trees Water Animals) Tankian, Malakian 2:56 10. "Science" 2:42 11. "Shimmy" Tankian 1:50 12. "Toxicity" Odadjian, Malakian 3:38 13. "Psycho" Tankian, Malakian 3:45 14. "Aerials" Tankian, Malakian 3:55 15. "Arto" (featuring Arto Tunçboyacıyan[79]) ([note 1]) instrumental Tunçboyacıyan[81] 2:13 Total length: 44:07

Japanese edition bonus track No. Title Music Length 8. "Johnny" ([note 2]) Tankian 2:07 Total length: 46:14

### French special edition

Bonus CD[83] No. Title Music Length 1. "Sugar" (Live) Odadjian, Malakian 2:27 2. "War?" (Live) 2:48 3. "Suite-Pee" (Live) 2:58 4. "Know" (Live) Odadjian, Malakian, Tankian 3:03 5. "Johnny" Tankian 2:07 Total length: 13:23

### Blue edition

Bonus DVD No. Title Lyrics Music Length 1. "Toxicity" (Music video) Malakian, Odadjian 2:27 2. "Chop Suey!" (Live) Tankian, Malakian 2:48 3. "Prison Song" (Live) Tankian, Malakian 3:21 4. "Bounce" (Live) Malakian, Odadjian 1:54 Total length: 10:30

- The Red Edition of the album features a bonus video disc with a 9:54-long behind-the-scenes video about the production of the record.

**Notes**

1. **[^](#cite_ref-81)** "Arto" is an adaptation of "Der Voghormia" (meaning "Lord Have Mercy"), a traditional Armenian church hymn.[80] It is combined with "Aerials" (track 14) on physical releases as a [hidden track](/source/Hidden_track).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-84)** "Johnny" is put as the eighth track on *Toxicity* on the album's Japanese edition, pushing all tracks 8–14 on the album's normal track listing one track number forward.[82]

## Personnel

Adapted from *Toxicity*'s liner notes.[20]

**System of a Down**

- [Serj Tankian](/source/Serj_Tankian) – vocals, keyboards, string arrangements and writing

- [Daron Malakian](/source/Daron_Malakian) – guitars, vocals

- [Shavo Odadjian](/source/Shavo_Odadjian) – bass

- [John Dolmayan](/source/John_Dolmayan) – drums

Production Rick Rubin – producer Daron Malakian – producer Serj Tankian – co-producer Andy Wallace – mixing David Schiffman – engineer Greg Collins – additional engineer Darren Mora – additional engineer, assistant engineer Al Sanderson – assistant engineer Ryan McCormick – assistant engineer Jim Champagne – assistant engineer Rich Balmer – mixdown engineer Eddy Schreyer – mastering Additional musicians Arto Tunçboyacıyan – additional vocals/music Marc Mann – strings arrangement, conducting, additional strings writing Rick Rubin – additional piano Artwork Martyn Atkins – photography (studio) Glen E. Friedman – photography (back cover, water) John Dolmayan – photography, collage art Hallie Sirota – photography Mark Wakefield – cover art Shavo Odadjian – art direction, album art concepts, co-label art Brandy Flower – art direction, collage art System of a Down – album art concepts

## Charts

Weekly charts 2001 weekly chart performance for Toxicity Chart (2001) Peak position Australian Albums (ARIA)[84] 6 Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[85] 16 Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[86] 8 Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[87] 25 Canadian Albums (Billboard)[88] 1 Danish Albums (Hitlisten)[89] 31 Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[90] 17 Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)[91] 8 French Albums (SNEP)[92] 23 German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[93] 23 Greek Albums (IFPI)[94] 8 Irish Albums (IRMA)[95] 17 Italian Albums (FIMI)[96] 23 Italian Albums (Musica e Dischi)[97] 46 New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[98] 7 Polish Albums (ZPAV)[99] 17 Scottish Albums (OCC)[100] 15 Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[101] 47 Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[102] 31 UK Albums (OCC)[103] 13 UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC)[104] 3 US Billboard 200[105] 1 2005 weekly chart performance for Toxicity Chart (2005) Peak position US Top Catalog Albums (Billboard)[106] 1 2018 weekly chart performance for Toxicity Chart (2018) Peak position US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard)[107] 16 US Top Hard Rock Albums (Billboard)[108] 8 US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[109] 38 US Indie Store Album Sales (Billboard)[110] 8 US Vinyl Albums (Billboard)[111] 4 2020–2024 weekly chart performance for Toxicity Chart (2020–2026) Peak position Hungarian Physical Albums (MAHASZ)[112] 7 Portuguese Albums (AFP)[113] 22 Year-end charts 2001 year-end chart performance for Toxicity Chart (2001) Position Australian Albums (ARIA)[114] 81 Canadian Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)[115] 76 Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[116] 93 UK Albums (OCC)[117] 140 US Billboard 200[118] 101 Worldwide Albums (IFPI)[119] 40 2002 year-end chart performance for Toxicity Chart (2002) Position Australian Albums (ARIA)[120] 23 Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[121] 58 Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[122] 33 Belgian Alternative Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[123] 17 Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[124] 66 Canadian Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)[125] 51 Canadian Alternative Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)[126] 13 Canadian Metal Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)[127] 7 Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[128] 76 European Top 100 Albums (Music & Media)[129] 87 German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[130] 60 New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[131] 19 UK Albums (OCC)[132] 121 US Billboard 200[133] 28 Worldwide Albums (IFPI)[134] 41 2003 year-end chart performance for Toxicity Chart (2003) Position Australian Heavy Rock & Metal Albums (ARIA)[135] 17 2016 year-end chart performance for Toxicity Chart (2016) Position Belgian Midprice Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[136] 44 2020 year-end chart performance for Toxicity Chart (2020) Position Portuguese Albums (AFP)[137] 68 2024 year-end chart performance for Toxicity Chart (2024) Position Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[138] 194 2025 year-end chart performance for Toxicity Chart (2025) Position Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[139] 133 Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[140] 173 Hungarian Albums (MAHASZ)[141] 81 Decade-end charts Decade-end chart performance for Toxicity Chart (2000–2009) Position US Billboard 200[142] 123

## Certifications

Certifications for Toxicity Region Certification Certified units/sales Argentina (CAPIF)[143] Gold 20,000^ Australia (ARIA)[144] 5× Platinum 350,000‡ Austria (IFPI Austria)[145] Gold 20,000* Belgium (BRMA)[146] Gold 25,000* Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[147] Gold 50,000* Canada (Music Canada)[148] 2× Platinum 200,000^ Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[149] 3× Platinum 60,000‡ Germany (BVMI)[150] Gold 150,000^ Italy (FIMI)[151] sales since 2009 2× Platinum 100,000‡ Mexico (AMPROFON)[152] Gold 75,000^ Netherlands (NVPI)[153] Gold 40,000^ New Zealand (RMNZ)[154] 3× Platinum 45,000‡ Poland (ZPAV)[155] Platinum 20,000‡ Portugal (AFP)[156] Gold 3,500‡ Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[157] Gold 20,000^ United Kingdom (BPI)[158] 2× Platinum 600,000‡ United States (RIAA)[2] 6× Platinum 6,000,000‡ Summaries Europe (IFPI)[159] Platinum 1,000,000* * Sales figures based on certification alone. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. ‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Reed, Ryan (September 4, 2016). ["System of a Down's 'Toxicity': 10 Things You Didn't Know"](https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/system-of-a-downs-toxicity-10-things-you-didnt-know-251365/). *[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210308151410/https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/system-of-a-downs-toxicity-10-things-you-didnt-know-251365/) from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-RIAA_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-RIAA_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-RIAA_2-2) ["American album certifications – System of a Down – Toxicity"](https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=System+of+a+Down&ti=Toxicity&format=Album&type=#search_section). [Recording Industry Association of America](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_America).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** DeVille, Chris (September 3, 2021). ["Toxicity Turns 20"](https://www.stereogum.com/2159262/system-of-a-down-toxicity-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/). [Stereogum](/source/Stereogum). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220513003637/https://www.stereogum.com/2159262/system-of-a-down-toxicity-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/) from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2022. And at a time when Americans were ready to indiscriminately discriminate against anyone from the Middle East, the band's Armenian heritage made them easy targets for racial profiling; Odadjian was even harassed and beaten by guards at his own gig in the fall of 2001.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Staff, Revolver. ["20 Essential Nu-Metal Albums"](https://www.revolvermag.com/music/20-essential-nu-metal-albums/). *Revolver*. Retrieved December 21, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [https://loudwire.com/top-50-nu-metal-albums-of-all-time/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral](https://loudwire.com/top-50-nu-metal-albums-of-all-time/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral)

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-79)** ["System of a Down's 'Toxicity': 10 Things You Didn't Know"](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/system-of-a-downs-toxicity-10-things-you-didnt-know-251365/). *Rolling Stone*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181019192947/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/system-of-a-downs-toxicity-10-things-you-didnt-know-251365/) from the original on October 19, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-83)** System of a Down. *Toxicity*, Cello Studios, Hollywood, California, United States. Japanese Edition

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Australia_System_Of_A_Down_86-0)** "[Australiancharts.com – System Of A Down – Toxicity](https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=System+Of+A+Down&titel=Toxicity&cat=a)". Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Austria_System_Of_A_Down_87-0)** "[Austriancharts.at – System Of A Down – Toxicity](https://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=System+Of+A+Down&titel=Toxicity&cat=a)" (in German). Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Flanders_System_Of_A_Down_88-0)** "[Ultratop.be – System Of A Down – Toxicity](https://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=System+Of+A+Down&titel=Toxicity&cat=a)" (in Dutch). Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Wallonia_System_Of_A_Down_89-0)** "[Ultratop.be – System Of A Down – Toxicity](https://www.ultratop.be/fr/showitem.asp?interpret=System+Of+A+Down&titel=Toxicity&cat=a)" (in French). Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_BillboardCanada_System_Of_A_Down_90-0)** "[System Of A Down Chart History (Canadian Albums)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/System-Of-A-Down/chart-history/CNA)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Denmark_System_Of_A_Down_91-0)** "[Danishcharts.dk – System Of A Down – Toxicity](https://danishcharts.dk/showitem.asp?interpret=System+Of+A+Down&titel=Toxicity&cat=a)". Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Netherlands_System_Of_A_Down_92-0)** "[Dutchcharts.nl – System Of A Down – Toxicity](https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=System+Of+A+Down&titel=Toxicity&cat=a)" (in Dutch). Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Finland_System_Of_A_Down_93-0)** "[System Of A Down: Toxicity](https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/artistit/system-of-a-down/albumi/toxicity)" (in Finnish). [Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland](/source/Musiikkituottajat_%E2%80%93_IFPI_Finland).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_France_System_Of_A_Down_94-0)** "[Lescharts.com – System Of A Down – Toxicity](https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=System+Of+A+Down&titel=Toxicity&cat=a)". Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Germany_System_Of_A_Down_95-0)** "[Offiziellecharts.de – System Of A Down – Toxicity](https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-3790)" (in German). [GfK Entertainment charts](/source/GfK_Entertainment_charts).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-96)** ["Top 50 Ξένων Αλμπουμ – 4-10/2/2007"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070210223005/http://www.ifpi.gr/chart01.htm). [IFPI Greece](/source/IFPI_Greece).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Ireland2_System_Of_A_Down_97-0)** "[Irish-charts.com – Discography System Of A Down](http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=System+Of+A+Down)". Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Italy_System_Of_A_Down_98-0)** "[Italiancharts.com – System Of A Down – Toxicity](https://italiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=System+Of+A+Down&titel=Toxicity&cat=a)". Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-99)** ["Classifiche"](http://www.musicaedischi.it/classifiche_archivio.php). *[Musica e dischi](/source/Musica_e_dischi)* (in Italian). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161201160637/http://musicaedischi.it/classifiche_archivio.php) from the original on December 1, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2022. *Set "Tipo" on "Album". Then, in the "Titolo" field, search "Toxicity".*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_New_Zealand_System_Of_A_Down_100-0)** "[Charts.nz – System Of A Down – Toxicity](https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=System+Of+A+Down&titel=Toxicity&cat=a)". Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Poland_System_Of_A_Down_101-0)** "[Oficjalna lista sprzedaży :: OLiS - Official Retail Sales Chart](http://olis.onyx.pl/listy/index.asp?idlisty=53&lang=en)". [OLiS](/source/Polish_music_charts). [Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry](/source/Polish_Society_of_the_Phonographic_Industry).

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Sweden_System_Of_A_Down_103-0)** "[Swedishcharts.com – System Of A Down – Toxicity](https://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=System+Of+A+Down&titel=Toxicity&cat=a)". Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Switzerland_System_Of_A_Down_104-0)** "[Swisscharts.com – System Of A Down – Toxicity](http://swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=System+Of+A+Down&titel=Toxicity&cat=a)". Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_UK2_System_of_a_Down_105-0)** "[Official Albums Chart on 8/9/2001 – Top 100](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20010908/7502/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_UKRock_System_of_a_Down_106-0)** "[Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart on 8/9/2001 – Top 40](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/rock-and-metal-albums-chart/20010908/112/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Billboard200_System_Of_A_Down_107-0)** "[System Of A Down Chart History (*Billboard* 200)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/System-Of-A-Down/chart-history/TLP)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_BillboardCatalog_System_Of_A_Down_108-0)** "[System Of A Down Chart History (Top Catalog Albums)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/System-Of-A-Down/chart-history/TLC)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_BillboardAlternative_System_Of_A_Down_109-0)** "[System Of A Down Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/System-Of-A-Down/chart-history/ALT)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_BillboardHardRock_System_Of_A_Down_110-0)** "[System Of A Down Chart History (Top Hard Rock Albums)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/System-Of-A-Down/chart-history/MTL)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_BillboardTastemaker_System_Of_A_Down_112-0)** "[System Of A Down Chart History (Top Tastemaker Albums)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/System-Of-A-Down/chart-history/TAS)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_BillboardVinyl_System_Of_A_Down_113-0)** "[System Of A Down Chart History (Vinyl Albums)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/System-Of-A-Down/chart-history/VNL)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Portugal_System_Of_A_Down_115-0)** "[Portuguesecharts.com – System Of A Down – Toxicity](https://portuguesecharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=System+Of+A+Down&titel=Toxicity&cat=a)". Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-116)** ["ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Albums 2001"](https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051721/http://aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-albums-2001.htm). [Australian Recording Industry Association](/source/Australian_Recording_Industry_Association). Archived from [the original](http://aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-albums-2001.htm) on December 22, 2017. Retrieved February 2, 2018.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-118)** ["Jaaroverzichten – Album 2001"](http://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2001&cat=a). Dutchcharts.nl. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120715005806/http://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=2001&cat=a) from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved February 2, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-119)** ["The Official UK Albums Chart 2001"](http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2001.pdf) (PDF). *[UKChartsPlus](/source/UKChartsPlus)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160331160617/http://ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2001.pdf) (PDF) from the original on March 31, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2021.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-CANALTYE02_128-0)** ["Canada's Top 200 Alternative albums of 2002"](https://web.archive.org/web/20031204012816/http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2002_alt.html). *[Jam!](/source/Jam!)*. Archived from [the original](http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2002_alt.html) on December 4, 2003. Retrieved March 26, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-129)** ["Top 100 Metal Albums of 2002"](https://web.archive.org/web/20040812035533/http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2002_metal.html). *[Jam!](/source/Jam!)*. Archived from [the original](http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2002_metal.html) on August 12, 2004. Retrieved March 23, 2022.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-131)** ["European Top 100 Albums 2002"](https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2003/MM-2003-01-11.pdf) (PDF). *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)*. Vol. 21, no. 2–3. January 11, 2003. p. 15. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200823190058/https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/00s/2003/MM-2003-01-11.pdf) (PDF) from the original on August 23, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-132)** ["Offizielle Deutsche Charts (2002)"](https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/album-jahr/for-date-2002). Officialziellecharts.de. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150520103226/https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/album-jahr/for-date-2002) from the original on May 20, 2015. Retrieved February 2, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-133)** ["Top Selling Albums of 2002"](https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/annual-albums/2002-12-31). [Official New Zealand Music Chart](/source/Official_New_Zealand_Music_Chart). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190418221659/https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/albums?chart=4109) from the original on April 18, 2019. Retrieved February 2, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-134)** ["UK Year-End Charts 2002"](http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2002.pdf) (PDF). *[UKChartsPlus](/source/UKChartsPlus)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160528095016/http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2002.pdf) (PDF) from the original on May 28, 2016. Retrieved April 10, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-135)** ["Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2002"](http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2002/top-billboard-200-albums). *Billboard*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151218165626/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2002/top-billboard-200-albums) from the original on December 18, 2015. Retrieved February 2, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-136)** ["Top 50 Global Best Selling Albums for 2002"](https://web.archive.org/web/20081117003138/http://www.ifpi.org/content/library/top50-2002.pdf) (PDF). [IFPI](/source/IFPI). Archived from [the original](http://www.ifpi.org/content/library/top50-2002.pdf) (PDF) on November 17, 2008. Retrieved April 10, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-137)** ["ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Heavy Rock & Metal Albums 2003"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200415012158/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-heavyrock-albums-2003.htm). Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from [the original](http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-heavyrock-albums-2003.htm) on April 15, 2020. Retrieved June 15, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-138)** ["Rapports Annuels 2016 – Mid price"](http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2016&cat=am) (in French). Ultratop. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210220230138/https://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2016&cat=am) from the original on February 20, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-139)** ["Top Vendas Acumuladas – 2020 (semana 1 a 53) – Top 100 Álbuns"](http://www.audiogest.pt/uploads/files/file_2021-03-26-10-09-12.pdf) [Top Accumulated Sales 2020 (Week 1 to 53) – Top 100 Albums] (PDF). *Audiogest* (in Portuguese). p. 2. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210326114829/http://www.audiogest.pt/uploads/files/file_2021-03-26-10-09-12.pdf) (PDF) from the original on March 26, 2021. Retrieved June 2, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-140)** ["Jaaroverzichten 2024"](https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2024&cat=a) (in Dutch). [Ultratop](/source/Ultratop). Retrieved January 3, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-141)** ["Jaaroverzichten 2025"](https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2025&cat=a) (in Dutch). [Ultratop](/source/Ultratop). Retrieved January 13, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-142)** ["Rapports annuels 2025"](https://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2025&cat=a) (in French). [Ultratop](/source/Ultratop). Retrieved January 13, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-143)** ["Album Top 100 – digitális és fizikai értékesítés alapján – 2025"](https://slagerlistak.hu/archivum/eves-osszesitett-slagerlistak/album/2025) (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260129101832/https://slagerlistak.hu/archivum/eves-osszesitett-slagerlistak/album/2025) from the original on January 29, 2026. Retrieved January 29, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-144)** ["The Decade in Music - Charts - Top Billboard 200 Albums"](https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2009/BB-2009-12-19.pdf) (PDF). *Billboard*. December 19, 2009. p. 164. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210304224117/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2009/BB-2009-12-19.pdf) (PDF) from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved January 20, 2021 – via World Radio History. *Digit page 168 on the PDF archive.*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-145)** ["Discos de Oro y Platino"](http://www.capif.org.ar/Default.asp?PerDesde_MM=0&PerDesde_AA=0&PerHasta_MM=0&PerHasta_AA=0&interprete=&album=&LanDesde_MM=1&LanDesde_AA=1980&LanHasta_MM=12&LanHasta_AA=2010&Galardon=O&Tipo=1&ACCION2=+Buscar+&ACCION=Buscar&CO=5&CODOP=ESO) (in Spanish). [Cámara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas](/source/C%C3%A1mara_Argentina_de_Productores_de_Fonogramas_y_Videogramas).{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-AustraliaSystem_of_a_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_146-0)** ["ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2020 Albums"](https://www.dropbox.com/sh/k9o2q7p7o4awhqx/AAAg37tFuJyo-YI2WkNFWDQ9a/2020%20Accreds.pdf) (PDF). [Australian Recording Industry Association](/source/Australian_Recording_Industry_Association). Retrieved September 20, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-AustriaSystem_of_a_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_147-0)** ["Austrian album certifications – System of a Down – Toxicity"](https://ifpi.at/auszeichnungen/?fwp_per_page=100&fwp_interpret=System+of+a+Down&fwp_titel=Toxicity&fwp_format=album&) (in German). [IFPI](/source/International_Federation_of_the_Phonographic_Industry) Austria.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-BelgiumSystem_of_a_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_148-0)** ["Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 2003"](https://www.ultratop.be/nl/goud-platina/2003/albums). [Ultratop](/source/Ultratop). Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-BrazilSystem_of_a_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_149-0)** ["Brazilian album certifications – System of a Down – Toxicity"](https://pro-musicabr.org.br/home/certificados/?busca_artista=System+of+a+Down&busca_tipo_produto=ÁLBUM) (in Portuguese). [Pro-Música Brasil](/source/Pro-M%C3%BAsica_Brasil).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CanadaSystem_of_a_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_150-0)** ["Canadian album certifications – System of a Down – Toxicity"](https://musiccanada.com/gold-platinum/?_gp_search=Toxicity%20System+of+a+Down). [Music Canada](/source/Music_Canada).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-DenmarkSystem_of_a_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_151-0)** ["Danish album certifications – System of a Down – Toxicity"](http://ifpi.dk/node/13713). [IFPI Danmark](/source/IFPI_Danmark).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-GermanySystem_Of_A_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_152-0)** ["Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (System Of A Down; 'Toxicity')"](https://www.musikindustrie.de/wie-musik-zur-karriere-werden-kann/markt-bestseller/gold-/platin-und-diamond-auszeichnung/datenbank/?action=suche&strTitel=Toxicity&strInterpret=System+Of+A+Down&strTtArt=2&strAwards=checked) (in German). [Bundesverband Musikindustrie](/source/Bundesverband_Musikindustrie).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ItalySystem_Of_A_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_153-0)** ["Italian album certifications – System Of A Down – Toxicity"](https://www.fimi.it/top-of-the-music/targhette/richiedi-targhetta/?id=14110) (in Italian). [Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana](/source/Federazione_Industria_Musicale_Italiana). Retrieved July 21, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-MexicoSystem_of_a_DawnToxicityalbumCertRef_154-0)** ["Certificaciones"](https://amprofon.com.mx/es/pages/certificaciones.php) (in Spanish). [Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas](/source/Asociaci%C3%B3n_Mexicana_de_Productores_de_Fonogramas_y_Videogramas). Retrieved May 24, 2021. *Type*System of a Dawn*in the box under the*ARTISTA*column heading and*Toxicity*in the box under the*TÍTULO*column heading*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NetherlandsSystem_of_a_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_155-0)** ["Dutch album certifications – System of a Down – Toxicity"](https://www.goudplatina.nl/database) (in Dutch). [Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers](/source/NVPI). Retrieved December 10, 2020. *Enter*Toxicity *in the "Artiest of titel" box.* *Select* 2002 *in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen"*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-New_ZealandSystem_of_a_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_156-0)** ["New Zealand album certifications – System of a Down – Toxicity"](https://www.radioscope.co.nz/2024/00/00/album-cert-search/). Radioscope. Retrieved July 23, 2025. *Type*Toxicity*in the "Search:" field and press Enter.*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-PolandSystem_of_a_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_157-0)** ["Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2022 roku"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250119142031/http://bestsellery.zpav.pl/wyroznienia/platynoweplyty/cd/archiwum.php?year=2022) (in Polish). [Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry](/source/Polish_Society_of_the_Phonographic_Industry). Archived from [the original](http://bestsellery.zpav.pl/wyroznienia/platynoweplyty/cd/archiwum.php?year=2022) on January 19, 2025. Retrieved July 20, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-PortugalSystem_of_a_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_158-0)** ["Portuguese album certifications – System of a Down – Toxicity"](https://www.audiogest.pt/uploads/files/file_2025-12-16-16-02-06.pdf) (PDF) (in Portuguese). [Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa](/source/Associa%C3%A7%C3%A3o_Fonogr%C3%A1fica_Portuguesa). Retrieved December 16, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-SwitzerlandSystem_Of_A_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_159-0)** ["The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Toxicity')"](http://www.swisscharts.com/search_certifications.asp?search=Toxicity). IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-United_KingdomSystem_of_a_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_160-0)** ["British album certifications – System of a Down – Toxicity"](https://www.bpi.co.uk/page/certified-awards). [British Phonographic Industry](/source/British_Phonographic_Industry). *Select*albums*in the Formats field.* *Type*Toxicity System of a Down*in the "Search:" field.*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-EuropeSystem_of_a_DownToxicityalbumCertRef_161-0)** ["IFPI Platinum Europe Awards – 2004"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131019023820/http://www.ifpi.org/content/section_news/plat2004.html). [International Federation of the Phonographic Industry](/source/International_Federation_of_the_Phonographic_Industry).

## Bibliography

- [System of a Down](/source/System_of_a_Down) (2001). *System of a Down - Toxicity*. Hal Leonard. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0634037788](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0634037788).

- Lawson, Dom (August 18, 2001). "System Album Revealed!". *[Kerrang!](/source/Kerrang!)* (866). UK: [EMAP](/source/EMAP): 10–11. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0262-6624](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0262-6624).

## Further reading

- Sigur, Matthew (September 2, 2021). ["The Oral History of System of a Down's 'Toxicity'"](https://www.theringer.com/music/2021/9/2/22653473/system-of-a-down-oral-history-toxicity). *The Ringer*. Retrieved October 3, 2023.

v t e System of a Down Serj Tankian Daron Malakian Shavo Odadjian John Dolmayan Ontronik "Andy" Khachaturian Studio albums System of a Down Toxicity Steal This Album! Mezmerize Hypnotize Singles "Sugar" "Spiders" "Chop Suey!" "Toxicity" "Aerials" "B.Y.O.B." "Question!" "Hypnotize" "Lonely Day" "Protect the Land" / "Genocidal Humanoidz" Promotional singles "Innervision" "Boom!" Tours and concerts Reunion Tour Wake Up the Souls Tour Linkin Park and Friends: Celebrate Life in Honor of Chester Bennington Related Discography Axis of Justice "Charades" Cool Gardens Glaring Through Oblivion Screamers Serart Scars on Broadway Achozen Buckethead & Friends The F.C.C. Mt. Helium Fair to Midland Arto Tunçboyacıyan Category

Authority control databases MusicBrainz release group

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Toxicity (album)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxicity_(album)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxicity_(album)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.