The sheer magnitude of
System of a Down's melodic scope demands an extended lineup for this tribute in strings. In addition to Vitamin's normal complement of violin, cello, and viola,
String Tribute to System of a Down (notice Quartet has been removed from that title) also includes toy violins, abraphones, and simplistic yet highly effective percussion. The material is drawn from
S.O.A.D.'s three major studio releases and includes highlights like "Aerials," "Spiders," and "Toxicity." Like the band's originals, the versions here teem with creepy anticipation, feature wildly shifting dynamics, and are delivered with furious skill (the tense, hyper rhythms of "Needles" illustrate this especially well). Highly recommended for
System freaks. ~ Johnny Loftus