Raw, loud, and unapologetic: album highlights from the 2000s

Y2K was wild. Albums hit different back then. Raw, loud, and unapologetic. Toxicity by System of a Down? A punch to the face. White Pony by Deftones? Hauntingly beautiful. These records didn't just play; they shook things up.

System of a Down – Toxicity

*Guitar Chunk* … *Chunk* x14 *Chunk**Chunk**Chunk**Chunk* "They're tryna build a prison"; this is the first thing you would hear from System of a Down's debut album released in September 2001. My first contact with this album was through my father who bought it knowing not much except the magnificent Chop Suey!.

To our surprise, when we played the CD in the car he simply remarked, "Wow they have energy." And indeed, their energy is undeniable. The album flows perfectly, from the Nu-metal composition with extremely catchy riffs, leads and arpeggios to the impeccable mix and production by Rick Rubin, complemented by Serj's stunning vocal performance as he masterfully alternates between screaming and singing.

While criticizing aspects of American politics and society, they maintain a quirky lyrical sensibility that adds humor, especially since the instrumental backdrop rarely ventures into melancholy. Amid that mess of fat riffs, we have some near angelic moments like the bridge on Deer Dance, the ending of Chop Suey! and Psycho, and in general both Toxicity and Aerials.

When I revisited this album for the review, as I hadn't listened to it in a while, I realized how great it truly is, leaving me hoping for a SOAD reunion album (though I'm totally delusional – this will never happen).

Godspeed You! Black Emperor – Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven

I discovered GY!BE in 2019 when I noticed their F#A#∞ album contained only 3 songs, each around twenty minutes long. Fortunately, I came back to this album after a few months and started actually enjoying it. LYSFLATH is an album I discovered shortly after revisiting F#A#∞, as we were entering lockdown.

The lengthy instrumentations, occasionally sparkled with spoken word passages or atmospheric drones, create something truly beautiful. Each composition divides into connected movements, forming progressive, evolving pieces in constant transformation.

One thing I can attribute to GY!BE that many other post-rock bands lack, is their masterful control of tempo. The BPM fluctuates and evolves, creating moving crescendos that intensify until reaching the climax. These climaxes must have rewired my brain. They're so delightful, both when they begin and especially when they continue as if they'll never end.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication

Saying I like Californication is an understatement. I live Californication, I drink Californication, I eat Californication, I party Californication, I sleep Californication. This album is one of a kind.

After the mixed reception of their previous album One Hot Minute and the comeback of their main guitarist John Frusciante after his drug addiction episode, they reunited with Rick Rubin to create something magical.

I don't care if I'm glazing them more than a glazed Dunkin' donut, this album represents the best we can achieve with simplicity and good ideas. It's very minimalist in its production approach with a powerful mix – a consequence of the infamous loudness war. This is evident from the first track Around the World, which starts with a short, energetic and powerful build-up to the verse.

The whole album sounds cohesive, thanks to the fact that they reunited to record everything together. I hope more musicians take this approach seriously because it gives albums complete cohesion and makes them sound unified.

I won't elaborate further on such a popular album, but I would recommend it for sunny days when you're in a forest, at the beach, or hiking with friends – this music connects souls.

So many anthems fill this opus, so many songs to jump to, cry to, or whatever you want – they're simply timeless. If you've never listened to this album, give it a spin; you won't be disappointed.

Bohren & der Club of Gore –Sunset Mission

Dark jazz... Such an overlooked genre that unfortunately doesn't offer much music but sounds incredible. What might appeal to many cinephiles is its similarity to the Twin Peaks soundtrack. But dark jazz is even slower, more viscous, moodier, more mysterious and somber. This album is a whiskey and a cigar in a jazz club.

It speaks the languages of melancholia and tension. It's an ode to late-night taxi drives through illuminated cities or obscure villages with stone houses and sparse street lighting. I can't get enough of the slow-ride spang-a-lang pattern. That deep, suave saxophone drenched in reverb leaves me speechless.

This album has nothing particularly complex to discuss except that it hits the right notes at the right moment – it's a delicacy for the ears. I'll leave you with this: Dead End Angels – 2min10.

Pain of Salvation –Remedy Lane

I questioned whether this album deserved its place in this list. First, if we're sticking to the Y2K theme, I would lean more toward The Perfect Element Pt.1, as many people prefer that album to Remedy Lane, and it was released in 2000 instead of 2002. But where to begin?

Remedy Lane is a concept album that tells the love story between the protagonist and Sofia, a story with more downs than highs. Their relationship is marked by profound emotional challenges, including the heartbreaking experience of miscarriage in the devastating A Trace of Blood, which captures the overwhelming grief and helplessness following such a loss.

The album also explores darker, introspective moments, such as in the deeply melancholic yet moving Undertow, which delves into the protagonist's inner struggles and dark thoughts, painting a hauntingly beautiful picture of the emotional crises accompanying love and loss.

The songs are even more powerful considering parts of this album are autobiographical, adding greater emotional weight. Like any progressive rock album, it features unconventional elements with unusual time signatures, unique song structures, and overall compositional complexity.

What impresses me is how it remains melodic and somehow catchy while being progressive. It's incredibly passionate – there's so much emotion throughout, and where it could be corny or cringeworthy, it comes across as elegant and pure. Prepare some tissues because we're definitely crying on this one.

Deftones –White Pony

Ahhh Deftones... Now trending on Instagram and TikTok as the "divorced dad's or goth girl's favorite band". Their music is a remedy for all the broken hearts, the sad loners and troubled minds navigating darker emotional landscapes.

More seriously, White Pony is that genius child everyone's parents compare others to, as it sets the bar so high in every aspect that all other albums inevitably suffer by comparison. Seeking heavy guitar riffing? They've got excellent dissonant ones.

Craving distinctive, emotive vocals? All the choruses fulfill your desires. Looking for majestic moments? Then you've got the bridge of the sumptuous Knife Prty. I have to stop here because that bridge has no right to be such a perfect minute of music. If this part plays at my funeral and I don't wake up, then you can be certain I'm really dead.

The whole album creates an anxious, atmospheric, and very cold feeling, sometimes slightly unhinged, Chino's voice might be the biggest hurdle on first listen – definitely an acquired taste.

Overall, White Pony is truly a beautiful album that's deeply moving and easily connects with your emotions. With more production effort than previous albums, including wobbly synths in the background of Digital Bath or electronic drums on Teenager, it's essential listening if you haven't already experienced it.

Roux Magazine

Roux Magazine is made by students at the University of Luxembourg. We love their work, so we decided to team up with them and bring some of their articles to our audience as well. You can find all of their issues on Issuu.