system of a down @ brixton academy, london
(26 march 2002) 

Following the September 11th tragedy, many American bands pulled out of their touring schedule and System Of A Down's UK tour was one of those affected. 

Original ticket holders of tonight's gig have been eagerly waiting for this day since late August 2001. Finally the day has arrived and this is their second of three nights at the Academy in Brixton.

The opening act comes in the form of The Dillinger Escape Plan.  This band is definitely mad, loud and out of control. This hardcore five-man army launches an assault on our senses as we are battered with song after song.

After much cheering at a sound tech's eighties style mullet and what seemed like an eternity, System Of A Down enter the stage to a fantastic reception.  Serj's whispered lyric "They tried to build a prison…." alerts the crowd that opening track on their latest album Toxicity, 'Prison Song' is about to be unleashed.  

After a successful rendition they burst straight into crowd pleaser 'Know'.  Mr Tankian and co belt out tunes from their self-titled debut LP and from the more recent triumphant release.

Favourites 'War?', 'Sugar', 'Suggestions', 'Needles', 'Chop Suey', 'Atwa' and latest single 'Toxicity' are all experienced in this lesson in how to properly rock a venue to its foundations.  System are on fire and the atmosphere is outstanding.

All too soon the set is over and to the fans disappointment no encore is played.  Nevertheless it has been a storming night, one that won't be forgotten in a hurry.