Album: Toxicity (2001)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Arto" is System Of A Down's version of the Armenian hymn "Der Voghormia," which translates to "Lord Have Mercy" and is traditionally played at funerals as a prayer for the dead. It's titled "Arto" because their friend Arto Tuncboyaciyan played on it.

    The song is a chant, with the band playing Armenian instruments; Tuncboyaciyan played a reed instrument called a duduk.
  • System Of A Down released this song to acknowledge the Armenian genocide that killed about 1.5 million starting in 1915. The band has worked tirelessly to bring attention to the genocide, which they feel has been forgotten in most of the world.
  • On streaming services, "Arto" appears as Track 15 on the Toxicity album, but on the CD it was a "hidden track," not listed on the tracklist. Unlike most hidden tracks, which often appear after minutes of silence, it wasn't hard to find, coming on just seconds after the last listed song, "Aerials."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.