The horrendous terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001 would close the book on 20th century certainty. Its incensed retaliation - the Bush administration’s 'war on terror’ - signalled to the youngsters born within its closing decades, that division, exceptionalism and confusion were set to prevail as the 21st century unfolded.
A mere month prior to that momentous day, a piece of art that appeared to anticipate this dawning new age permeated the airwaves.
The brilliantly bizarre Chop Suey! By System of a Down was an intensely heavy, mosh-pit-stoking metal monolith, yet its peculiarity and musical vibrancy reeled in listeners who'd typically steer well clear from a down-tuned guitar.
Hearing the song after that epochal September day, its fiery cauldron of visceral emotions - and the band’s forthright anti-imperialist attitudes - led many to hail it as prophetic.
