System of a Down has made a notable change to the title of a track from their acclaimed 2001 album, Toxicity. This alteration has sparked curiosity and discussion among fans regarding the reasons behind it.
Recent Discoveries on Streaming Platforms
A fan recently shared a screenshot on the System of a Down subreddit, revealing that the final track on Toxicity—previously known as “Arto”—now appears as “Der Voghormia” on Spotify. This translation from Armenian means “Lord Have Mercy,” a phrase steeped in cultural significance.
The original title, “Arto,” has always been considered a hidden track and wasn’t listed separately on the physical copies of the album. However, it is now recognized as an individual track on digital and streaming platforms. A similar change has also been noticed on YouTube, where searching for “System of a Down ‘Arto'” results in the title “Der Voghormia.” Interestingly, as of now, Apple Music still lists the song as “Arto.”
Understanding the Title Change
The Origins of the Title “Arto”
The original title “Arto” pays homage to Armenian-American multi-instrumentalist Arto Tunçboyacıyan, who contributed to the track. In a social media post from April, guitarist Daron Malakian clarified that the composition is actually a spiritual Armenian hymn known as “Der Voghormia.” He elaborated that this piece is often performed to commemorate the Armenian Genocide, highlighting its historical and emotional weight.
A Tribute to History
Malakian’s post emphasized the importance of the song’s true title. He stated, “When we, as System of a Down, perform the song live, we do it to remember the 1.5 million souls who lost their lives in 1915.” This context provides a deeper understanding of the song’s significance, connecting it to the band’s Armenian heritage and the tragedy of the genocide.
Future Implications
As of now, it remains unclear when the band officially submitted this title change or if future physical copies of Toxicity will reflect the new title. Given the track’s historical context, this change could help raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide and its lasting impact on the Armenian community.
Conclusion
The renaming of “Arto” to “Der Voghormia” by System of a Down is not just a simple title change; it reflects a deep respect for cultural heritage and a commitment to honoring history. As the band continues to evolve in their representation of their roots, fans can expect more discussions around the meanings behind their music.
FAQs
Why was “Arto” changed to “Der Voghormia”?
The title was changed to reflect the actual name of the Armenian hymn that the song is based on, which translates to “Lord Have Mercy.”
What does “Der Voghormia” commemorate?
“Der Voghormia” is often used to commemorate the Armenian Genocide, where approximately 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives in 1915.
Are there other platforms where the title has changed?
Yes, the title change has been noted on Spotify and YouTube, but it remains as “Arto” on Apple Music as of now.
Will physical copies of the album reflect the title change?
It is unclear at this time whether future physical copies of Toxicity will feature the new title “Der Voghormia.”
