1 definition by Oniraikou

Term describing the phenomenon in which a band or artist releases a song or album that is a significant change in style from their previous works but ironically becomes one of their most popular hits, often to the dismay of already established fans.

The term itself derives from the industrial band Filter, whose song "Take a Picture," which departed from their hard rock/industrial sound with a more mellow ballad. The song became their most popular, peaking at #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

Other examples of Filter Syndrome: Spin Doctors - "Two Princes";Sugar Ray - "Fly";Metallica - "Enter Sandman";"Weezer - "Beverly Hills"
That song wasn't like their old stuff, but it got so popular; talk about a case of Filter Syndrome.
by Oniraikou January 8, 2009
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