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Album Review
by SashaS
20-5-2005
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More on: System Of A Down
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| System Of A Down: 'Mezmerize' = ace! |
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System Of A Down: 'Mezmerize'
(American)
System Of A Down and art of revoltainment
When listening to System Of A Down album - one realises how stagnant Heavy Metal has become. It is not only due to the SoaD’s Armenian proud roots or bravery to jump into the unknown but the way they handle ideas, shape sounds and execute tones. They are the most forward looking band, probably on par with Rage Against The Machine’s best days but with an incredible sense of fun! [It is pity that AudioSlave are fronted by a wrong kind of vocalist for the trio of players’ ambition!]
SoaD have named the new album ‘Mezmerize’ and it bloody does mesmerise as advertised. There is no hype with this band and they simply burn with innovation, spirited explorations, inner interrogation, without sparing feelings on any side and documentary-like view of the world affairs. This is probably one band that has the most dedicated listeners among the FBI, CIA and NSA agents. Guys, it’s only revoltainment!
Gliding in on a mellow-cum-mournful sounding ‘Soldier Side - Intro’ that is instantly succeeded by the blast of ‘B.Y.O.B’, the most incendiary pop-metal track we’ve heard in a long while… Perhaps, since Motorhead’s legendary ‘Ace Of Spades’ but this is more eclectic and combines such an array of elements that is a mind-boggler! Poppy and catchy chorus, rhythm from the depth of HM hell that turns into funky-beat, guitars that burst into barrage of riffage and vocals that delight as much as disturb!
SoaD are the most forward looking band and their tag ‘Thinking man’s metal band’ is more than justified. It feels like this four reprobates - who look… well-distinctive - have taken elements of RATM, Black Flag, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, meshed them all up and seasoned them with legacy of their Armenian origins, adding some ‘gypsy’ spices to concoct an intoxicating sonic cocktail. Monolithic songs… Try ‘Radio/Video’ and get a lesson in dynamics and ethnicity!
Probably the ultimate feel of fury and claustrophobia is achieved on ‘This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I‘m On This Song’… ‘Mezmerize’ addresses subjects such as Iraq, television, imperialism [‘Sad Statues’], Hollywood/American Dream-gone-kaput [‘Lost In Hollywood’] and doesn’t shirk off from tackling any genre, be it folk, Hip-hop, prog or stadium rock. But, the band hasn’t lost its tongue-in-cheek approach and there are songs about the relative size of their manhood.
When Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian [co-producer and main songwriter here] and the rhythmic twosome hit the stride - they are untouchable! And there are 11 reasons here to parade - why.
The only letdown is that this CD lasts just over 36 minutes!? Depress ‘Repeat’ and wait for the second instalment, ‘Hypnotize’, due out within few months.
The future of HM - now!!!
8.3/10
SashaS
20-5-2005
System Of A Down’s album ‘Mezmerize’ is released 16 May 2005 by American/Columbia/SonyBMG
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