Review – Mezmerize by System Of A Down

Written by tinfoil on Monday, 12 September 2005 15:19

Wow, ok, so this CD was released back in May and I'm only just reviewing it? No, I actually forgot I reviewed it and when cleaning up my hard drive I came across it. So, enjoy. I know I did.

For the record, I will not be commenting on any of the political undertones of the lyrics or any of the other high-brow topics that would make me look intelligent. I already have a smoking vest complete with leather elbow patches, so I don’t need any more help with that.

Since the day I heard Sugar!, I was a card carrying SOAD fan. The vocal work and quirky musical styling of Serj and the boys makes me smile every time I hear a song from them and look forward to every new release with the impatience of a five year-old on Christmas Eve. They are a unique band with a sound that is unmistakable and, so far, the recording industry hasn't even tried to clone them.

While it is true that lyrically they are one of the most intelligent bands currently putting music to plastic, Serj could be singing about getting his back waxed for all I care. While I do share many of his political views, I don't listen to SOAD for the political statements just as I ignored the statements made by RATM. I listen to music for the enjoyment of listening to music. If I want politics, I'll turn on the T.V. or spend a few soul-draining moments on The Huffington Post or some other political rag.

So onto the music already.

If you're coming to Mezmerize with the idea that it is supposed to top Toxicity, you will likely be disappointed. It isn't. It is, at most, a continuation of Toxicity/Steal!. It is a somewhat different direction for the band, a little more laid back, a little less urgent sounding but it is still SOAD. It is still downright weird at times, still SOAD.

Right off the bat we will hear that guitarist Daron Malakian has taken a much more prominent role vocally in the album with equal rights on most songs on Mezmerize. His vocal style is as unique and compliments Serj's vocal work very well. When I first heard Daron's vocals oh those many years ago, I wasn't sure if I cared for them but his voice grew on me and now I don't think SOAD could be SOAD without them. Serj doesn't step aside to let Daron do his thing. He's like a great lead guitarist, he knows when to shut-up when he needs to, and he does.

Musically they haven't deviated a LOT from previous albums. There are some new directions explored on this CD as evidenced in Radio/Video, Violent Pornography, Question, as well as Old School Hollywood and Lost In Hollywood. Other tracks expand on some of the tried, tested & true SOAD pieces, and that's OK by me. I like evolutionary CDs, not so much revolutionary. Serj isn't exploring anything new vocally, but that too is OK by me. Shavo & John conspire on a solid rhythm that isn't overly complex and is typical of the pair. They are understated throughout most of it, but when given the chance they stand out and take the spotlight.

Radio/Video and Lost In Hollywood are the brightest spots on the disc. Radio/Video is a sucker punch; it's fast & unexpected. Lost In Hollywood is the CDs ballad. It's straight to the point lyrically and Daron/Serj play off of each other amazingly in this song. In all honesty the only song I didn't care for is Sad Statue. I can't put my finger on it, but it just doesn't do it for me.

Still, I don't think I was as blown away with Mezmerize as I was with Toxicity. I know the band says it's not supposed to compete, but people will compare the two. It is a fantastic CD and well worth the price. My only real complaint is why the hell did they move to a new tuning? Every other CD has been dropped C and now they're dropped C#? Damnit. I'm only just starting to pick up the guitar and they have to throw that wrench into things?

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