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System of a Down Mezmerize

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  • System of a Down Mezmerize

    Celebrity Cafe.com, NY
    May 27 2005

    System of a Down Mezmerize

    - System of a Down's fourth album titled `Mezmerize,' which is the
    first part of a two-disc set, whose pair is due this fall, offers a
    breathtaking swerve from the traditional rock we've all heard so much
    of in the past. The Armenian quartet from Los Angeles still offers
    fans their traditional hard rock sound but this time around also
    incorporates elements of hip hop, Armenian folk and electronica. The
    suspense each song has to offer is what makes this album so unique
    from other ones in its genre. You may be thinking how a music album
    can offer an ingredient that is mainly found in motion pictures, but
    most of the tracks on `Mezmerize' pull a fast one on you when they
    suddenly change their pace and rhythm midway. Track number two,
    `B.Y.O.B,' which stands for bring your own bombs, is the best example
    of this genius tool. About presidents and war, the song starts off
    with drummer John Dolmayan's intense beats and guitarist Daron
    Malakian's hardcore riffs to the backdrop of chaotic screaming. `Why
    do they always send the poor?' Malakian shrieks from the top of his
    lungs. Less than 40 seconds into the tune, the beat slows down to a
    point where you can bob your head to it. It takes on its hip hop
    façade, all the while maintaining its hard rock interior. The change
    in pace suits singer Serj Tankian's sarcastic lyrics: `Everybody's
    going to a party have a real good time.'

    An even more head-aching causing, ear thrashing tune, `Cigaro,' I
    didn't like it instantaneously. Perhaps its first impression with
    lyrics that go, `My cock is much bigger than yours,' seemed too
    self-centered at first hear. But then, and literally one minute
    later, Malakian's catchy guitar riff hooked me and wouldn't let me
    go. It was because of that riff that I wanted to understand what the
    song's controversial lyrics were really about. Now listening to that
    song, I can imagine `regulators' sitting around a big table feasting
    on delicacies and comparing the size of their possessions, and not
    just bodily ones.

    `Mezmerize' also has more mellow and folk-y songs for those who
    prefer their rock on the softer side. `Radio/Video' showcases
    Tankian's unique opera-like voice, which crescendos throughout the
    song. This is another one that takes the listener on a rollercoaster
    ride, but not like the most extreme kinds in theme parks. It fuses
    rock with folk beats that make you want to stand up and move your
    arms and legs like the Armenians and Greeks do.

    `Old School Hollywood,' a song Malakian wrote about actor Tony Danza
    after meeting him at a celebrity all-star baseball game, blends
    electronic elements with rock. The guitarist doesn't praise Danza
    though, and it show through lyrics like `Tony Danza cuts in line...Old
    school Hollywood, washed up Hollywood.' At times the interchanging
    voices of Malakian and Tankian sound robotic; then they switch back
    to melodic.

    All the songs on this album are sure to `mezmerize' its audience,
    even first time listeners. Fans who want to get `hypnotized' must
    wait a couple more months for its debut.

    Reviewer: Melody Nazarian new pop

    Reviewer's Rating: 10
    Reader's Rating: 0
    Reader's Votes: 0
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