6/6/05

SYSTEM OF A DOWN / MEZMERIZE

While other bands are content to follow trends, SOAD ignore them completely and continue with their unique and twisted take on Metal, which makes them a rare breed indeed and such a joy to listen to. Even the CD sleeve is different, its the wrong way round, the disc is on the left and front cover is on the right.

When I first heard their first album I have to admit that I didn’t get it straight away until I realised that their sense of fun and humour that came out in their lyrics was an integral part of the band and was their heart and soul. Toxicity had a slightly more commercial sound to it but still had all their trademarks without comprise and that is just what we have here, only better. You only have to listen to track like "B.Y.O.B", "Sad Statue" or "Question" or "Cigaro" to realise what I mean, the lyrics are as crazy as ever but poignant "B.Y.O.B" in particular, "You depend on our protection but you feed us lies from the tablecloth" and when Serj scream "why do they always send the poor" in his manic fashion at the start, it leaves you with no doubt how they feel about war.

This is to my mind the most complete System of A Down CD so far, I say so far as this is only the first part of a two part set, I cant wait till the end of the year to hear the rest. If you’re still ignoring SOAD, you’re not a Metal fan.

TOTAL PLAYING TIME = 36 mins + 11 stunning TRACKS