SYSTEM OF A DOWN: Mezmerize (HEAVY METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

After their legendary "Toxicity", System of a Down returned in May 2005 with "Mezmerize", the first part of a double album, whose the second will be released a few months later under the name "Hypnotize". Despite the delayed release, both albums were recorded in the same timeframe. At just over 36 minutes, "Mezmerize" is System Of A Down's shortest studio album. But given the fury and madness that emanate from it, half an hour is more than enough time to swallow these 11 tracks of unbridled energy.

Following on from "Toxicity", "Mezmerize" is a sonic whirlwind of riffs and screams, from which saving melodies regularly emerge, allowing the band to avoid falling into caricature. The vocals are shared almost equally between Malakian and Tankian, with numerous well-worked backing vocals found on almost every track.

System Of A Down's music is as personal and difficult to categorize as ever, borrowing from a multitude of genres, from thrash and punk to alternative and folk, the latter stemming from the band's Armenian origins. The result is tracks such as 'B.Y.O.B.', an anti-war anthem that alternates pop verses with brutal passages, 'Revenga', which is transcended by a heavy rock bridge, 'Radio/Video', which multiplies moods and almost takes a reggae turn, or 'Violent Pornography', which ends on a rather mainstream alternative rock note. As usual, System Of A Down's lyrics remain rather nebulous, exploring diverse themes such as revenge, violence and war.

The album "Mezmerize" rocketed to the top of the Billboard 200 upon its release, receiving rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Even if the surprise of the debut is less present, the album is far from being devoid of originality, and the band once again shows a real desire to evolve. The second part of this double album, released shortly afterwards, will only confirm this determination. - Official website

SYSTEM OF A DOWN

MEZMERIZE

SONY MUSIC

HEAVY METAL