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Bacteria13 Hatross Overlord
Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 2465
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Posted: Sat Aug 06, 2005 8:15 pm Post subject: System of a Down – Mesmerize |
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System of a Down – Mesmerize (American)
Reading some of the reviews from Amazon and other Rolling Stone-like mags I find it horrifying that this … effort is being lauded as one of the better SOAD albums. It boggles the mind to think that ‘Mesmerize’ came from the same band that created the classic ‘Toxicity’ and even their ground-breaking debut.
The problems begin immediate – guitarist Daron Malakian seemingly nudged vocalist Serj Tankian out of the way ‘cos he fancies himself as a singer, yet he fails miserably. Where Serj has one of the most unique voices in metal today, guitarist Daron sounds like any other nu-alternative-pop-metal screamer clogging up the airwaves of MTV, and simply interferes with the distinct sound that SOAD once where.
Secondly – the songs. Opener ‘B.Y.O.B’ (I hate it when bands who use initials for song titles) is an over-drawn jazz-fuck-fest which, lyrically, Frankie Goes to Hollywood did it much better in the 80’s with ‘Two Tribes’. ‘Revenga’ and ‘Cigaro’ come and go, all flash yet no substance. Things do pick up with ‘Radio/Video’, musically it’s quite catchy but once more Daron’s fucking vocals fuck the whole fucking thing up. Don’t mention ‘Violent Pornography’ – a theme song for drunken jocks everywhere.
However, thankfully, there are two stand-out tracks. Album highlight ‘This cocaine makes me fell like I’m on this song’ is prime SOAD, something that wouldn’t have been out of place on ‘Toxicity’. Oh, and the guitarist is no where to be heard – funny, that. And 'Sad Statue' is a diamond in the rough, just a pity it's surrounded by such crap.
This was supposed to be a double album, but the greedy record company figured they’d milk you and me by releasing the first half now and the second half later in the fall. For a band of SOAD’s caliber regarding their supposed anti-corporation stance I find this move intriguing, to say the least. Not to mention that if ‘Hypnotize’ is as bad as ‘Mesmerize’ then System of a Down, along with their fucking fans, can quite bluntly stick it up their ass.
Bacteria13. |
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