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
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