System of Down - Mezmerize

Review by Brett W. Bertram

I've never anticipated an album release as much as I have the release of the new System of a Down CD. I've waited patiently, listening to Steal this Album over and over again in my vehicle, almost 17 million times. I'm still still not tired of it, nor of Toxicity. I've been convinced for years that these guys will have a place among the true luminaries of rock music, but this new album proves that they are among the most creative ensembles of the past 30 years or more.

I was almost as afraid to listen when a friend of mine handed me an advance leaked internet version of the CD. As much confidence as I had in the bands' greatness I was still afraid of being disappointed. Now I can't wait to go buy the authentic hi-fi release.

If you're is familiar with the music of SOAD, you may hear a definite evolution in their music. The first CD, System of a Down is less melodic than Toxicity or Steal This Album. It is dominated by the hardcore riffs of Daron Malakian and the Serge Tankian's death voice. The story as I heard it is that they had all of the music for both Toxicity and Steal This Album written, but they released them at different times. That seems similar to Mezmerize and Hypnotize. I figured they would either go back to a more hardcore monotone vocal ala death growl or expand on the direction they seemed to be taking with vocal harmonies. I appreciate innovative melody and harmony. In my opinion, the word "music" is defined by the presence of melody. The hardcore death metal die-hards may call using melody "going commercial," but I disagree. Simon and Garfunkel, Queen, Veruca Salt and now System of a Down are great examples of bands across generations that use harmony to its fullest potential.

I popped the CD into my vehicle's player. The first thing to hit my ears was a clean, almost twangy guitar with wall of minor vocal harmony. Strings and backing vocals kick in as the very short, beautifully poignant piece named "Soldier Side" ends just as you're ready for it to begin. Curiously the strings are not in the mix in the official release version I just received in the mail. I feel I must also point out that I bought the CD from the SOAD website and it  included a a really cool black Mezmerize Tee shirt. THE SHIRT IS MADE IN USA!!! Imagine how much more money they could make by selling much cheaper Chinese or Taiwan made shirts! These guys rock in a big way.

The next track, "B.Y.O.B" shocks you back into the reality that you are indeed listening to System of a Down. Once you're a few bars into that though, there comes that pesky melody again. I could hum the chorus after one hearing. Can you say MEGA HIT? Inevitably you'll hear the industrial purists (I use the word "purist" politically) screaming "commercial," and "sell out" etc. That although, is bullshit. This album is filled with non-commercial (I'm assuming Armenian) folk-like melodies woven into complex time signatures and keys. This is not commercial, it is a purely original amalgam of influences/styles that has grown much greater than the sum of its parts.

Cigaro, hmmm. It really grew on me. I see maybe Arnold Schwarznegger and the typical silk suited idiots that frequent upper crust cigar bars and politicians bartering favors when I listen to this song.

Tack 8, "Question!" is a most powerful piece. It makes my jaw drop. There is a standout performance on the bass and the drums, adding a huge amount of character to the song. The guitar riff behind the chorus is tastefully sparse by itself, but when combined with the vocals it becomes the driving force.

From the first cut to the last it is a tapestry of color, flavor and sound. It is like eating a 15 layer torte, with a different flavor in every bite. I use these terms for lack of better descriptors. These songs are crafted with a touch of genius. Tankian and Malakian's crazily moving harmonies go to places that challenge the ear and leave it very much exhilarated. Tankian's command of the language and his understanding and use of poetic license is unbelievably good.

I hope that these wonderfully creative individuals stay together and continue to evolve. If they do, they will surely earn a place in the rock musical canon, because they are without a doubt, heads and shoulders above any other artists currently involved in the music business.

   Brett W. Bertram