Review Summary: A slightly disappointing album, but nevertheless Mezmerize still harbors some awesome songs. Even when some of the songs don't work, System of a Down have still produced a great album that's worth a listen.
It's 2005, and System have spent a few years on recording a double record. Out first is Mezmerize, an 11 track record that is sure to bring forth some excellent tunes. There's not much more to expect from this band then some bangin' songs, sweet riffs, strangely vehement vocals, and some delightful instrumentation. It doesn't get any more complicated than this; we want this album to offer some songs that we will remember, and it does, for the most part. The songs on this album are all 'good' songs, but comparing it to earlier releases it isn't as invigorating to listen to. Unlike Hypnotize, Mezmerize accomplishes a goal of being a much easier listen. Both of the double records are similar in song quality, and both have their amazing moments and not-so-amazing moments. However, both of these albums reach some high moments that the other may not reach, and they both keep consistent enough for an intruiging listen.
The album starts with Soldier Side which is a 1 minute intro, something System has never done before. The song's melody will mostly set up the full Soldier Side we will be seeing on Hypnotize. The intro fades into which is one of SOAD's most famous and recognizable songs "B.Y.O.B.". The beginning of the song is a hammer to the face, with charging instrumentation and forceful thrash. As Daron screams "Why do they always send the poor?" you then realize the song is going to be pretty in-your-face. It's a poppy song, with a extremely recognizable and fun chorus, and as I said, it's very much thrown in your face. It's one of the best pieces they've managed to string together, and has become a staple song for them. It, however, doesn't lead well into Revenga, which is a fine love song. While attempting to be heartfelt, it fails a bit. When comparing this to the love songs on Steal Your Album! you feel a bit underwhelmed. Mind you, it is not a bad song, but it doesn't completely work.
Some of these songs don't seem to work well paired with each other. Cigaro does kick in fast and heavy, and offers one of the best headbangin' moments of the album, it is a bit of a ridiculous song. Daron declares "My cock is much bigger than yours"and immediately you're a bit confused. Serj definitely leads it well with his fervent vocals, but even when he does sound cool he sounds like he's gone borderline insane, and you're left feeling confused. This song has almost the most Daron, and speaking of Daron's vocals, they're almost unbearable. Now Daron has his moments where he sounds very nice and intruiging. He proves he's able to keep consistent and sing nicely, but he usually chooses not to. His screechy and almost boy-bandish voice starts to become a tad bit annoying, and you're left longing for Serj to return in the song and have Daron stick to playing the goddamn guitar he's supposed to be doing. One song where he sounds great is Radio/Video, and that song in a whole is great. It starts calm and nice, gets a tad bit ridiculous, but quickly redeems itself. The song becomes sort-of repetitive, but in a good way. The calm, hushed lines of "Hey man look at me rockin out, I'm on the.." sound a bit depressing but very sweet in sound, and it's quickly blown up by Daron and Serj screaming "RADIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO," which is a fine example of how System can change up the formula of the songs, and the funky bridge is definitely a high point to the song.
System has seemed to become too silly on this album, with "This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I’m In This Song". While of course in nature being quirky, it is actually a very intoxicating release. The main melody of the song is actually one of the coolest they've done. It's a strange and goofy song with Serj screaming "Gonorrhea gorgonzola" and "Don't eat the fish" makes you wonder what the hell this even is. While being overly silly, it is still one of the more interesting songs on the album, with a nice piano melody at the end that almost recalls Chop Suey!. Violent Pornagrophy even proves they've become overly goofy, with a strange verse but sublime chorus. The song is not the worst on the record even if it's not that good. However, it just becomes too dumb to keep going. Question! saves the dissapointment though, with ultimately one of the best songs on the album. The main riff is a high point to the song, with Serj's vocals being repitive but sweet. It's probably the most technical song on the album, with the fast part being such an invigorating and "holy ***" moment. Shavo and Daron both are very good at playing technical and fast, as both are very good musicians. John is also worth mentioning, although his drum parts are not as interesting on this album, he is still an excellent drummer, and almost the thing that holds these songs together.
This album has proved to be a little rocky, but it soars so high with Sad Statue, my personal favorite on the album. The riff alone is worth mentioning, as it's definitely the best one on the album. The hard hitting verse and soft chorus go hand-in-hand and are executed so wondrously. Every performance on this song makes it such a wonderful piece and definitely the high point to the album. Old School Hollywood is a strange one, with electro influences and the typical metal. Do they go together? No, not really, but they're done fine and add to the song. The robotic "Old school Hollywood, washed up Hollywood" is a nice touch and a save from how bad these vocals are. Remember when I said Daron is able to sound good but mostly tries to be annoying, well here it is. The vocals are borderline atrocious, but Serj's delivery in the chorus saves the song a bit. I would note it as a prequel to the final track "Lost In Hollywood" which is also one of the best songs on the record. It's a ballad, and it's mostly ruled by the guitar, Daron's vocals and Serj's backing vocals. The guitar riff is calming and the bass and drums work well with it too. Daron actually sounds pretty nice on this song, as he has lead vocals here. His voice works well with the songs feel, and Serj's backing vocals fit the song well. The song is ultimately a great closer to the album, and leaves you in a cloud of wonder, wonder of what that all was that you just listened to of course.
As always, the instrumentation is still oustanding, even if some of the songs don't quite work. Daron's guitar playing is definitely excellent, but the technical playing is gone again. He's back to those chugga-chugga thrash riffs, and while they work, they aren't as interesting as his technical playing. Shavo, when he's actually ***ing audible is an excellent bassist, and adds nicely to the song. He's definitely the underlying player here, as most metal bassists are. John is the glue that holds these songs together, and while his drum parts are not as captivating as past releases, he's still an awesome drummer nontheless. Serj's vocals, while mostly overshadowed by Daron, are great as always. He's kept a lot of the quirkiness he's used and has blended it with his main vocal style to produce something truly unique. Daron's vocals are nearly unlistenable, but when he's able to sound good, he does. When he chooses not to, well then he doesn't. Still, even when some of the songs here don't work fully, this band is still comprised of excellent musicians who play some nice heavy metal.
So what is Mezmerize? Well, it's definitely a great album. There are truly some great songs and the instrumentation is fantastic. However, it's execution of being a great album slips a bit. Even if the album is solid, it doesn't completely captivate you as previous releases have, and when paired to the first 3 albums, Mezmerize underwhelms a bit. Especially when comparing to it's masterpiece of a predecessor Steal This Album!, that's when it really disappoints. However, even when it buckles down, this album still harbors some very good songs. In the end, Mezmerize is definitely a tad bit underwhelming, but it's still an easy listen and definitely worth a look.
Favorite Track: Sad Statue
Least Favorite Track: Old School Hollywood
