Review Summary: System of a down, from beginning to end. This is the best assortment of experimentation, and the best vocals, provided by the highly skilled quatrain.
Being one of the people who rants about the problems of the world is not an easy job. It generally involves boring arguments, and ignorant judgments about what is right, and what is wrong. These people are usually called squabbler's by the small group of people who have managed to keep their minds in reality. But, it's like I said, these battles between societies become very bromidic very quickly. But only just before the arrival of the 21st century has a new spawn of people come into the scene. This unique group of people is the quatrain known only as System of a Down.
If you've any idea about what is really going on in your world, or have ever attempted to get any information about the news, you've probably heard a thing or two about war. Famine, or government intervention are also popular subjects right about this time. Well, what System of a Down does is dive right into the middle of these schemes, and shouts aloud their opinions on it all. This was something that not a lot of bands did, and bands who did attempt this, usually didn’t get far. But System of a Down has managed to get past the wall that politically apathetic zombies have created. The skilled sound presented here, as well as the wise input from everyone in this band, is by far a more enjoyable way to receive input from 'the people'.
S.O.A.D. has undermined nearly every complication that divides people. Everything from religion, to genocide, and war especially is presented here in an amazingly composed musical experience. Rick Rubin has spared no expense in directing this ultimate quatrain. S.O.A.D. has exposed a new lyrical genius to the world that against all odds has been accepted by millions across the globe. Aside from the more mature, and sometimes out of line plots, such as relationships, is also employed an internal conflict between man and society. S.O.A.D. has ultimately composed a grand assortment of ideas and opinions that has never before been blasted into the music industry so quickly.
So where does S.O.A.D. start? With all the issues the world faces, and so many voices to be heard, it's hard to determine where would be the best possible place to begin. Well, the whole concept is to start where some of the most basic premises of disaster began, religion. So you get the first song 'Suite Pee', which arguably the best introduction to any of S.O.A.D.'s albums. This song is a constant battle of riffs between lead guitarist Daron Malakian, and bassist Shavo Odadjian. And as soon as you get past the intro, you get a good look at what this entire album is going to have for you vocal wise.
Serj Tankian is a very wise vocalist. But on side notes from being wise, he is also a very fun, playful fellow. And this is immediately apparent as soon as he starts singing in 'Suite Pee'. And so on from 'Suite Pee' to the hit single 'Sugar' you see the vocals flow out smoothly from Serj. 'Suggestions' slows things down a bit to prepare for 'Spiders', a very soft ballad. But it doesn’t take long for S.O.A.D. to get right back into the routine of things with 'Ddevil', a very upbeat song both musically and vocally, with amazing riffs back and forth. Also in 'Ddevil', is one of the best intros for drummer John Dolmayan skill?
So up until this point in the album, it should become very apparent that this is a band for fun, at least for now. Unlike future albums by this band, instead of coming off as melodic, and operatic, they just go in head strong and give it all they've got.
'Soil' kind of takes the same trip that most songs until now have taken. A side note on suicide, and how other people don’t care about those who feel good. A great multitude of riffs, and more excellent drumming. Also vocals are starting to exhaust nearly every possible avenue of approach. Serj is coming around to experiment with rapping, growling, shouting, and just getting 1200 words out in one syllable is apparent in 'Soil'. 'War?' finally takes one of S.O.A.D.'s real issues with the world, and lets at it. This song goes all out to create a very melodic, in some areas, preachy aspect, but ultimately sticks to the standard for S.O.A.D. 'Mind' takes a completely different route. It starts off with a long, but quiet introduction before coming out in ballad of music that is very unique in composure. As well as excellent lyrics, comes a very tentative approach to combining various verses with chorus. It’s all coming together so beautifully.
So now it seems that S.O.A.D. is already starting to mature. This combination of music, expressed solely on opinions is now becoming a spiritual voyage. The internal conflict is now starting to come around. And no expense has been spared to put it together in the most appropriate manner.
Now, some experimentation in sound is coming into view. This weird, but substantial track 'Peephole' really is all about the sound. The lyrics when you take a good listen, are so encrypted, it is very hard to pull away from this track. 'CubeRT' takes 180 degree turns all throughout. The intro starts off as repetitive, high pitched guitar notes, and then instantaneously goes into a deep, very deep bass sound. Then the verse comes out as strange vocals, and queer guitar sounds. This song in the end though. Is extremely good, arguably the best song on the album. 'Darts' again, 180 degree turns. Except this time, it more revolves around the vocals. Very screeching vocals, along with melodic bridges, and chorus's take a very interesting turn. The whole song is a tentative experience that is a fabulous accord.
Well, after three checkpoints have been seen all over this album, it should be 100% apparent that S.O.A.D. is trying to purify all of their sounds. The interesting part is that their experimentation has become their greatest assortment of intonations. And the outro for this album does nothing short of absolute purification to end a widely acclaimed experience.
P.L.U.C.K. is the grand of the grand. Assortments of ballad like intonations, and heaviness, very experimental guitar sounds, and deep bass are everywhere, from top to bottom. This song really touches the heart; the vocals compile this aspect perfectly. The instruments put together one of the greatest assortments of musical composure I’ve ever heard. Pure genius.
S.O.A.D. has come off as one of the most unique groups ever seen in the music industry. The fact that the opinions have undoubtedly been heard by the audience leaves only the question of how S.O.A.D. plans to go on from here. Will they go the same route, fail at that, or go more melodic, or what? But nevertheless, they have revolutionized the simple sound of heavy metal. Experimenting at every chance they get, the content never overstays its welcome. No involuntary repetition is seen here. The entire album has been foreseen perfectly at the studio, and came out better than could've ever been imagined. A truly grand trip that you'll want to take if you've any interest in metal. Who knows? You might actually learn something about your world in the process.
