SYSTEM OF A DOWN Mezmerize American 3/5
By Phil Miller
The Herald (Glasgow)
May 21, 2005
SYSTEM of a Down are among the most interesting of American metal
bands, and although that may be deemed faint praise, their mix of
Armenian folk melody, politically conscious lyrics, brutal Slayer-esque
riffs and hardcore-punk yelling is, at its best, a potent brew.
Their last album, Toxicity, was a marvellous racket.
Sadly, however, SOAD’s cogent muse has partially deserted them.
Mezmerize is one of two albums being released by them this year,
and the second opus, Hypnotize, could be better, but here it is only
on a handful of tracks that they hit their impressive best. Although
Sad Statue and Question? soar bombastically and rock fantastically,
and while BYOB romps with thunderous riffage, there is just too much
filler to fulfil the promise of the album’s title.