SYSTEM OF A DOWN - MEZMERIZE (140 Gram Vinyl)

Many rock bands talk endlessly about their "sound," refining a basic formula until it's either perfect or perfectly boring. System of a Down, however, developed a loyal fanbase with the opposite approach--the group mixes genres so freely that describing what their music sounds like is nearly impossible. Sure, SOAD is, at its core, a metal band, but on MEZMERIZE's first two songs alone, vocalist/guitarist/mastermind Daron Malakian and crew zigzag their way though Beach Boys-like stacked vocal harmonies, Anthrax-esque hardcore thrash, Cameo-style funk, and prog rock of a CARESS OF STEEL-era Rush variety. "Revenga" adds a touch of swooping Freddie Mercury vocal drama to the mix, while "Sad Statue" sports a guitar riff that sounds like a Greek bouzouki. Even sharper, tighter, and more ambitious than System of a Down's previous albums, MEZMERIZE makes for a consistently surprising listen.

Tracklist:

Disc 1

1. Soldier Side - Intro
2. B.Y.O.B.
3. Revenga
4. Cigaro
5. Radio/Video
6. This C*caine Makes Me Feel Like I'm on This Song

Disc 2

1. Violent P*rn*graphy
2. Question!
3. Sad Statue
4. Old School Hollywood
5. Lost in Hollywood

RMFN Notes:

"My favorite SOAD album of all time. This album has aged exceptionally well and in my opinion is their most consistent album to date. Toxicity may get all the glory, but Mezmerize is the album that permanently sealed SOAD's legacy." - Chris