System Of A Down - Mezmerize + Hypnotize

Blurb
System Of A Down have been around for a while now, and they know they've reached a level where they can experiment and try out stuff without worrying about accusations of selling out, or having the record companies breathing down their necks for sales. This double-album is their fifth production to date, and quite possibly the most diverse and the best too. One thing rankles though, they could have fitted the two albums into one CD and saved the kids some money, the same kids they wanna rally together.

They have been one of the outspoken bands of the generation, with their political commentary carried by jarring harmonies and operatic vocals. How do you categorise SOAD? War, politicians, corporations, celebs, television, everyone has been parodied here. The rhythms are catchy for the most part, and this is a very polished product. 'BYOB' starts it off with a bang, managing to deride boyband choruses too in the song. 'Lost In Hollywood' brings you the emotional tinge 'Californication' (by Red Hot Chilli Peppers) did. There is more vocal mobility on this album as shown in 'Cigaro' and 'Question', and they sound more rueful than anything as to how things have turned out, case in point 'Sad Statue'.

The second instalment is a speed-overdosed yang to the first part's mellower yin. 'Attack' and 'Kill Rock n' Roll' are simply brutal for want of a better word, while the title track 'Hypnotize' is still on radio play rotations everywhere. Again this half of the album closes out as if drifting off to an uneasy sleep, with 'Lonely Day', and the second half of the outro 'Soldier Side' bringing to full circle the intro from the first CD.

SOAD are headliners at OzzFest this summer, which is a due and deserving recognition of how big they have become. As one of their previous albums was aptly titled 'Steal This Album', find a way to beg, borrow or steal this double album, it's worth the listen.

Track Listing

1. Soldier Side - Intro 2. B.Y.O.B. 3. Revenga 4. Cigaro 5. Radio/Video 6. This Cocaine Makes Me Crazy 7. Violent Pornography 8. Question! 9. Sad Statue 10. Old School Hollywood 11. Lost in Hollywood

1. Attack 2. Dreaming 3. Kill Rock N' Roll 4. Hypnotize 5. Stealing Society 6. Tentative 7. U-Fig 8. Holy Mountains 9. Vicinity Of Obscenity 10. She's Like Heroin 11. Lonely Day 12. Soldier Side

Overall Rating
Definitely one of the albums of the year, 9/10 in my book.