Mezmerize [PA] [Digipak] by System Of A Down (CD, May-2005, Columbia USA)

I've been a System of a Down fan for quite a few years, and this album is nothing short of the brilliance I expected. This band comprised of insanely talented people who know how to play some rockin' music, and do it damn well.

For all of you System of a Down fans, you'll notice that Daron Malakian's (guitar) voice is included in the songs a lot more than on previous albums. Apparently he co-produced the album in addition to the added vocals, the job Serj Tankian (lead vocals) has usually taken control of. Daron Malakian is such a great guitarist it's literally unbelievable, along with his ability to write lyrics. You'll find there are a lot of songs on the new album that are exclusively written by Daron.

"B.Y.O.B" is the debut single for Mezmerize, which was a very wise choice. "B.Y.O.B" carries the usual lyrics you'll find in System of a Down songs: the regular White House bashing blended with the band's personal political agenda. The thing that is really amazing about System of a Down is the way they simply don't care about people taking offense to their personal opinions that they shove in their songs. They don't hold back for anyone.

"Radio/Video" is such a catchy tune I could deem it one the best new System of a Down songs of all time. The lyrics aren't very detailed, though, which surprises me coming from this band. But the addictive style of this crazy song is simply awesome.

"Violent Pornography" . Hmm, I can't really go into much detail with this song, because it has some silly words that probably aren't suitable for the X96 website. Let's just say it has a kickin' beat and interesting lyrics.

"Sad Statue" is probably one of my favorite songs on the whole production. Lyrics are a big part of this song, and I'd recommend paying attention to the words throughout this entire track. "You and me / We'll all go down in history / With a sad statue of liberty / And a generation that didn't agree." This track is just another prime example of how well these guys can create an album; everything just flows so well.

The very last track "Lost In Hollywood" is the softest song on the album, but even with that being said, it is quite powerful in the way it paints a contemptuous image of show business. It was an awesome way to end the album and will definitely be a new System of a Down favorite.

The band writes brilliant lyrics, if you get a chance to pick up this album or listen to any of the songs: look at the lyrics . Reading lyrics in any song just plain kicks ass. Lyrics rule.

And Mezmerize kicks major booty.

I wanted to give a 5, but could not swng it...It is a fantastic album and there best to date. You really have to be a fan to be able to sit and listen the whole way through with the typical screaming synonomous with these fellas. Musically there best put together album yet. Great crushing guitars and drums, and great Deathmetalesh at times vocals from Serj and backing grunts by Daron. Great album for the metalhead.

Ray (TR Collectibles Plus/ Meatalzone)

I bought this Cd Because I couldnt find it in the stores. Ebay was the only place i could find it at a low price.

SOAD rules nuff'said!This band is so different they take so many directions thats what makes them great.The first 2 cd's no doubt where much heavier but they have grown,it is to bad that they may never come up with a new record but I still think it's a publicity game.Until they see how thier solo work comes to pass.But in the mean time we have 4 great albums to listen to.

Another great album from System of a Down.
If you are a fan, this CD is a must have.
Every song is great, with catchy chorus and the unique SOAD vocals that are to be expected.

I bought this becaue I have all of the other System of a Down CD's. I think it is the worst of the thiere 4 CD's.

B.Y.O.B. is an awesome song. good band, good music. This band really knows how to rock. All of there cds rock. Good band. Interesting lyrics.

Mez' is a good rockin' disc... not one bad song if you can handle the lyrics, lol!

In other NEWS:

METALLICA is back to their old tricks...
GO BANG YOUR HEAD!!!

JC ( c:{

i love systen of a down, so thats the main reason i bought this particular album, it is very good, and has many good songs on it, this album goes alo0ng with the hypnotize cd by system of a down, so now i have to get that one so i'll have the whole set, the cd's themselve's look similar, so its kind of hard to tell the differance, but on the cover of the individual cd's it says mezmerize or hypnotize, SOAD rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i would have never believed that i would ever buy this cd, but as the song i liked was on here(BYOB) at the price i won it for, i could not be happier that i bought it!! every song on this cd is great!!

mad good cd its rAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWw as hell

this album seems like it takes its cues from protest rock from the 60's and 70's, but with its own twist. SOAD is known for its off key riffs and odd timing, but thats what makes this album so great. the songs range the gammut from soft ballads like "soldier side" one minute, to brutal hard pounding anthems like "byob" the very next. unlike most of thier contemporaries, SOAD's songs arent about how they want to kill themselves because they hate thier parents or thier girlfriend left them. theyre lyrics are about the dissolution of the modern soldier and thier experiences in a morally ambiguous war. some songs like "lost in hollywood" point out the lack of responsability that celebrity has in our own culture, and how young ones with stars in thier eyes are chewed up and spit out by the hollywood machine. this is more than a rock album, its a scalding look into what this country thinks is really important.

I highly recommend this cd to all System fans. It's hard hitting, politicaly motivated lyrics really get the blood pumping!

System of a Down is an amazing band. This is another one of my favorite albums they have out. I love every song they have on this album.

Great music.... as good as when I was a teenager listening to the good metal and rock bands.(70's,80's,and early 90's) you could listen to the whole album..not one hit wonders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great musicianship. Great songs. I have two prolems with the album. First, it is kind of short. Second, Serj is a much better signer than the guitarist, Darren Malakian. As such, the singing should be left to the singer. All in all, its a cool album.