System of a Down – Hypnotize
(American/Columbia)

Earlier this year System of a Down released the first part of what is essentially a double album, “Mezmerize” (read the Spacejunk review) , an album which received a great deal of commercial and critical success, despite being a band that many still consider ‘nu metal’. Drawing on a number of influences, not all Western, they have managed to stand out among a number of hard rock/metal bands – some might even say they’re the biggest hard rock band in the world right now.

They are still not without their detractors. While even pitchforkmedia.com has given them a thumbs up, others still find them vexing and even annoying. A common critique is the bands lyrics, which I would not even say are good. I would call them though, appropriate, and it’s something positive to see a band like this get mainstream success given the current political climate. SOAD carry a circus-like atmosphere at times. Some songs are politically motivated, others, like “Vicinity of Obscenity” repetitively and absurdly shout about bananas and terracotta pie whilst alternating between thrash metal and funk.

Of course by releasing two albums in one year, “Hypnotize” has the unenviable task of being compared to its predecessor more than other bands would be. There has not yet been an across the board winner from the critics or the fans, and it took a while to mull it over myself. I think I’ve come to decide they are pretty much equal in quality. Some have tried to differentiate the two by saying one is more epic than the other or that there’s some different theme, but I think those people are just looking for an angle.

“Mezmerize” was a more ambitious effort than anyone expected, and it was the first to feature guitarist/primary songwriter Daron Malakian in a more prominent vocal role. “Hypnotize” has the band musically at times veering more towards 2001’s “Toxicity” in songs such as “Attack” and “U-Fig”, but otherwise it’s more of the same style of eccentric aggression and catchy hooks, which might leave those expecting another jump forward to be disappointed. “Soldier Side”, a full version of a song used as the intro to “Mezmerize”, closes the album to bring the whole thing full circle. It’s probably the most politically charged song from both albums, and lyrically probably the least clumsy.

Both of these albums could have fit on one disc, and had they maybe cut a few tracks, SOAD would have produced an album that would be even more well received among those still unsure about the band. The devoted fans on the other hand, would probably revolt at the idea of giving up any of these songs. – Goon

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Recommended If You Like: Tool, Dead Kennedys, Slayer, Faith No More, Tomahawk