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"Come eat some chemicals with me," screamed Daron Malakian, the
creative mastermind behind System of a Down, and now, Scars on Broadway. That's
an invitation that 90 percent of the packed crowd in Hollywood's famous
Whisky-a-go-go was gladly ready to take him up on. However, it was merely the
refrain from one of Scar's amazing new tracks and not a
come-with-me-backstage-and-get-fucked-up proclamation.
This delightful little chorus came halfway through Scars' phenomenal debut
show at The Whisky on Friday night.
The club could not have been more crowded, with bodies packed to the walls.
The show's VIP-set included legendary, rock royalty Rick Rubin and
Jerry Cantrell from Alice in Chains , just to name a few. However, the legend in
the house that mattered most was Malakian, who, alongside System skinsman John
Dolmayan, proved that Scars will be one of heavy music's most important acts.
 The band kicked the set off with the high-energy, thrash bombast of "I Like
Suicide." The song segued from a snaky, jagged riff to an ethereal chorus that
instantly pulled everyone in.
"World Long Gone" stood out as Malakian's voice
took center stage, and Dolmayan's drumming got more and more technical.
"Whore
Street" and "Universe" found the perfect middle ground between Slayer and The
Beatles, a place where Malakian is king. He combines a metallic edge with
brilliant melodies for songs that will become hard rock classics. Meanwhile,
clad in all black and bearded with a hat, Malakian looked ready for a rock
revolution a la his '60s heroes.
The scene in the Whisky couldn't have been more frenetic. Before Scars started,
the bar line stretched on forever, but from the first downpick of Malakian's
guitar, all eyes were driven to the stage. Security could barely keep the
walkway clear because everyone wanted to get close—from the Hot Topic kids to
the music industry suits—desiring a glimpse of the latest tricks up Malakian's
sleeve.
By the time the band closed the set with their first track, "They Say,"
one thing was clear, Scars are the future. As Malakian screamed, "They say it's
all about to end," a cacophonous roar erupted out of everyone, from the diehard
fans in the front to the sexy bartendresses in the back. It may be about to end,
but for now, let's all go eat some of those chemicals Malakian promised.
-- Review by Rick Florino -
Artistdirect.com
Scars on Broadway release on July
On the other hand, a press release has been up on
antimusic.com says:
"Scars on Broadway is the long-awaited collaborative effort between
guitarist-frontman Daron Malakian and drummer John Dolmayan, both best known for
their work in the multi-Platinum-selling, Grammy-winning band, System of a Down.
With Malakian sitting in the producer's chair, the two have been in the studio
since last September recording their self-titled debut expected to be released
in late July. More than two-dozen songs were recorded and some
twelve-to-fourteen tracks will make the final album. Currently, the album is
in the final stages of mixing."
Many of the Scars on Broadway songs had their genesis years ago. "I like to
let my songs marinate over time, that helps determine which ones speak to me the
loudest," explained Malakian.
Daron Malakian, who penned or co-penned SOAD classics such as "Aerials,"
"Chop Suey!," "Hypnotize," and "B.Y.O.B.", wrote the Scars songs mostly on
keyboards and a drum machine.
Next Scars show will be at Coachella Festival, The band is set to perform on
Saturday, April 26 in the Mojave Tent at 5:30PM.
credits: mrnovotny
Photos:
greg watermnann
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