| Author |
Message |
|
|
 |
Posted: Apr 20, 2005 - 08:23 PM
|
|
New Member
Joined: Apr 14, 2005
Posts: 33
|
|
(Courtesy of blasted MTV lol)
At 37 minutes, Mezmerize, the first half of the forthcoming double album from heavy mental quartet System of a Down, is the band's most punctual outing. But somehow, the group manages to cram in what feels like three albums' worth of chaotic
riffing, thunderous double-bass-drum blasts, operatic crooning, growling death roars and blazing accordion yes, accordion into the LP's 11 songs.
Perhaps System's tightest and most intense material to date, Mezmerize which comes out on May 17 is loaded with breakneck, Slayeresque riffs and a complex sense of melody that's reminiscent of Faith No More. Fans will probably be jazzed to hear that the album recalls the band's 1998 self-titled debut more often than the less frenzied Toxicity anyone concerned that songs like the lighter "Aerials" and Toxicity's title track signaled a weakening of the group's sound, fear not.
Mezmerize starts deceptively with an acoustic intro, but then lunges forward at bullet-train speed with the furiously paced first single, "B.Y.O.B." Perhaps the most political song on the album, its lyrics pose the question, "Why don't presidents fight the war?/ Why do they always send the poor?"
The band keeps the intensity on full through the following seven songs.
"Revenga" features guitarist Daron Malakian's intricate instrumental work and a deft balance between frontman Serj Tankian's more soothing vocal persona and his trademark rapid-fire rantings. Malakian's piercingly high vocals are actually featured more prominently throughout Mezmerize than any of the band's previous efforts: The guitarist and Tankian trade off lead vocal duties at various points in almost every track, and practically every chorus is dual-harmonized.
"It's the first time that [Malakian] is actually singing lead as well as harmony in most cases," Tankian said. "I love those harmonies; I love those pushing vocals going against each other. Our tonality is just so different that when you put them together, it's like one. If you balance it right, it's like one voice."
Then comes the spastic aural assault of "Cigaro," followed by "Radio/ Video," which boasts a playful, almost circuslike tempo early, and then kicks into high gear with bombastic bass licks and abrasive guitar work. Tankian spouts seemingly free-associated lyrics ("Gonorrhea, gorgonzola") on the hyper "This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I'm on This Song," and it burns rubber with complex riffage and bass lines before stopping on a dime.
The disc finally eases down for its two closers, the digitally manipulated, synth-heavy "Old School Hollywood," and the anthemic "Lost in Hollywood." According to Malakian, the lyrics to the former were inspired by an uncomfortable experience he had playing in a celebrity baseball game.
"I went there just being a guy, not taking it so seriously," he said. "I just wanted to get a shot at hitting the ball in Dodger Stadium, because I am a sports fan. But everyone else there was wearing [serious sports equipment] and they were all in uniform and there was a coach on the team. And I was really uncomfortable that day, to be honest: It was just a strange vibe to be on the same team with people that you grew up watching on television. like Tony Danza. So I just went home and wrote a song that's just what happens to me when I go through some kind of traumatic experience."
So far, details have yet to surface regarding Hypnotize, which is expected to come out in the fall, although it was revealed that the albums will be interactive but not in a way you might expect. Bassist Shavo Odadjian described the halves of the double LP's packaging as one part "male," one part "female," and fans will be able to connect the cardboard packaging of both discs with an extra panel flap. With this extra bit of cardboard, which will be part of Hypnotize's packaging, you'll be able to slide the two together, interlocking them |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Posted: Apr 20, 2005 - 09:36 PM
|
|
Member
Joined: Nov 21, 2003
Posts: 216
|
|
| Accordian? The accordian is amazingly underrated. I've got a song here on Cassette called Little Silver Curl. It's bass+accordian+mandolin. IT ROCKS. Next time yous are at my house, we'll have some tea and have a listen. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Apr 20, 2005 - 10:34 PM
|
|
Almost Member
Joined: Jan 12, 2005
Posts: 82
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
|
|
| AWESOME....this makes me want the album even more! |
_________________
"Everybody Fuckin Jump" - Daron Malakian
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Apr 26, 2005 - 02:03 AM
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Apr 12, 2005
Posts: 11
|
|
| Im super pumped for the album. System of a Down was defiently the best album of the three previous. I really want to hear "This Cocaine Makes Me Fell Like Im On This Song". Described as 'hyper'...deadly! Im so pumped. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Apr 26, 2005 - 08:18 PM
|
|
Member
Joined: Mar 22, 2005
Posts: 267
Location: Michigan, United States
|
|
| This cd is gunna be awesome, the fact that there is accordian is really cool too because no other rock band has that. And even though its only 37 minutes and 11 songs, its about quality not quantity. I would rather have an awesome 11 songs than a crappy 14 or 15 songs. |
_________________
I love music!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Apr 26, 2005 - 11:09 PM
|
|
Almost Member
Joined: May 26, 2004
Posts: 131
Location: Where the air smells like warm root beer, and the towels are oh-so-fluffy
|
|
| The accordion will work as the well as the tuba in Peephole...which means it will rock ass. |
_________________
My sweet revenge
Will be yours
For the taking
It's in the making, baby
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Art makes me feel good,Creation makes me feel good.
Peace makes me feel good, Happiness makes me feel good.
Interaction makes me feel good
-- Serj Tankian
|
|
FAQ
Search
Register
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
