Dictator
by Daron Malakian
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
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  1. periscopepete
    Nov 3, 2018
    10
    This is the System album we've all been waiting for. Aside from some of the quirky, folky elements added by Serj (whose solo music is completely lackluster), this could be a System record. It was obvious on Mezmerize/Hypnotize that Daron was doing most of the writing, but this album completely confirms that. Angry Guru could've easily fit on that double album. Favorites: Lives, Angry Guru,This is the System album we've all been waiting for. Aside from some of the quirky, folky elements added by Serj (whose solo music is completely lackluster), this could be a System record. It was obvious on Mezmerize/Hypnotize that Daron was doing most of the writing, but this album completely confirms that. Angry Guru could've easily fit on that double album. Favorites: Lives, Angry Guru, F*** and Kill, Guns are Loaded, and Talking S***. But the whole album is very, very strong (I'd place it above Steal This Album). I hope it gains more popularity because it deserves it.… Expand
  2. allisonjane65
    Aug 23, 2019
    8
    I have to agree with periscopepete, this album is excellent and deserves wider recognition, though probably won't get it sadly.
  3. kirsten123
    Jan 30, 2022
    9
    I will never understand why some great albums are largely ignored by critics and the general public alike. Dictator is such an album and if there's any justice it will be better appreciated in posterity.
  4. Doaaa
    May 25, 2023
    10
    This album is proof of how successful and iconic Daron Malakian is on his own.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Rolling Stone
    Jul 30, 2018
    70
    Standouts include the springy “Lives” (a celebration of Armenian genocide survivors that’s a solid Song of the Summer candidate), the scatological “Angry Guru,” the moody “Talkin’ Shit” (one of many songs with drug references) and the disco-thrash closer “Assimilate.” If it had Serj Tankian and the other System members on it, Dictator could be the album so many have wanted.
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  2. The Independent (UK)
    Jul 30, 2018
    80
    Dictator is everything fans might expect from Malakian and more; a complex, thoughtful and invigorating album that nods to his own personal history and simultaneously links to the wider, tumultuous landscape of America.
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  3. Exclaim
    Jul 30, 2018
    70
    Dictator is a strong release that touches on a lot of the elements of System of A Down's final albums without too many of the quirky moments from those records. Still, it comes across as the comeback record that could have been huge but never happened.
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