Mezmerize
by System Of A Down
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: May 17, 2005
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 484 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 423 out of 484
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 484
  3. Negative: 39 out of 484

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  1. NofsGrrl
    May 18, 2005
    7
    Okay, System of a Down has been one of my favorite bands since their debut. I love how I know their album is going to be different than anything else out there. Here is the problem I have with this CD and had a bit with Toxicity: Their first album was a mixture of funny and serious. The fans love the funny, and the serious rocked . But most of all it was an album straight from their Okay, System of a Down has been one of my favorite bands since their debut. I love how I know their album is going to be different than anything else out there. Here is the problem I have with this CD and had a bit with Toxicity: Their first album was a mixture of funny and serious. The fans love the funny, and the serious rocked . But most of all it was an album straight from their heart. Toxicity brought forward their best written song to date, Chop Suey, among other greats, but it made their silly songs seem..well, silly. This album, even more so. Now we sense a huge gap in genuineness between the great songs and songs meant to be funny, which sound like they are trying too hard. If it's for our sake SOAD, please dont waste the space. We will still like Sugar and Devil . But we dont need them on every album if it's not in your heart to make songs like that anymore. Other than that.. great stuff.… Expand
  2. NickK
    May 18, 2005
    10
    Simply amazing.. would you expect anything less from SOAD?
  3. NoahE
    May 19, 2005
    9
    It will be another six months until we are able to make a complete testimony about the complete Mesmerize/Hypnotize project, so this review may only do the project half the justice. But this first punch is quite poignant, with SOAD not once wavering from their idiosyncracy, hardcore metal roots, and, frankly, their mission statement to be as individual as they can be. "BYOB" is a It will be another six months until we are able to make a complete testimony about the complete Mesmerize/Hypnotize project, so this review may only do the project half the justice. But this first punch is quite poignant, with SOAD not once wavering from their idiosyncracy, hardcore metal roots, and, frankly, their mission statement to be as individual as they can be. "BYOB" is a brilliant lead single that hits home like a Top 40 dance club afflicted by the horrors of war, while "Violent Porngraphy" and "Lost In Hollywood" are just as potent, relentlessly exploring the seedy underbelly of society's beast through playful, fierce banter and diatribe. Better be parepared not to let your guard down, because the second punch may just be a knock-out.… Expand
  4. NicHar
    May 19, 2005
    10
    I would have to say that this is, perhaps, System of a Downs most artistic and intelligent album. Whereas Toxicity was pure math/prog metal craziness (with a dash of brains), Mezmerize is quick, thrashy, witty, and something not seen in music: creative and actually smart! I really and truely love every song on this album... but it isnt complete... That's why I'm happy that I would have to say that this is, perhaps, System of a Downs most artistic and intelligent album. Whereas Toxicity was pure math/prog metal craziness (with a dash of brains), Mezmerize is quick, thrashy, witty, and something not seen in music: creative and actually smart! I really and truely love every song on this album... but it isnt complete... That's why I'm happy that Hypnotize is due out in the next few months. I'm sure that this up and coming album will complete SOAD's true masterpiece!… Expand
  5. StudioVermillion
    May 19, 2005
    9
    System of a Down did it again in what I thought was an excellent album. The best thing about SOAD has been their lyrics (when you can understand them.) They have such a beautiful and intriguing way of putting words and music together. Cacophany would be the best way to describe the use of operatic vocals and in your face balls out rock. Mezmerize blasts the cotton candy heavy handed System of a Down did it again in what I thought was an excellent album. The best thing about SOAD has been their lyrics (when you can understand them.) They have such a beautiful and intriguing way of putting words and music together. Cacophany would be the best way to describe the use of operatic vocals and in your face balls out rock. Mezmerize blasts the cotton candy heavy handed message that is shoved down our throats daily into particles. This album made me nervous after seeing massive disasters like Disturbed and their next attempt after a huge hit album, but after a few plays really caught me and makes me want "Hypnotize" even more than this one.… Expand
  6. as
    May 20, 2005
    10
    much better than toxicity
  7. AustinA
    May 20, 2005
    10
    I myself have been a System lover since the beginning. Don't be fooled by whining children like "jake pissoff". System reaches a new level of superiority with this catchy, politically charged assault on all that is wrong with society.
  8. PhilS
    May 21, 2005
    10
    First SOAD Album I have bought and it is fantastic. No duff songs and B.Y.O.B, Radio/Video, Violent Pornography & Question are all classic songs. Can't wait till Hypnotize comes out am also going to buy the other SOAD albums.
  9. J.M.Sarabia
    May 20, 2005
    10
    A new classic for the ages...and its only half of it! System of a Down lives up to there reputation as this album is anything less but "Mesmerizing". I trully cant wait for Hypnotize! 1. Soldier Side - Intro 10/10 2. B.Y.O.B. 10/10 3. Revenga 10/10 4. Cigaro 9.5/10 5. Radio/Video 9.510 6. This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I
  10. AaronA
    May 20, 2005
    10
    this cd is absolutely brilliant. system have played russian roulette with this album by letting daron take lead role and by delving into other genres such as raggae. and luckily havent bitten the bullet because to call this album a success is an under statement, listen to this album for the first few times and let it inject your mind with catchy lines, fresh lyrics and intuative this cd is absolutely brilliant. system have played russian roulette with this album by letting daron take lead role and by delving into other genres such as raggae. and luckily havent bitten the bullet because to call this album a success is an under statement, listen to this album for the first few times and let it inject your mind with catchy lines, fresh lyrics and intuative instrumentals. i still hail s.o.a.d just as much as when i first heard their first 3 albums!… Expand
  11. toerag
    May 22, 2005
    8
    Instantly accessible compared to Toxicity. Good? Bad? I would say bad... Studying the sleeve notes for the first time reveals that Serj Tankian has basically let the others have a go with this album and has himself taken a back seat. Gone are the tear-jerkingly beautiful interludes of guitar and vocal from the man himself, gone is the intense guitar and energy that could induce full Instantly accessible compared to Toxicity. Good? Bad? I would say bad... Studying the sleeve notes for the first time reveals that Serj Tankian has basically let the others have a go with this album and has himself taken a back seat. Gone are the tear-jerkingly beautiful interludes of guitar and vocal from the man himself, gone is the intense guitar and energy that could induce full silent sing-alone ROARS from myself as I sat on the bus with my headphones on drunk as a skunk. Mezmerize is still a fine album - it just doesn't atain the dizzy heights of Toxicity - one of my top 10 albums along with the likes of Van Morrison's Astral Weeks. As a Metal novice I had Toxicity reccommended to me with the warning "Just make sure you listen to it all the way through at least 3 times before you make judgement." It took those 3 listens too, with rests after every couple of songs! And I'm glad I persisted because it is an album I treasure to this day. It's no surprise Serj Tankian is having a rest! Lets just hope he returns for the next release later this year.… Expand
  12. MicheleB
    May 23, 2005
    9
    I needed to know how many people are loving this new cd. Good to know that most are. I am still reflecting on my second listen with complete satisfaction except it's tooo short....Can't wait til November.
  13. MattiasW
    May 23, 2005
    10
    I love this cd, its one of the best creations iw ever heard
  14. AlistairD
    May 23, 2005
    10
    short but addictive, hard to compare to their other albums but it is awsome. Hopefully this will answer the age old question of "why do they send the poor"
  15. RobF.
    May 24, 2005
    9
    To AATCHB: This is not a kiddy band. If you even LISTENED to the CD, you might actually LIKE it. I'm not even sure why Metacritic puts reviews like yours that have no cunstructive criticism at all. So go back to listening to your Beatles music. As for the CD, it is much more ambitious than System of a Down's previous efforts. Tracks like "Old School Hollywood", "BYOB" and To AATCHB: This is not a kiddy band. If you even LISTENED to the CD, you might actually LIKE it. I'm not even sure why Metacritic puts reviews like yours that have no cunstructive criticism at all. So go back to listening to your Beatles music. As for the CD, it is much more ambitious than System of a Down's previous efforts. Tracks like "Old School Hollywood", "BYOB" and "Question!" are experimental, yet fun to listen to. Most of the stuff is more melodic than their previous releases, which is a plus. Serj splitting vocal time with Daron is not very smart, since I love Serj's vocals, but Daron actually does half-decent here, especially on "Lost in Hollywood". Great CD with not much filler.… Expand
  16. jamesb
    May 25, 2005
    10
    great album, maybe even better then toxicity, just maybe :)
  17. Clutch
    May 25, 2005
    10
    This cd is the most original cd Soad has released. Definitely a welcomed edition to their already classic collection.
  18. soporific
    May 25, 2005
    9
    does AATCHB not understand how metacritic works? shows u that only certain people are paying attention.
  19. JoeB
    May 25, 2005
    8
    Not too bad. I'm not typically a fan of speed-rock (or at least not to SOAD standard), but this is just kickass. It's one of those albums that you play loud and rock out to....and that's the best compliment that anyone could give.
  20. AlexK
    May 26, 2005
    10
    This is a sic cd. Its only fault is its length. "Lost in Hollywood" shows the diversity of the band. Deron's vocals add another layer of depth to the album.
  21. ConorT
    May 26, 2005
    10
    This is the most original and addictive sound around. I can't wait for the second half "Hypnotize".
  22. LiR
    May 26, 2005
    10
    This is one of the best cds ive ever heard.
  23. Scott
    May 26, 2005
    9
    The songs don't have the fluidity of their work on Toxicity and their self-titled release, but still manage to maintain some sense of cohesiveness. The songs shift so many times in structure and timing that it's sometimes hard to keep up. However, the melodies and hooks are excellent, and so is the music. Metal for those who don't like Metal.
  24. NilsV
    May 27, 2005
    10
    This one has it all. To start off with I was slightly put off by Darons singing, but hey, the mans got a great voice, and the polyharmonics he and serj create together are hauntingly beautiful. A lot (30% or so) of their fanbase seem disapointed with this... Damn know-nothing little kids imo. A must have!
  25. daanv
    May 27, 2005
    9
    this cd rocks
  26. PatG
    May 27, 2005
    7
    General consensus appears to be that Mesmerize is 'different', which it certainly is, I liked a few of the songs, bit it wasnt the religious experience listening to 'Toxicity'was on first listening. Yeah they've tried to break a mould but less successfully this time.... BTW, how could a guy who produced 'Reign In Blood' give this album such an avarage General consensus appears to be that Mesmerize is 'different', which it certainly is, I liked a few of the songs, bit it wasnt the religious experience listening to 'Toxicity'was on first listening. Yeah they've tried to break a mould but less successfully this time.... BTW, how could a guy who produced 'Reign In Blood' give this album such an avarage 'radio friendly?' sound? A little dissapointed but I keep the faith ......… Expand
  27. DannyP
    May 29, 2005
    10
    Amazing and hard to stop listening toHavent heard anything this good since Toxicity. Cant wait until Autumn and no longer like hollywood. You will Understand when you listen to the last to tracks.
  28. SaraLeipsig
    May 30, 2005
    10
    OBVIOUSLY the guy ahead of me has GREAT taste to not like SOAD...lol... I love EVERY song on mezmorize, I could listen to it all day and still not get enough of it!!!
  29. chuckyo
    May 30, 2005
    10
    wow; definitely in a category all its own
  30. RobertT
    Jun 10, 2005
    10
    Best album I've heard in years. Incredibly refreshing. Track 6 is utterly out of hand. I like the reviews by people saying they don't understand SOAD or that other "real" music is better. No offense, that other "real" music is the reason metal/rock is tired and no longer relavent. It says nothing and people are on to it. Same tired dudes screaming the same tired stuff. SOAD Best album I've heard in years. Incredibly refreshing. Track 6 is utterly out of hand. I like the reviews by people saying they don't understand SOAD or that other "real" music is better. No offense, that other "real" music is the reason metal/rock is tired and no longer relavent. It says nothing and people are on to it. Same tired dudes screaming the same tired stuff. SOAD raises the bar. Say alot and in new ways at loud volumes. Keep it up boys. We need you.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best Album of 2005
5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2005
12
#12 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. E! Online
    91
    You'll be left wondering why other bands aren't so daring.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    90
    Mezmerize doesn't fail to be unique.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    It's heavy and hooky. [20 May 2005, p.73]
See all critic reviews »