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. chuckyo
    May 30, 2005
    10
    wow; definitely in a category all its own
  2. Lubo
    May 30, 2005
    10
    genial
  3. 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!!!
  4. michaelassin
    May 30, 2005
    10
    This CD is fuckin amazing Daron really pulls it off with his insane guitar riffs and unique style and serj's hypnotic voice this Cd just pulls you in with curiousity this Cd won't let you down.
  5. Raymond
    May 29, 2005
    1
    BYOB is possibly the worst song of all time - rivalled only by the rest of the tracks on this album. Random political ranting does NOT make an album good - combine this with dull, uninspired music and suddenly people are calling it a masterpiece? Great music always makes you *feel* something. This only leaves you wondering "was that it?".
  6. 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.
  7. AGuy
    May 28, 2005
    1
    I HATE S.O.A.D. because their lead singer sounds so horrible and annoying. The music is good and hard, and the lyrics are pretty reaserched but the singer ruins it completly. I gave it a 1 because B.Y.O.B. is an alright song.
  8. DavidL
    May 28, 2005
    5
    Even more random and less mature then "Steal This Album!", less frantic then "Toxicity", less surprisng then "System Of A Down", "Mezmerize" is the most banal album System Of A Down has came up with, so far. There's nothing intriguing, thrilling or innovative in "Mezmerize", just good production and intense performances that, here, are not supported by coherent songwritting.
  9. JonathanP
    May 27, 2005
    5
    I cant score this a 0, because I haven't heard it all.. but any album that spawns BYOB deserves some major slagging. It's honestly the worst track I've ever heard on the radio. Dreadful.
  10. MarkM
    May 27, 2005
    5
    I have no idea where this high rating came from. I mean there are maybe 3 memorable songs on this album. Toxicity is soo much better than this album. SOAD fans will enjoy this album, but it is def not as good as its rating suggests.
  11. ChrisK
    May 27, 2005
    10
    Pretentious people are stupid. I can't believe who would listen to Ruins wouldn't listen to this. Screw them. This is one of the best albums of the year. Screw the person who still listens to the entire Matador catalog and thinks he is so indie.
  12. Yoh
    May 27, 2005
    9
    Quite surprising but still awesome, loud, violent and creative. SOAD is this kind of band that have things to say, and they say it well and loud. As a first impression I was a bit surprised hearing Daronon most songs, but after all it's ok. Great album, go for it
  13. 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!
  14. 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
  15. daanv
    May 27, 2005
    9
    this cd rocks
  16. J
    May 27, 2005
    10
    An excellent album through and through, while i admit it is a bit more "poppy" than there previous albums its still brilliant and ads the sound. Basically its white shit hot and some of the chorus' are just too catchy. (see violent pornography) BYOB rains supreme though, my new favourite SOAD song
  17. Jared
    May 27, 2005
    0
    This is seriously the worst band of all time.
  18. DiewittD
    May 26, 2005
    10
    This album is just unique, original, catchy, and best of all, is just plain good. I could listen to this album for days. All of the songs are different from each other, and yet, all of them are System of a Down. Buy this album if you can.
  19. LiR
    May 26, 2005
    10
    This is one of the best cds ive ever heard.
  20. ConorT
    May 26, 2005
    10
    This is the most original and addictive sound around. I can't wait for the second half "Hypnotize".
  21. 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.
  22. LukasF
    May 26, 2005
    10
    Soad are the best
  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. chrisb
    May 25, 2005
    1
    Man this album is awful. This is just as bad as the new Finch album.
  25. jamesb
    May 25, 2005
    10
    great album, maybe even better then toxicity, just maybe :)
  26. MikD
    May 25, 2005
    9
    amazing from start to finish..this one just grows and grows on you. Daron's melodic assault goes into Bad Brains, Queen and Zappa territory this time around. The vocal and guitar pyrotechnics are astounding, but the hooks stick in your brain long after you picked up your jaw off of the floor.
  27. Clutch
    May 25, 2005
    10
    This cd is the most original cd Soad has released. Definitely a welcomed edition to their already classic collection.
  28. JeffH
    May 25, 2005
    1
    How many metal variations of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody can you come up with? And the propagandist lyrics are even less thought out.
  29. GeneV
    May 25, 2005
    7
    My rating is the number of songs on the CD that I will actually listen to. Chris C: System of a Down was NEVER a cookie cutter band. They were always original. If anything they were more original 6 years ago than now. On S.O.A.D, every song just bled into the other perfectly. They knew how to make a complete kick @$$ album. Every lyric was inspired and uncliched. Slowly into the world of My rating is the number of songs on the CD that I will actually listen to. Chris C: System of a Down was NEVER a cookie cutter band. They were always original. If anything they were more original 6 years ago than now. On S.O.A.D, every song just bled into the other perfectly. They knew how to make a complete kick @$$ album. Every lyric was inspired and uncliched. Slowly into the world of pop they fall, making singles instead of albums. Us old fans cross our fingers from one song to the next, in hope of them rising again.… Expand
  30. 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.
  31. soporific
    May 25, 2005
    9
    does AATCHB not understand how metacritic works? shows u that only certain people are paying attention.
  32. maddog
    May 24, 2005
    9
    If we accept that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then this is a great piece of work. Sounding on some tracks like the reincarnation of Jello Biafra, SOAD have saved the best until last. 'Lost in Holywood' (and remember, you read it first here) is in fact, 'Street Spirit' off Radiohead's The Bends. A closer clone even than the Flaming Lips' copy If we accept that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then this is a great piece of work. Sounding on some tracks like the reincarnation of Jello Biafra, SOAD have saved the best until last. 'Lost in Holywood' (and remember, you read it first here) is in fact, 'Street Spirit' off Radiohead's The Bends. A closer clone even than the Flaming Lips' copy of some limp Cat Stevens song.… Expand
  33. 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
  34. Yvette
    May 24, 2005
    8
    Great album. I'm glad I bought it. I recommend anyone else that's on the fence to buy it. It is not a one dimensional album.
  35. paradoxchyld
    May 24, 2005
    8
    the only cd i been listenin to for the past week. my fav song is radio/video.. its awesome til it gets to sad statue...that song and old school hollywood are horrible, deeply disappointed...the album ends with a whimperish whine over how ppl fuck everyone over in hollywood..i frankly dont give a sh*$#, and i hate it when daron orders all the bi#$*&!es to throw their hands up in the the only cd i been listenin to for the past week. my fav song is radio/video.. its awesome til it gets to sad statue...that song and old school hollywood are horrible, deeply disappointed...the album ends with a whimperish whine over how ppl fuck everyone over in hollywood..i frankly dont give a sh*$#, and i hate it when daron orders all the bi#$*&!es to throw their hands up in the air...wack! except for those 3 tracks, this half of the double album is for the most part a masterpiece and testifies to the phenomenon that is and always will be System of a Down.… Expand
  36. camuquengue
    May 24, 2005
    10
    Amazing, that's all I can say cuz I got to listen to it about a billion more times
  37. edzilla
    May 24, 2005
    2
    This album sounds completely different from their past efforts and that's not a good thing. It seems production and band chemistry has changed for the worse. Serj has to pretty much split vocal time with Deron 50-50 and the songs seem to be silly without substance, and overproduced. Sadder still, SOAD plans on releasing another CD this fall -"Hypnotize" - when they should have This album sounds completely different from their past efforts and that's not a good thing. It seems production and band chemistry has changed for the worse. Serj has to pretty much split vocal time with Deron 50-50 and the songs seem to be silly without substance, and overproduced. Sadder still, SOAD plans on releasing another CD this fall -"Hypnotize" - when they should have filtered the best tracks for this album then released b-sides sometime in the future.… Expand
  38. JoeCas
    May 23, 2005
    9
    i thought i was a good cd i liked it better than steal this album
  39. SheaE
    May 23, 2005
    10
    I think this album is just as good as Toxicity. More "poppy", but the same brilliant original metal. All the songs transition nicely to make a very enjoyable listen. It will probably be the one of the best albums to come out on a major label this year.
  40. 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.
  41. 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"
  42. MattiasW
    May 23, 2005
    10
    I love this cd, its one of the best creations iw ever heard
  43. AATCHB
    May 23, 2005
    0
    This is the last time I'm on this site. Can't believe my eyes, how can this kiddy-band get 90% ?!?
  44. bobhope'sdad
    May 22, 2005
    9
    I see how System fans hate this cd.. On some tracks they just arent metal. but anyone can play simple riffs, system instead has tried some new things, some much more melodic tracks, and mostly a combo of metal riffs w/ catchy melodies. i think it works because they still retain their quirky and distinct style, but i wont be surprised if they lose a lot of their fans.
  45. texaspat
    May 22, 2005
    10
    System of a Down is one the hottest, most intelligent, and original bands out there. They are clearly proving that rock genre is NOT fading. I would not say that this album is better than the previous. All of the albums so far are so different, its simply a matter of taste. However, this album contains less songs with silly lyrics (see Bounce). Songs such as Cigaro, B.Y.O.B., and Revenga System of a Down is one the hottest, most intelligent, and original bands out there. They are clearly proving that rock genre is NOT fading. I would not say that this album is better than the previous. All of the albums so far are so different, its simply a matter of taste. However, this album contains less songs with silly lyrics (see Bounce). Songs such as Cigaro, B.Y.O.B., and Revenga all infuse heavy raging polemic, jarring rhythms, and complicated melodic lines which has become so characteristic of System of a Down. B.Y.O.B is one of my personal favorites. That a band can come with albums that are so distinct, so original, and so defining is an indication of System of a Down's upward path.… Expand
  46. 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
  47. danieln
    May 22, 2005
    9
    Wow what can i say , system of a down at their very best. An experience of metalic wit moulded together by lyrical originality,breath and ingenuity altogether encased in a divergent musical journey. favourite song has to be ``radio/video`` which shows the intelligible intertwing of simple but effective lyrical briliance and playful , intriguing guitar playing. My only grievance is that Wow what can i say , system of a down at their very best. An experience of metalic wit moulded together by lyrical originality,breath and ingenuity altogether encased in a divergent musical journey. favourite song has to be ``radio/video`` which shows the intelligible intertwing of simple but effective lyrical briliance and playful , intriguing guitar playing. My only grievance is that its all over a bit too quickly but hey theres always the repeat button . Excellant album show casing the brilliance and originality of the visionaries that are system of a down!… Expand
  48. PeteK
    May 21, 2005
    9
    I
  49. PhilipR.
    May 21, 2005
    6
    Not bad, but definetly not good. The first two were way better. Even the collection of B-side and other rarities was a better record. Why? Cause the guitarist should play guitar and stop trying to sing or scream. Frustrating really. Some song still are good though. And the lyrics are way poorer than on the first two. Not a bad cd, but disapointing from such a great band.
  50. ChrisC
    May 21, 2005
    9
    It's nice to see one of the ubiquitous cookie cutter metal bands finally branching out into truly interesting music. If all popular bands suddenly decided to make original music that sounds different from the mind-numbing dreck that originally made them popular, mainstream radio would be worth listening to.
  51. NoelF
    May 21, 2005
    1
    I've never understood SOAD. Their music is PAINFUL to listen to. Musically, it doesn't flow or resemble anything like music.
  52. 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.
  53. 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
  54. 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
  55. 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.
  56. as
    May 20, 2005
    10
    much better than toxicity
  57. jakepissoff
    May 20, 2005
    0
    i never thought id see the day that system of a down comes out with a shitty cd....ive been into system since their jaw-dropping debut....i was there when they did something unbelievable and actually followed it up amasingly....but this is just horrible....too much deron's shitty voice....too poppy not hard at all anymore....they just barely hang on to some of their old syle with i never thought id see the day that system of a down comes out with a shitty cd....ive been into system since their jaw-dropping debut....i was there when they did something unbelievable and actually followed it up amasingly....but this is just horrible....too much deron's shitty voice....too poppy not hard at all anymore....they just barely hang on to some of their old syle with byob, cigaro, and this cocain....but i think that the songs that really kill system of a down are the last 2 songs...."old school hollywood baseball?!?!?" that is not system at all....to all of you new school system fans, i hope your all happy that you killed possibly the greatest and most original bands ever.… Expand
  58. LockneO
    May 19, 2005
    10
    System of a Down is awesome! This CD doesn't just spew political comments (like the reviewers have put it). It's a very good CD with headbanger songs such as "Violent Pornography" and songs that could mean more if you just "feel the music"...
  59. 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
  60. VladA.
    May 19, 2005
    8
    its funny how snot nosed "professional" reviewers like john robb from playlouder writes that this album kicks the crap out of indie kids' music like its a west coast east coast rap fewd. good music should be recognized as good music by everyone and it just so happens that there is more good indie music than major label produced music. and we all know theres a good reason for that. its funny how snot nosed "professional" reviewers like john robb from playlouder writes that this album kicks the crap out of indie kids' music like its a west coast east coast rap fewd. good music should be recognized as good music by everyone and it just so happens that there is more good indie music than major label produced music. and we all know theres a good reason for that. anyways, im listenin to mezmerize now and its pretty standard SOAD, which to say is very intriguing stuff. i wonder how it will age tho. i cant listen to toxcitiy anymore.… Expand
  61. MarkC
    May 19, 2005
    9
    Woooow. Plain simply, woow! This album is hypnotising (ironic, isn't it). It really is an early contestant for album of the year. Blast beats (oh yes!), death growls, polka, bizarre chanting, thrash riffs and out of this world melodies, all in one consistent and so damn catchy package that can only make me say: «Damn summer, you'd better be short.»
  62. Chris
    May 19, 2005
    9
    Great album. As good as anything they've ever done. Can't wait for Hypnotize!
  63. 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
  64. 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
  65. NickK
    May 18, 2005
    10
    Simply amazing.. would you expect anything less from SOAD?
  66. Sublmnlmssgss.
    May 18, 2005
    9
    I'm glad to hear daron's guitar back in the front without a million backing guitar tracks muffling out the madness that his hands are capable of wreaking on that stringed demon. It's a lot clearer of a mix this time. System have hit that punk sound I'm certain trying to find for all the complicated studiowork involved in everything after the debut. Nothing will ever I'm glad to hear daron's guitar back in the front without a million backing guitar tracks muffling out the madness that his hands are capable of wreaking on that stringed demon. It's a lot clearer of a mix this time. System have hit that punk sound I'm certain trying to find for all the complicated studiowork involved in everything after the debut. Nothing will ever touch the gravity of that initial release but this album seems much closer to it, in the way that it breathes and twists and chunks and fires at you much more threateningly than anything on Toxicity or Steal this Album!, a job well done by the boys we were always glad made it to the top to blare that almost obnoxious madness onto the entire galaxy. This one is going platinum quickly.… Expand
  67. BrianJ
    May 18, 2005
    9
    I have loved System of a Down since their first album! Mezmerize does not disappoint!
  68. ChrisG
    May 18, 2005
    10
    Awesome. Sure the album is only 36 minutes long, but it is amazingly consistent. Every track offers something different, and the band comes with more of a 2 singer attack then they ever have. Daron Malakian has a bit of a thin voice, but he more than makes up for it with the emotion heard in his singing and the great vocal harmonies throughout the album. This album is in full attack mode Awesome. Sure the album is only 36 minutes long, but it is amazingly consistent. Every track offers something different, and the band comes with more of a 2 singer attack then they ever have. Daron Malakian has a bit of a thin voice, but he more than makes up for it with the emotion heard in his singing and the great vocal harmonies throughout the album. This album is in full attack mode for just about it's entire length, with bits of melody slightly spread throughout. If "Hypnotize" can match this album's quality then System of a Down may be on their way to be this generation's metal kings.… Expand
  69. 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
  70. Gnarles
    May 18, 2005
    6
    Mezmerize contains all of the things we love about System Of A Down, but somehow the album just doesn't impress as it should. In fact, it's not even as good as Steal This Album, which was nothing but "throwaways". A significant problem is the sound, which is weirdly hollow and pro-tooled for a Rick Rubin production; the guitars are mixed way too high and the drums too low. It Mezmerize contains all of the things we love about System Of A Down, but somehow the album just doesn't impress as it should. In fact, it's not even as good as Steal This Album, which was nothing but "throwaways". A significant problem is the sound, which is weirdly hollow and pro-tooled for a Rick Rubin production; the guitars are mixed way too high and the drums too low. It just lacks "bang". Another nag is that Daron Malakian takes up a lot more lead vocals on this outing, and he doesn't have a very compelling voice, to put it as nicely as possible. Finally, for this being only the first official System album in 4 years, it shows alarmingly little growth, instead relying on the same old System tricks, which were once dazzling but are now too familiar to be totally effective. There are great moments on Mezmerize, and few bands these days can produce the same thrill as a System song that truly coalesces in all the right ways. But here's hoping that this fall's sequel album, Hyponotize, thrillingly completes a story with a mildly uninspired beginning.… Expand
  71. LauraS
    May 18, 2005
    10
    The best SOAD album to date, without a doubt. Everything I loved about them on their other albums is only better here.
  72. ME40
    May 18, 2005
    10
    Great CD, way out there, but in the good.
  73. RandyH
    May 17, 2005
    8
    As theatrical, schizo, thrashy and melodic as ever, System's Mesmerize is a hard album to judge on its own, since it's really only half of a greater whole. Much like Radiohead's Kid A/Amnesiac or even Kill Bills 1 & 2, the big picture will only become clear once all is revealed. That said, Mesmerize is sure to thrill hardcore fans, especially those loyal to the breakneck As theatrical, schizo, thrashy and melodic as ever, System's Mesmerize is a hard album to judge on its own, since it's really only half of a greater whole. Much like Radiohead's Kid A/Amnesiac or even Kill Bills 1 & 2, the big picture will only become clear once all is revealed. That said, Mesmerize is sure to thrill hardcore fans, especially those loyal to the breakneck time-changes and operatic vocals so prevalent on their debut. This time around, though, the twin attack of Serj and Daron's (who practically shares lead vocal duties now) swelling harmonies are beautiful...and devastating. As a stand-alone record, Mesmerize is solid, but lacks the untouchable flow found on Toxicity. Things tend to lose steam around track 8, but getting there is a mind-blowing ride, thanks to standout tracks like "Revenga", "Radio/TV" and "Violent Pornography." The already tried and true "B.Y.O.B." could possibly be the track that appeals to both the TRL pack as well as the Headbanger's Ball sect. Meanwhile "Cigaro" and "This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I'm On This Song" are short blasts of irrestible madness. While diehard fans may see the gap between the two albums as a cruel tease, if Mesmerize is any indication, they can count on their patience being rewarded when Hypnotize finally drops later this year.… Expand
  74. S.Toncray
    May 17, 2005
    10
    System of a Down has always been a great, daring band, and this album proves it even more, likely being even sharper than all of their previous efforts. Clocking in at around 36 minutes, it not only whets the appetite for the upcoming 'Hypnotize', but also restores my faith in good ol' brainy metal. This album excedes my expectations in every way, and is off the wall and System of a Down has always been a great, daring band, and this album proves it even more, likely being even sharper than all of their previous efforts. Clocking in at around 36 minutes, it not only whets the appetite for the upcoming 'Hypnotize', but also restores my faith in good ol' brainy metal. This album excedes my expectations in every way, and is off the wall and politically charged, all at once. "B.Y.O.B." is amazing, "Cigaro" is a chunk of hillarious cock rock, and the closer, "Lost In Hollywood" is a very touching song, with the vocal intweaving of Tankian and Malakien working to a sublime extent. Malakien's vocals are put much more front-and-center with this album, though thankfully, Serj is not undercut in any way. Overall, every track on this album is excellent and I cannot praise it enough! I liked it better than the new NIN, QOTSA, and Garbage albums as well, so if you're going to pick one rock album to purchase out of the latest crop, make "Mesmerize" the one. You will not be disappointed!… Expand
  75. JeremyO
    May 17, 2005
    9
    A very good way to come back after the long drought between albums
  76. Ahmedn
    May 17, 2005
    9
    Pretty damn good album...solid...i liked toxicity a lot more...but this one is a lot more melodic...and overall a solid effort...i liked this a lot more then Steal this album...they make this album a lot different from there last as well. So go out there and get it! Love the Radio/Video song.
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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]
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