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. JimmyB
    Nov 16, 2005
    9
    Albeit ever so slightly short, nothing in this album could be described as filler. A diverse, inventive and suprising album, Meserize is, like many S.O.A.D. album, one whose wide ranging musical techniques prove just how varied metal can be. A must-buy.
  2. OctavioO
    Nov 21, 2005
    10
    Love it. Electrifying music that soothes and liberates the soul. This band has has surpassed its expectations making this album one of their top albums.
  3. BillyR
    Oct 12, 2005
    10
    Absolutely great!!!! The 34 minutes are demential.
  4. PeterM
    Nov 22, 2005
    1
    There is no questioning this is their best work!
  5. gdoggH
    Dec 11, 2005
    8
    great album
  6. AS
    Dec 26, 2005
    9
    My Review: Some of the best SoaD songs are in this album without a doubt. Even the chaotic Vicinity of Obscenity is compelling to listen to and extremely catchy. Hypnotize (song) has a very powerful tune, living up to the band's capabilities. Tentative starts off slightly awkwardly, and what isn't the chorus is a little too tuneless for my tastes. The chorus itself has My Review: Some of the best SoaD songs are in this album without a doubt. Even the chaotic Vicinity of Obscenity is compelling to listen to and extremely catchy. Hypnotize (song) has a very powerful tune, living up to the band's capabilities. Tentative starts off slightly awkwardly, and what isn't the chorus is a little too tuneless for my tastes. The chorus itself has SoaD's classic consistancy that I see as unique beauty. Dreaming has a compelling tune and insightful lyrics, and the same goes for /most/ of U-fig. Particularily the ending bits, where the tempo slows down a bit. Holy Mountains is one of their songs that has a calm tempo, but is far more powerful than most fast songs can accomplish- that goes for SoaD in general. The track "Lonely Day" has a touching tune, but the lyrcis, particularily "the most loniest day of my life" are a bit of an embarrasment rather than touching or serious in any way. With those, and Attack, which is mediocre, SoaD is still going strong, with uniquely deep, striking tunes and songs that will keep fans very, very occupied. -14,Can.… Expand
  7. GregH
    Dec 28, 2005
    9
    The album could have done without "Old School Hollywood." Also, the person who mixed the album needs to use a consistent volume setting-let the band do the adjusting.
  8. AlexC
    Dec 4, 2005
    9
    Last two tracks are my only complaints.
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.»
  13. 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
  14. 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"...
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. JoeCas
    May 23, 2005
    9
    i thought i was a good cd i liked it better than steal this album
  19. camuquengue
    May 24, 2005
    10
    Amazing, that's all I can say cuz I got to listen to it about a billion more times
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. jacyw
    Jun 11, 2005
    10
    Okay so They are my favorite band and i've only recently gotten into metal. I used to be so heavy on rap and SOAD was the only band i would listen to. Thye are so amazing, daring and just all togther NOT afraid to try anything. I recently read the article in Guitar Weekly on Daron Malakian. It was so cool to look at the inner workings of the SOAD and i love the whole band but i would Okay so They are my favorite band and i've only recently gotten into metal. I used to be so heavy on rap and SOAD was the only band i would listen to. Thye are so amazing, daring and just all togther NOT afraid to try anything. I recently read the article in Guitar Weekly on Daron Malakian. It was so cool to look at the inner workings of the SOAD and i love the whole band but i would have to say Daron is my favorite because he writes most of the songs. And they almost always have a meaning and I love that they sing and play about what's real! My favorite album so far is Steal This Album but Mezmerize is absolutely amazing.… Expand
  29. WangChung
    Jun 13, 2005
    9
    A great album, not SOAD's best but still lives up to all the hype with its unprecedented sound and crazy lyrics, the only thing to really complain about is Daron did most of the lyrics, cant wait for Hypnotize.
  30. MattM
    Jun 14, 2005
    10
    Awesome album. I can't believe anyone could say that this is repetitive! I haven;t listened to much metal since my teen years but this just blew me away. Will go close to being album of the year. Its like someone put the band in a room with The Mars Volta & Steve Vai & they procreated this wild proggy beast! Incredible stuff...
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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 »