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. Matt
    Jun 9, 2005
    8
    Hard hitting political messages in a time when the U.S. is in big trouble because of Bush.
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. JimmyJ
    Jun 21, 2005
    8
    fugazi hardcore? whoa you have no idea of what you're talkng about, stop name-dropping seriously, makes people look extremely ridiculous
  5. DislocatedDrummer
    Jul 13, 2005
    8
    Well this is a pretty good album. There is only one problem though. They are doing stuff that is really really new to all system fans. They are doing like this pop-like rock almost. Im not saying for them to keep everything the same but i would like to see them do a little more metal than they are doing. If they start to do stuff like those gay faggy emotional rock bands that all of those Well this is a pretty good album. There is only one problem though. They are doing stuff that is really really new to all system fans. They are doing like this pop-like rock almost. Im not saying for them to keep everything the same but i would like to see them do a little more metal than they are doing. If they start to do stuff like those gay faggy emotional rock bands that all of those popular highschool kids listen to(which they arent now, dont get me wrong) then i will be mad. Bottom line this is a good CD and system of a down is my favorite band.… Expand
  6. Johnr
    Aug 20, 2005
    8
    This a good rock album, but technically its not a good System of a Down album. Over the years, SOAD has vastly improved in their musical ability, but all the while their ability to write innovative songs has lost its oomph. They seem to be suffering to a similar fate that KoRn is going through. Don't get me wrong, this is a great album and has many great memorable songs, but to SOAD This a good rock album, but technically its not a good System of a Down album. Over the years, SOAD has vastly improved in their musical ability, but all the while their ability to write innovative songs has lost its oomph. They seem to be suffering to a similar fate that KoRn is going through. Don't get me wrong, this is a great album and has many great memorable songs, but to SOAD fans it may seem a little closer to the punk end of rock. I just wish they could combine the harmonies of this album and the moving lyrics of Toxicity for their their next album.… Expand
  7. JoelC.
    Oct 31, 2007
    8
    Getting a little too political lyric.ally, but that is forgiven as this album is near flawless otherwise.
  8. ForsakenMemory
    Mar 9, 2007
    8
    Not their best album but still wicked! i wont givew this a 10 as being a musician just finishing my own first album myself im just highly critical of all bands. i still laugh at people who dont get their lyrics or lyrical style though! and think that they are educated in music because they say that system of a down sounds pop! the simple fact is that system of a downs lyrics are highly Not their best album but still wicked! i wont givew this a 10 as being a musician just finishing my own first album myself im just highly critical of all bands. i still laugh at people who dont get their lyrics or lyrical style though! and think that they are educated in music because they say that system of a down sounds pop! the simple fact is that system of a downs lyrics are highly influenced by that of frank zappa and if youve ever listened to him you will her the connection instantly. system of a down create their popularity by being political and serious about their issues but at the same time not arrogent enough to take them selves too seriously. Forsaken memory is highly influenced by system of a downs music and their live preformances rock! its great to see systems drummer now using a double kick pedal too! rock on system!… Expand
  9. SimonB
    Jun 3, 2007
    8
    I wasn't impressed after so many listens to this album. But man those guys sure can make good music. You can't go and compare a hill with a mountain. SOAD's far from being the best band ever. But their lyricism is definitely top-notch. I'd like to see them sing with Bustah Rhymes one of these days. They did make a song with Wu-Tang Clan in the past and it worked well. I wasn't impressed after so many listens to this album. But man those guys sure can make good music. You can't go and compare a hill with a mountain. SOAD's far from being the best band ever. But their lyricism is definitely top-notch. I'd like to see them sing with Bustah Rhymes one of these days. They did make a song with Wu-Tang Clan in the past and it worked well. Okay, so this album is full of what-have-you's. SOAD like to turn the volume up and give it their all. And why not? It's a great way to make an evening's entertainment- even though anyone that is used to listening to SOAD knows their songs are very pre-mature in their endings. They shoot bullets at tons of people and it's fun to see that some of those that review this album have no idea what is said. Maybe just having ears ain't enough pal. You need culture, too. Culture helps liking SOAD more.… Expand
  10. gdoggH
    Dec 11, 2005
    8
    great album
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. manurock
    Aug 22, 2011
    8
    A more melodic compared to previous album with some great songs like "lost in hollywood", "question" or "soldier side" which are more molodic sort-of prog.rock/alt.metal. Other good hard-rocking songs are "violent pornography" and "old-school hollywood". You will also find a few "stupid" tracks (in my opinion) like BYOB or the cocaine one but they have to please their all-time fans so no problem.
  14. MentalMetalGuy
    Nov 17, 2016
    8
    Mesmerise is so good. It’s not as hard and heavy as their debut, nor as melodic and dark as Toxicity, but it has a very quirky, and niche charm, mixing comedic and electronic elements. The album, like every SOAD album is extremely re-listenable, but this one in particular comes closer to the success of Toxicity because of the non-stop attack of solid songs, each very distinctive from oneMesmerise is so good. It’s not as hard and heavy as their debut, nor as melodic and dark as Toxicity, but it has a very quirky, and niche charm, mixing comedic and electronic elements. The album, like every SOAD album is extremely re-listenable, but this one in particular comes closer to the success of Toxicity because of the non-stop attack of solid songs, each very distinctive from one another.

    Soldier Side:
    I love it when SOAD take the time to set the mood, or even just slow it down for a bit, making it easier to listen to, and better paced than a constant barrage of hard hitting and manic songs. This is melancholy sounding intro, and I believe a full version of this song can be found on Hypnotise, which is a nice touch, really drawing those two albums closer together.

    BYOB:
    Edgy and fast, just like something off of their earlier albums. This song is a huger hit, and works on a few levels. Firstly the writing is lively, and the delivery of the lyrics is manic and exciting, especially at the ending “why do you always send the poor?”. Instrumentally the riffs are very similar to the title track of Toxicity (especially the ending of that song, compared to the intro of this one) just play Toxicity, and the BYOB back to back, and it would sound like the same song, in a good way.

    Revenga:
    The eastern-inspired sound of the vocals reminds me of why I love Serj’s voice so much. There is a lack of good lyricism in this song however, and makes the classic mistake SOAD make, where they repeat the same few phrases over and over again. This song despite this is a real head-banger, and is just a joy to listen to.

    Cigaro:
    Besides being hilarious, this song has so much raw and catchy instrumental work. The riffs are off the charts when it comes to the chorus, with the high notes spiralling down make the song just so “bouncy” in nature, and easy to listen to. Strangley, the lyrics being stupid as they are, do sound like they carry some social commentary (possibly in the vapid nature of our consumerist society, maybe?).

    Radio/Video:
    Just like Revenga, there is so much eastern sounding singing and instrumental work on this song. Lyrically it does the thing of shouting a chorus over and over, but has a softer, more melodic segment, like anything off of Toxicity. Really it works in its own strange way, and actually sounds like it could get radioplay, because of how accessible it is.

    This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I’m on this Song:
    Besides the stupid name this song ROCKS, like really is a heavy piece of headbanging. Reminds me so much of their debut, and is a classic example of not needing to be complex to make a re-listenable song. Sure anybody can write a 10 minute epic with multiple solos, but most SOAD songs have so much impact in only a fifth of that time.

    Violent Pornography:
    Lyrically I actual relate to this song. So much messed up stuff is available especially nowadays online, that people are becoming less profound, and more desensitised to very stupid and strange things, like bizarre pornography involving torture, and bestiality. Ugh. The song also has a nice melody, and keeps the average song quality on the album high.

    Question and Sad Statute:
    The two weaker songs on the album essentially just fill a gap. The riffs are usual SOAD, and the lyrics especially for Question are super, but they don’t have too much impact through either a melodic edge or even that hard hitting guitar. Can’t really say too much on this topic.

    Old School Hollywood:
    This is such an uncharacteristic song for SOAD. Daron has a lot of the vocal work on this song, which I personally do not like, but he does do his best lines here (“Tony Manza cuts in line” I think the words were). There is a very cheesy robotic voice going “old school Hollywood” is just a pointless touch, which you either love of hate. I mean this is like SOAD’s D’yer Maker, strange, but isn’t downright terrible, and has a lot of actual value to the song. The story behind the song isn’t too bad either.

    Lost In Hollywood:
    I really cannot get over Daron’s voice. I just don’t see why they would use him over Serj. The song itself is pretty great. Reminds you of a less emotional version of Spiders (minus the good vocals). I do however like the lyrics here. Touching on the same things Aenima did, this song talks about the pricks who live in Hollywood, and the false and sinister nature of the eccentric larger than life characters that inhabit the streets. The lyrics are well written and can easily be interpreted, and are a nice long song to finish the album on. I do recommend this, even if I do see missed potential in the vocals.

    Overall I do like this album (very slightly more than Hypnotise), but I do fear that they lost most of their political and social edge in the lyricism, besides the songs I named. The instrumentals don’t at all work as well as their early stuff. The drumming does not even come close to their early stuff, and there are fewer, less interesting hooks in this. The guitar still has the edge visible in BYOB, but is lost towards the end.    … Expand
  15. TOOLfan
    Oct 7, 2021
    8
    Very good, but not the best SOAD album. BYOB and Radio/Video are pure genius.
  16. ChiIIaoi
    Jul 19, 2023
    8
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro album:
    album mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  17. 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
  18. SomeGuy
    Sep 5, 2005
    7
    a good enough album, but quite a big dissapointment compared to Toxicity and Steal this Album, its just not written a well
  19. Beav
    Jun 4, 2005
    7
    The guitars are great, I love the fast sound. But what happened to the little nuances like the oom-pa-pa in Peephole? Almost non-existant. The guitarist taking over some of the singing? Questionable at best. This is an over-simplification of their style, smashing a complex molecule into a couple atoms. It's missing part of what makes them THEM. Maybe 9/11 and the aftermath killed The guitars are great, I love the fast sound. But what happened to the little nuances like the oom-pa-pa in Peephole? Almost non-existant. The guitarist taking over some of the singing? Questionable at best. This is an over-simplification of their style, smashing a complex molecule into a couple atoms. It's missing part of what makes them THEM. Maybe 9/11 and the aftermath killed something in them as well....?… Expand
  20. MarcB
    Jun 5, 2005
    7
    I first heard B.Y.O.B. about two weeks before its release...It was just getting me warm...I was ready for another about-36-minutes-bang-your-head-in-the-wall!!! I find BYOB,Question, old school hollywood and the great finale, Lost in hollywood (A SLOW?!?). To be honest the rest of the album kicks ass for the sound and the presence of rubin behind the console...But its just the same riffs I first heard B.Y.O.B. about two weeks before its release...It was just getting me warm...I was ready for another about-36-minutes-bang-your-head-in-the-wall!!! I find BYOB,Question, old school hollywood and the great finale, Lost in hollywood (A SLOW?!?). To be honest the rest of the album kicks ass for the sound and the presence of rubin behind the console...But its just the same riffs of toxicity mixed up togheter. I'm still gonna get myself hypnotysed this fall.… Expand
  21. rodgerl
    Jun 9, 2005
    7
    Not as well done as Toxicity, but a worthy followup - songs are hit or miss
  22. stevenn
    Mar 21, 2006
    7
    ok i admit, this was my first SOAD album, but surely not my last, when i first heard Mezmerize, i was stunned, i couldnt get the echoes of "my **** is much bigger than yours* out of my head. but after a while, i realized that the music may be good, as an album it is really disjointed, or really random in other words, if you have not heard this album, pick it up, its good, just a little to ok i admit, this was my first SOAD album, but surely not my last, when i first heard Mezmerize, i was stunned, i couldnt get the echoes of "my **** is much bigger than yours* out of my head. but after a while, i realized that the music may be good, as an album it is really disjointed, or really random in other words, if you have not heard this album, pick it up, its good, just a little to disjointed for me, but Hypnotize remains my favorite SOAD album… Expand
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. asylumspadez
    Nov 24, 2011
    7
    Mezmerize is pretty good, No denying it. I enjoyed most of the tracks off it but the tracks dont really have the originality that the songs from previous albums did and they sounded too much alike.
  26. ZeTsUbOuBi11y
    Nov 11, 2010
    7
    Average album overall. Not SOAD's best album but still a heavy album. B.Y.O.B, Cigaro, Radio/Video and Violent Pornography really make the album worth listening to.
  27. Spielberg00
    Sep 10, 2011
    7
    Behind TOXICITY, this is System of a Down's best album. A lot of the songs, as with the band's other work, are really, really cool, but the only ones truly worth listening to are "B.Y.O.B" and "Question!".
  28. jfrotylpe532
    Dec 22, 2012
    7
    Same as Hypnotize, BYOB,violent you know what,and This you know what makes me feel like I'm on this song are main reasons why I like this album.
  29. TheWalrus2000
    Mar 11, 2013
    7
    System of a Down suceeds in this album but drifts away from their meaningful songs and sing mostly about cruel sex and ruthless partying and drugs. It also lacks any songs that would be potential hits. Still its a fun album to listen to depending on who you are.
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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 »