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.

A very good way to come back after the long drought between albums

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

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

Great CD, way out there, but in the good.

The best SOAD album to date, without a doubt. Everything I loved about them on their other albums is only better here.

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

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

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

I have loved System of a Down since their first album! Mezmerize does not disappoint!

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

Simply amazing.. would you expect anything less from SOAD?

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

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

Great album. As good as anything they've ever done. Can't wait for Hypnotize!

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.»

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

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

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"...

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

much better than toxicity

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.

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’m On This Song 10/10 7. Violent Pornography 10/10 8. Question! 9/10 9. Sad Statue 10/10 10. Old School Hollywood 10/10 11. Lost in Hollywood 9/10 too be continued...!… Expand

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

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.

I've never understood SOAD. Their music is PAINFUL to listen to. Musically, it doesn't flow or resemble anything like music.

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.

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.

I’m going to give this CD a 9, because I really like it... but I’m extremely disappointed! The road S.O.A.D have taken sickens me! I’m angry at all you "new toxicity era" fans who I blame for making S.O.A.D like this. I’ve been a fan of S.O.A.D since their self titled album, most fans of S.O.A.D I know wont even touch this album, its "less marketable" f*** you, that’s what S.O.A.D where, that album was so unique! It will always be at the top of my CD pile! Toxicity was awesome, steal this album... we gave you a break because it was a B side album. Now mesmerize, I’m not satisfied with what S.O.A.D has become, they started as twisted hard grunge metal, and are becoming twisted punk metal. But I’m still going to stay loyal, it’s a good album, a new aged thrash metal album, it’s very pop at parts, but those bits are very catchy. Please don’t go punk S.O.A.D! Don’t conform to this new age of image punk.… Expand

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

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

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

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.

This is the last time I'm on this site. Can't believe my eyes, how can this kiddy-band get 90% ?!?

I love this cd, its one of the best creations iw ever heard

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"

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.

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.

i thought i was a good cd i liked it better than steal this album

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

Amazing, that's all I can say cuz I got to listen to it about a billion more times

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

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.

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

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

does AATCHB not understand how metacritic works? shows u that only certain people are paying attention.

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.

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

How many metal variations of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody can you come up with? And the propagandist lyrics are even less thought out.

This cd is the most original cd Soad has released. Definitely a welcomed edition to their already classic collection.

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.

great album, maybe even better then toxicity, just maybe :)

Man this album is awful. This is just as bad as the new Finch album.

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.

Soad are the best

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.

This is the most original and addictive sound around. I can't wait for the second half "Hypnotize".

This is one of the best cds ive ever heard.

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.

This is seriously the worst band of all time.

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

this cd rocks

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?".

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.

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!!!

genial

wow; definitely in a category all its own

This albums is a reamin of many metal bands and genres, even SOAD itself, it becomes tedious sometimes, but songs like "Video Radio" and "Sad Statue" make the album worth, there's a big change in the lyrics, not a bad album, only we expected more, and i can't wait six months for it

Warning: Its not an experiment but a full assault to all your senses. Heavy, aggressive, melodic. Its a powerfull mix of punk and heavy metal dedicated to all the people that are still have a rebel teen beat in their minds. All the others will (thankfully...) pass away. Screw them!

So brutally stupid it's almost beyond belief. The love for this band is bewildering.

This sounds like a cross between the Faces of Death Orchestra as conducted by Kip Winger and Don Rickels. When my dog was castrated he made sounds similar to noise I heard on this record. Repeated spins prove that, in fact, castrated dogs were part of the recording process. How cool! How utterly groundbreaking! The best album of all time!

I just don't understand..i liked toxicity..but i can't even listen this one from beggining to end...

In an age where cock rock still dominates the airwaves, it is so refreshing to experience an album as spontaneous, unpredictable, and satisfying as Mesmerize. Ironically, this needed relief comes from an album with a whole song that brags about the virtues of having a big cock. At a blistering 36 minutes, this album passes over you in the blink of an eye. There are more curveballs and 180 degree angles on this album than on most other current albums twice as long. Many praises sung to SOAD for not only creating an album that restores faith in current hard rock, but also keeps it interesting, even after 20 listens.… Expand

Best since Toxicity.

Hey raymond that gave it a 1, your a fucking idiot

This is a fantastic album.Its songs are very fabulous. BYOB is the best song of the disc!!!

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Talk about mashing together lots of styles of heavy music and coming up with something absolutely cool. I am not a big traditional metal fan but this really gets the blood pumping.

It will be nice to hear the companion album to this. Excellent.

Just incredible and different.

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

This album is amazing, all i can say is 'it's a violent pornography, choking chicks and sodomy!!!

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

I love the album. It is SoaD, love'em or hate'em, they do their own thing, something other bands should think about doing. While I still think Toxicity is the best SoaD album, this one is a very, very close 2nd. Every song has a hook that only System can pull off. A rock opera in every song.

!!S.O.A.D.!! What Happened!?! Toxicity was SOO much better musically and lyrically. I think Daron needs to back off on vocals a lot. This 50-50 thing they've got goin isn't working out. I hope they find themselves again before they put out another album like this. I Love S.O.A.D. but this album is just heartbreaking to listen to.. I'll give them a 5 because I love them, but if they were any other band I'd give this album a 1 or 2.… Expand

the only good thing thatcan be said about this record is that it has some moments that sound musical.but i cannot fathom why this average band gets so much praise.maybe it is because i am not an angry 13 year old who hasnt discovered real music. i am an angry 21 year old, and i like my kicks more intelligent and varied than this mindless crap.

System of a down and the people who like them make my head hurt. I like hardcore music... but this is not even music. I really have never understood how people could actually like these guys?!?!?!?! BYOB or whatever that song is called is dreadful. I cant listen to the whole thing and i cant imagine the rest of the cd being good what so ever... i have only heard a few songs but they were horrible. and what ever you other people say... toxicity was also NOT a good song... i think that this is a joke band whose joke got misunderstood and people took them as serious.… Expand

That SOAD inspires sheer hatred in some listeners and pure lust in others is testament to their artistic integrity. Mezmerize is a crackerjack album wih few if any dead spots. The riffs on Ravenga, BYOB, Question! and Statute alone are worth teh price of admission. Add to that the novel use of Armenian melodies and two-part harmony and the band presents a package you simply can't find anywhere else. I'd like to see Serj return to primary lyric writing/singing duties, but if a songwriting maestro like D Malakin wants to mix things up, than who am I to complain. Kudos, SOAD!… Expand

Not their best, but one of them. Katherine W. You're an utter moron.