System of a Down: Mesmerize
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Shannon Kietzman
I am a teacher and an author who has written hundreds of articles for the Internet, as well as ad copy, standardized test questions, ebooks, and "real" books. Learn more at http://www.shannonkietzman.com. By Shannon Kietzman
Published on 08/25/2006
A review of System of a Down's Mesmerize album and what makes the CD a great buy.
System of a Down: Mesmerize
System of a Down’s Mesmerize album is definitely an album that is worth adding to any metal or hard rock fan’s music collection. If you were a fan of their sophomore release, Toxicity, you will not be disappointed when you pick this album up.
Keeping True to the Sound
One of the great things about the Mesmerize album is that it stays true to the sound System has been known for. The band has mastered the art of including interesting musical changes and quirky melodies. In addition, the band has long been oddly capable of including songs that are downright goofy on the same album as those that reek of political outrage. And, for some reason, they all seem to tie together beautifully. The same sounds remains in tact on Mesmerize.
Taking it to the Next Level
While System manages to maintain their same unique sound with Mesmerize, they pushed their music to the next level. The album is far harder than Toxicity, which is a welcome change from Steal this Album where the band slowed down and went a bit soft.
Mesmerize is filled with thrash-like tempos, deep guitar rifts, and the some of the same searing lyrics System does so well. At the same time, they have managed to create songs that, on the surface, seem like simple party songs. Yet, when listened to more closely, are really filled with political outrage. B.Y.O.B. is a prime example.
Adding a Twist
With Mesmerize, it is almost as if System of a Down finally grew up and became the band we always new they were capable of being. The response of fans around the world echoes the same sentiment, as the album debut at number one. To add an interesting twist, the band released a follow up album, Hypnotize, the same year. It, too, debut at number one, making Down one of only three bands/artists to have two albums debut at number one in the same year.
Keeping True to the Sound
One of the great things about the Mesmerize album is that it stays true to the sound System has been known for. The band has mastered the art of including interesting musical changes and quirky melodies. In addition, the band has long been oddly capable of including songs that are downright goofy on the same album as those that reek of political outrage. And, for some reason, they all seem to tie together beautifully. The same sounds remains in tact on Mesmerize.
Taking it to the Next Level
While System manages to maintain their same unique sound with Mesmerize, they pushed their music to the next level. The album is far harder than Toxicity, which is a welcome change from Steal this Album where the band slowed down and went a bit soft.
Mesmerize is filled with thrash-like tempos, deep guitar rifts, and the some of the same searing lyrics System does so well. At the same time, they have managed to create songs that, on the surface, seem like simple party songs. Yet, when listened to more closely, are really filled with political outrage. B.Y.O.B. is a prime example.
Adding a Twist
With Mesmerize, it is almost as if System of a Down finally grew up and became the band we always new they were capable of being. The response of fans around the world echoes the same sentiment, as the album debut at number one. To add an interesting twist, the band released a follow up album, Hypnotize, the same year. It, too, debut at number one, making Down one of only three bands/artists to have two albums debut at number one in the same year.