•
Rating:
THE REVIEW
About 6 months after "Mesmerize," SOAD return with the second part of what is actually a double album, "Hypnotize," preceded by a single of the same name, and slightly below the average of its predecessor. With this epic work, Serj Tankian & co. have definitively become a commercial band (which is not necessarily a bad thing): this is evidenced by a cleaner sound and the use of clean vocals from guitarist Daron, who already on "B.Y.O.B" followed a different path than the main singer, the excellent Serj mentioned earlier, with more than good results.
In "Hypnotize," the script of "Mesmerize" is somewhat repeated, with a few more trash outbursts (the opener "Attack") and a bit more melody (the decent first single "Hypnotize"). Epic tracks are not lacking ("Holy Mountains"), nor are the quieter ones ("Lonely Days"), but the difference is made by two pieces like "Kill Rock'n'Roll" and "Vicinity of Obscenity." The first is the classic SOAD song, but interpreted with a pop flavor that does no harm to the band, while the second is simply brilliant: starting with a rhythm marked by drumsticks, then psycho rock with filtered voice, a dance hint and a funky soul '70s chorus, followed by metal again. All this in less than 3 minutes of song. The best track on the album. Other noteworthy episodes are the punk-ish "Stealing Society," the crazy "Us Fig," and "Dreaming."
In short, an album that will finally enter System of A Down in the pantheon not only of alternative heavy music and that, despite some off-key notes, definitively establishes them as the greatest rock metal band of 2000. Peace.
Loading comments slowly
Summary by Bot
System Of A Down's 'Hypnotize' follows up their double album with a clean, commercially accessible sound. The album mixes heavy metal with melodic and experimental touches. Standout tracks include 'Vicinity of Obscenity' and 'Kill Rock'n'Roll,' which showcase the band's range. Despite some weaker points, it cements their reputation as a leading rock metal band of the 2000s.
System of a Down
System Of A Down is an Armenian-American rock/metal band formed in Los Angeles. Core members are Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian and John Dolmayan. They are known for blending heavy/alternative metal with Middle Eastern influences and politically charged lyrics.49 Reviews
Other reviews
By Spike Joe1
The album opens really well with the adrenaline-pumped 'Attack' in pure System Of A Down style.
'Holy Mountains' offers five and a half minutes of pure musical enjoyment.
By AndJusticeForAll
The voices of Tankian and Malakian blend fairly well and result as very (too much) catchy (commercial?).
A nice little album and that’s it, pleasant to listen to when you want uncommitted music.
By Divodark
This yet another overrated nu-metal band had the brilliant idea of releasing two practically identical albums six months apart for business reasons.
Buy this album and you’ll be left with nothing in hand.
By alCOOL
Of this last double 'masterpiece' I didn’t include even one [song]!
Mezmerize + Hypnotize = money in the wallet + desire to hunt for old albums.
By Bisius
I'd say here S.O.A.D. have given their worst with disgustingly pop melody (and who cares about the fake big guitars in the background).
Malakian can't sing, his voice is shabby, and where Tankian's angelic voice builds, he arrives with high notes worthy of Katia Ricciarelli.
