System of a Down

The first instalment of the two-album set, Mezmerize, sees System Of A Down (an American band of mostly Armenian heritage) further expressing their unique style of thrash metal, socio-political rage and the theatrical schizophrenic vocal melodies of Serj Tankian. Once more, the band has built on their erratic time changes and pure intense song writing abilities to return with an impressive fourth album. Make no mistake, this is their most progressive and experimental work to date.

The first single lifted from Mezmerize is 'B.Y.O.B.' (Bring Your Own Bombs) an angry political attack questioning a president's involvement in the business of war. Few will be left wondering which president and which war. The album is largely made up of global social outcries and just like Rage against the Machine's political and social concerns System of a Down seem able to generate social consciousness with their music. Few bands seem to be doing this these days. This album won't change the world, but at least someone is working on putting a message across with the power of music.

Some of the song titles include 'Radio Video', 'Old School Hollywood', 'Cigaro', 'Lost in Hollywood', 'Question', 'Vicinity of Obscenity', 'Revenga' and the awesome track ‘Sad Statue' which sounds like a cross between 'Chop Suey'! & 'Bounce' from the band's 2003 smash hit album Toxicity.

Both albums have been produced by Rick Rubin along with guitarist Daron Malakian. As far as production goes, it's Rick Rubin so there no need for me to explain; the man's a genius!

Mezmerize is released on May 17 and the second installment Hypnotize will be released sometime later this year.