System of a Down

Huh, to my surprise I like the current 'System of a Down' release, 'Mezmerize'. Any of you who are familiar with this band may say, 'yeah, so?' Or you may not. I was captivated by a video I saw for the single 'B.Y.O.B.' The vocalists remind me of Frank Zappa and Jello Biafra at different times over the course of the album. Lyrically they're social critics, particularly 'B.Y.O.B' with the line, "why do they always send the poor" and insinuating that our good times or corporate good times rely on our armies.

Upon a little research I find that one of the singers/guitar player has collaborated with Tom Morello, currently guitar player for 'Audioslave' formerly of 'Rage Against the Machine' to which I say cool! But what have they collaborated on you might ask? An organization and website called 'Axis of Justice' Interesting stuff and perhaps soon there will be a new Audioslave album to review or listen to.

You can fit this album in the metal genre easily. Which sub-genre, death, black, speed or doom I'm not certain. I am certain that it's melodic and presents surprises to the listener as it varies from middle eastern influences to hispanic so maybe I'll call it mediterranean metal even though it is from California.

At 36 minutes it's a short listen but for someone who grew up with 40 minute vinyl it's perfect and I don't have to listen to 30 minutes of filler/dreck. Check out their website to sample some of their music.