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Editorials

SYSTEM OF A DOWN GO UNDERAPPRECIATED DURING THEIR “HIATUS”

 Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at 10:16am by

Journalists have short memories. I posit that the reason Converge are showing up on so many decade-end lists is because they have an album out right now and are therefore fresh on the minds of the listmakers. Not to belittle that band’s influence; but having an album currently on the market definitely keeps a band’s name on the forefront of peoples’ minds and gives past albums of theirs an advantage for being included in any such list.

So. People seem to have forgotten that System of a Down made THREE incredibly influential albums this decade. Metal / not metal blah blah blah FUCK, I don’t wanna hear it. Toxicity ranked #14 on our own 21st Century “best of” list (F those puny “decade” lists!), and deservedly so. There are plenty of bands way more brutal than SoaD  but there’s no denying the band’s metallic influence and their reign over the scene in general; from 2001-2007 (roughly), especially towards the end of that period, there was no bigger metal band in the world than System of a Down. If System of a Down weren’t taking a break right now (people, they’re NOT broken up… get over it… they’ll be back) and had an album out on the scene that people were talking about I’m 100% certain Toxicity and Mezmerize/Hypnotize would see a lot more inclusion in all of these decade-end lists.

Metal Injection posted a photo remix video montage of SoaD’s last performance (until the next one, that is), which is what got me thinking about all of this. The video — titled “The Forest Project,” utilizes some cool visual editing techniques to make the show appear “live” through photos by Greg Watermann, and lays them underneath remixes and mash-ups by DJ LethalRush of SoaD songs from the band’s full discography. A really cool tribute to a really cool band. When these guys come back, it’s going to be a HUGE event, mark my words.

-VN

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  • Alkahest

    I agree, Vince.

  • msv81

    I love SOAD; their self-titled album is one of my all-time favorites, as is “Toxicity”. I’m not so sure you’re right about them coming back eventually, though, Vince. Serj and Daron really went at each other’s throats towards the end. I remember seeing them on either their last tour or one of the last ones (where The Mars Volta opened); the band seemed to just be going through the motions and Serj looked like he would rather be ANYWHERE else. After having seen the band when nobody knew who they were (back in the good old nu-metal days when they constantly opened for bands like Fear Factory, (hed)pe, and Soulfly), at Ozzfest, and other shows, by the time they were on the Mesmerize/Hypnotize cycle, I knew it was over.

    Plus, Serj seems to be really happy doing his solo stuff, where his artistic perspective is not hindered by Daron’s huge ego and TERRIBLE lyrics/vocals. The band lost me almost completely when they released Mesmerize/Hypnotize; first of all, there was zero point in those being two separate albums, as all of the music can fit on one 80 minute disc. Secondly, the lyrics were mostly written by Daron and it was some of the stupidist shit I’ve heard (“This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I’m On This Song”….WHAT?), not to mention Daron’s vocals make me want to shove sharp objects into my ears, or, alternatively, shoot him in the face. I blame Daron for the “hiatus” or whatever. It’s no wonder his dumbass, horrible side project failed so quickly. Fuck him and his huge ego.

    That said, I’d love for them to eventually reunite.

    • Frampler

      I’m inclined to agree with the criticism of Daron’s lyrics, though I must point out that Serj’s solo album was similarly bad, as was his live show.

      But, that said, they were a fantastic band whose first three albums were all classics – Steal This Album is criminally underrated. I look forward to their comeback, and I’m hearing lots of rumours that it might be next year at the Download Festival. Fingers crossed!

      • msv81

        I disagree about Serj’s “Elect The Dead”; I love it and the one time I saw the show, he was enthusiastic, full of energy, and in great spirits. But, to each his own, and I’d love to see a new SOAD record sooner than later.

    • jason

      They’ll be back for a cash-grab like everyone else. As we’ve seen before, the prospect of big money has a way of patching even the biggest rifts.

    • kazz

      “This Cocaine…” was one of the better songs from Mesmerize/Hypnotize, I thought. It had a vintage SOAD feel to it, and actually i think that was one of their few newer songs actually written exclusively by Serj. Mesmerize/Hypnotize was solid, could have been as great as Toxicity if they cut the filler and released it as one album. But anyway, I hope they can put whatever differences they had behind them and make some new music. Elect the Dead was good and SoB had some ok moments, but they’re better together any way you look at it.

    • metalguy

      I think Serj was just tired of the band alowwed daron to make most of the lyrics. Daron tried to copy Serj’s obscure yet sensible lyrics and just made lists of nonsense words. Shavo also seems to have taken a step down during that period, because they lost some of the heavy riffs in exchange for silly ones. Kids nowadays just seem to like Mezmerize/Hypnotize for the nonsensical parts. I like the two, but the first 3 grow on me more and more every time i listen

      • msv81

        That’s sort of what I was saying earlier; Serj’s creativity and artistic expression was being hindered by Daron’s insistence of writing more lyrics and having more vocal duties. His voice is AWFUL, ugh, it irritates me to even think about it. And then him comparing himself to The Beatles, jesus, he and Mustaine should fuck and get it over with; two biggest egos in metal, ever.

      • DJ

        I’m pretty sure Serj did the lyrics on the first couple of albums. Daron got more and more involved on the last two which was probably the reason for the breakup. I mean compare the first 3 albums to the last two, and you can notice a drastic difference. Now compare those last two to the Scars on Broadway album, notice a common trait? Dreadfully shit-tastic lyrics.

      • sewageking

        Mezmerize and Hypnotize didn’t feel like real System of a Down albums. Their first 3 albums had this bipolar-ish feeling to them. The lyrics were usually serious, and the music was mostly very heavy, but there were also parts where they would just be ridiculous (like on “Jet Pilot”). I thought that that was what was so cool about SOAD; that you never knew whether they wanted to be taken seriously or not. But what was so amazing about those first 3 albums is that their weird vibe seemed natural, and not at all forced. On Mezmerize/Hypnotize, though, they sound like a band imitating SOAD. By the time those two came out, everyone could tell that they were falling apart as a band. A reunion would be awesome, though.

  • I killed a Dunky

    Totally agree.. Its been while that SOAD does not comes to my mind.. yeah I guess they have bad luck cause they should be mentioned on each one of the list, I really dig Steal This AlBum their ST..now how will they sound once they come back from hiatus? good question, I think they will need to get out of that SOAD sound and go further with their sound..just my two cents. Im hungry and its time for lunch here in DR.

  • Sven

    I can’t deny their influence, but some of that stuff hasn’t held up so well over time. All the tantrums and food references now seem childish. And they were always a terrible live act. Stay on hiatus.

    • msv81

      You’re crazy! Did you ever catch them in the early days of the self-titled record (which, by the way, still sounds relevant and awesome today)? Their show was insanely good when they played in small clubs/venues. As I said in my post above, by the last tour they were downright awful live, but from 1998 to 2003, they were great.

      • Sven

        Saw them in 2001(?) I think. This was when I still liked them.

        They were fucking awful. Sounded like mush. I couldn’t wait for them to be done. I was very disappointed. Daron’s cocaine-centric stage banter was an embarrassment. It was like Dr. Rockso.

        • msv81

          Fair enough.

  • You Don’t Know Me

    I recently went back and started listening to the self titled album and Toxicity again. I forgot how good of a band they were. Mesmerize was an excellent album. Hypnotize sucked.

    Didn’t like Serj’s solo stuff. Scars on Broadway was very very disappointing. I would like to see SOAD get together and do another album.

  • Zoker

    The problem here is not “Metal / not metal blah blah blah”. The problem is that they fucking suck! And so does Converge.

    • RockOutWithMy…YouKnow

      Sticks and stones may break their bones, but they’re still more talented than you are.

      • msv81

        TOTAL WIN!

      • Zoker

        You know I’m not talented, I know I’m not talented, people know I’m not talented: and that’s totally right. SoaD is not talented and people don’t get it: now that’s totally wrong.

        • Alkahest

          Just because they decide to not play super technical doesn’t necessarily mean they arent talented. I’ve heard heavier bands with simpler music. CHUG CHUG CHUG BREAKDOWN.

          And besides, their drummer is excellent and it under-appreciated, imo. He can totally rock the polyrhythms.

          • Zoker

            Playing basically the same song over and over and over and over again is not being talented.

    • Andrew

      Converge kicks ass. System of a Down sucks. Just wanted to clarify.

      • chris

        your dumb, and this whole converge thing will burn out as soon as this site stops posting shit about them every day. i mean fuck, ive seen em twice and both times they sucked dick live, especially on the mastodon dethklok tour. and i actually enjoy their music on recordings.

        • jason

          Converge was well loved and respected long before the media started jocking them…they’ve just been exposed to a larger audience. It doesn’t surprise me that people at a Dethklok show don’t get it.

          • chris

            i didn’t say i din’t get it, or that other people at the show weren’t into it. i said i like the band’s music but they absolutely suck donkey dick live.

          • jason

            Fair enough. I’ve seen them quite a few times and I would agree that their live sound has the potential to sound messy and overly chaotic. That being said, I’ll still attend any live gig they play because the energy they put off is un-fucking-believable. I also didn’t mean to imply that the folks at that show weren’t capable of “getting it”, just that most in attendance were probably not there specifically to see them. Bad choice of wording on my part.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Christopher-McEvoy/1634079002 Christopher McEvoy

    I liked SOAD when their first album came out because they seemed to be coming from a much different place than most “new” metal bands at the time. I do agree that their material doesn’t hold up very well. There’s a handful of good songs — but not very strong overall.

  • http://dcmetalreview.wordpress.com/ Dan-O

    I’ve always felt this band was way more metal than they were perceived to be. Good mash up too. It will be good to see them live again, but I’m not holding my breath!

  • http://discordian-dilemma.net/ Zadig

    One of the worst live acts I’ve ever seen. (Rock em Ring/Oz Fest 2002).

  • WowWee!

    i hope they come back and kill in the near future, we need more SOAD music because I burned them out but I still come back every now and then.

  • mahkiavelli

    I’m glad they’re taking a “break” or whatever. You could hear the engine running out of steam on “Hypnotize” – that album was complete garbage compared to “Mesmerize” which was damn near perfect. I know they were recorded at the same time, but why were ALL the weaker tracks on one album? Even the lesser ones on “Mesmerize” kick the crap out of the best ones on “Hypnotize”.

  • Facebook User

    Wow great montage. Can’t wait for this amazing band to come back!

  • Andrew

    Breaking News! System of a Down are fucking terrible.

    • msv81

      Breaking News! Your opinion is fucking terrible!!

      • chris

        +1

        you beat me to it

  • dicknballs

    Daron is a horrible guitar player and an even worse singer and he is the sole reason I believe this band blows. Oddly enough, no one else would sound right as the guitar player/backup vocals… so in the name of artistic integrity, I hope they never reunite.

    • Dirtman73

      You’re right about Daron’s skill, but I would take it one step farther and say that the rest of the band couldn’t play worth a shit either. They improved a bit over the years leading up to the last album, but I was horrified by their original output. Technically, it was pure garbage. They made the Sex Pistols sound like fucking professionals musicians. The drumming and vocs in particular were horrendous. Fuck SOAD.

  • chris

    system of a down are the single greatest heavy band of the past decade. i know i just asked for a shitstorm of bitching but deal with it. no other band in our time (excluding Rage Against the Machine) have been able to communicate a real message like system of a down did. amazing vocals, great drums, catchy guitars, and politically/socially charged lyrics makes for the best heavy band of the past decade. i know, since they actually made money and have been able to play to more than 20 people at a time, most of you purists probably hate them. good, keep your feeble minds away from my good music.

    • The Ghost of D. Boon

      There’s nothing wrong with me
      There’s something wrong with you
      There’s something wrong with me
      I hope your stepson doesn’t eat the fish
      When we’re crying for our next fix

      I can’t see your souls through through your eyes
      The crying walls of sliding architecture
      Kidnapped by the likes of pure conjecture
      Upholstery loving men all dwelling in the wells
      Kidnapped by the likes of pure conjecture

      Killers never hurt feelings

      Gonorrhea gorgonzola
      Gonorrhea gorgonzola
      Single files of clean feedings
      Single files of clean feedings

      ______________________________

      Yeah man, what a message they were communicating.

      • chris

        dude, its about how when people are addicted to hard drugs they are not themselves and the drugs trick them into believing that the drug makes them be themselves.

        ‘There’s nothing wrong with me
        There’s something wrong with you
        There’s something wrong with me’

        This is the person addicted to drugs denying he/she has a problem.

        ‘Killers never hurt feelings’

        Drugs always make you feel good, but they fuck you over.

        ‘Gonorrhea gorgonzola’

        The gonorrhea part has to do with the ‘killers never hurt feelings’ part. People get gonorrhea because they want the pleasure of sex but they are careless and dont think of the bad things that can happen (STDs).
        Gorgonzola is a blue-veined cheese, so it means veins.

        ‘single files of clean feedings’

        ‘Single files’ would be lines of cocaine, and ‘clean feedings’ means when you get your fix you feel normal and cleansed.

        ‘I can’t see your soul soul through your eyes’

        You aren’t really your self when you’re high, its just a cover.

        ‘the crying walls of sliding architecture’

        ‘crying walls’ is the person high using drugs as a cover to make him/her feel good when he/she really doesn’t feel good inside. In a definition architecture is defined as ‘the orderly arrangement of parts’ so ‘sliding architecture’ means the person is not acting like them self, you act disorderly when you’re high.

        ‘kidnapped by the likes of pure conjecture’

        the person doing drugs doesn’t realize what he/she is doing is messing them up, he/she only knows it makes him/her feel good.

        ‘upholstery loving men, all dwelling in the wells’

        upholstery is stuffing or covering in furnature, ‘upholstery’ in this song is drugs, and ‘all dwelling in the wells’ would mean people on drugs are hiding themselves from themself.

        sorry about the super long post, had to try to make it clear

  • yanky

    like alot

  • brian roach

    yep, first two albums were great, they were doing something very unique, Mesmerize/Hypnotize suck, but I hope they come back because they have the potential to be great again.

  • Alex_P

    System of a Down are one of only two nu-metal bands I like, the other being In Flames. Even if they aren’t really all that metal, they are still notable and made music that has held up over time (for me). And I enjoyed Serj’s solo album.

    • Sven

      In Flames? Nu Metal? Guess I didn’t get the memo.

      • msv81

        This.

      • samot

        just because one member has dreads is it nu metal?

  • SHOCKTROOP

    metal or not,,, they still SUCK. No matter how you classify it, it still falls under the umbrella of bad music. but atleast they are original I guess.

    they are also one of the worst fucking bands I’ve ever had the mispleasure of having to see perform live. thanks alot ozzfest.

  • http://lavidastrangiato.blogspot.com/ Jake Strangiato

    I fucking love System of a Down, no lie. True, Daron can’t sing to save his life, but I don’t care. Easily one of the best rock bands to come from the late 90′s.

  • I killed a Dunky

    the mayority of the comments say SOAD rules but they will need to go back to their sound of the ST. so Its mayority, Polls closed

  • Blashyrkh

    NOSTALGIA ALERT! i found myself singing along from about 30 seconds in… very cool vid!

  • Bicro

    No, no, no, and, no.

    Completely overrated band undeserving of any attention.

    • RockOutWithMy…YouKnow

      But you still decided to grace this post with your presence huh?
      You can probably expect a thank you card from Serj anyday now.

      • Bicro

        Nah bro, never bought or downloaded a single one of their albums.

  • Nick

    I saw system a down many times back in the late 90s early 2000s, they were a good live band, I wouldn’t say amazing seeing as I have been to over 400 shows since the early 90s I can tell when a band is great, good or terrible live. Alot of times a band sounds bad because of the venue or the person behind the mixing board. I can’t tell you the number of times I have seen bands suck one show and be amazing another. I have seen system of a down probably 6 or 7 times and they are a good live band but not amazing and they don’t suck either. I think their first two albums were good, great for their time, and unique. I don’t know that they stand the test of time that well but thats obviously an opinion. I do think steal this album and everything after were lackluster and boring, but thats my opinion. What I do know is this mix was god aweful and I had to turn it off 30 seconds into it. The visuals were cool but the mashup was pure shit.

  • Anthony

    I can’t see this band getting back together.

  • rupert

    this video is excellent

  • http://www.last.fm/user/groverXIII groverXIII

    I will always love System Of A Down. They injected some much-needed weirdness into metal.

  • Facebook User

    hey, I put them on my decade list today at #39. Toxicity is a sick album.

    spinelanguage.wordpress.com

  • Rodol

    :( i miss SOAD

    its there a DvD or somee video in the web of this last concert??

  • DemonicLemming

    I cannot stand these motherfuckers. First, they move out of their shithole third-world country to the US, then have the gall to bitch and complain about what it’s like here. Then I see them at Ozzfest, and Serj is either so drunk or so fucked up on drugs he can’t make it through a single song – every time, he staggers backstage mid-song and lets the skinny little weird guy take over. They played so badly that it was almost impossible to even determine what song they were doing, even if Serj had bothered to stay on stage for one whole song.

    They had a few good songs at best – no good entire albums – and were probably one of the worst bands I ever made the mistake of spending money on.

  • g

    I appreciate system of a down for going on hiatus. I would have appreciated it even more if Scars On Broadway had never come out, but hey I guess douchebags are going to make douchebag music.

  • Awful Offal Carnage

    SoAD definitely was what got me into metal way back when. Personally my favorite album was Toxicity; that’s when they really shine. I can’t believe Hypnotize/Mezmerize got better reviews though, they were good, but it wasn’t the same as Toxicity. They did have some gems though, specifically Soldiers Side.

    Their solo projects just suck. I bought Serjs, listened to it a few times, now it’s basically just taking up space on my iPod. I didn’t bother with Darons, but they were just as bad.

  • metalguy

    Daron’s vocals were good in small doses on early albums but he got too much time on Memerize.
    I’m also pretty sure this is a couple years old. or maybe there was an anouncement a few years ago

  • OBEY1019

    Fuck yeah soad are great. I think their music will always stand the test of time. Scars cd was great to in my opinion. Hopefully they can get back together sometime soon.

  • The Ghost of D. Boon

    Haha, you wouldn’t happened to have been under the influence of any illicit substances when you wrote this, were you Vince? This very much reads like the helter skelter thought train of a stoned dude.

    Also SOAD were (WERE because they’re broken up, get over it, crybaby) overhyped nu-metal which was made worse by having pretentions to being serious artistes. Fuck ‘em.

  • Jet Pilot

    Hey; I guess everyone who bought a album, went to see them live ….because they wanted to ! are part of some small social group….what would you haters say, approx 20 people….System Of A Down were and are adored for their music by millions….get over it….if you don’t like them don’t bother… the world will continue….maybe, until 2012 ?