System of a Down Thread

[Kotowboy]

I found that a lot of times when bands prevaricate about whether theyre still together or theyre coming back or if an album is on the way blah blah...

Sometimes it means they've been recording in utter secrecy and then they suddenly put out an album from nowhere.

We shall see. i'd listen to it - even though they still sound the exact same as they did 15 years ago.

[Ben_Jamin]

I found that a lot of times when bands prevaricate about whether theyre still together or theyre coming back or if an album is on the way blah blah...

Sometimes it means they've been recording in utter secrecy and then they suddenly put out an album from nowhere.

We shall see. i'd listen to it - even though they still sound the exact same as they did 15 years ago.

the lastest Scars On Broadway album, I can imagine System doing those songs. The system sound is there, and just needs Serjs vocals added. I remember John toured with Daron when he went on tour for Scars on Broadways first album.

[Kotowboy]

I know everyone thinks it's Serj who won't commit...

But I've never liked Daron. He has a Napoleon Complex.

His presence from the first album to Hypnotize was guitar and very occasional backing vocals...

to...

Guitar, All Co-Lead Vocals and occasional lead vocals. Production. Album artwork...

Plus a song on the first Scars album was just called FUCK.

 


I used to joke that he was this close to naming the band

System Of A Daron.

[ProfessorPeart]

Serj has been very open in the press about why there is no album. He openly admits that he can't get along with Daron in the studio. Serj will bring a song in and then Daron will get his hands on it and change it to the point that Serj gets pissed.

In my opinion, the issue is entirely Daron and his Napoleon complex. He has to touch everything.

Ah, I found Serj's statement on the whole thing, if you haven't seen it:

https://metalinjection.net/shocking-revelations/serj-tankian-issues-lengthy-statement-on-holding-up-new-system-of-a-down

[Zantera]

I think it's honestly quite normal with many bands and probably one of the biggest reasons why so many bands split. Once you hit fame and success and everyone's egos are starting to grow, everyone wants to have more of a key role and everyone has different ideas as for what makes the band special. I think the first Scars album is better than anything Serj has done since he left to do solo stuff but we've gone 15 years since Mezmerize/Hypnotize and even though those albums have their issues, nothing any of the members have done since has reached that level.

[Ben_Jamin]

Plus a song on the first Scars album was just called FUCK.

That's just false. There is a song called Fuck and Kill on Dictator, their 2nd album.

The only song that is anything like that on Scars on Broadways Debut album is Whoring Streets, because Whoring had to be edited out on the cd.

[Kotowboy]

I'm sure they did have a song called that. Maybe it was a non-album song or something.  **

Anyway - regarding in-band fighting...

U2 have been the same four guys since 1976 and they split everything 25%.

Probably why.







**

" 2010   "Fucking"   —   —   —   —   non-album single "  < - - -from Wikipedia.

[Ben_Jamin]

Serj has been very open in the press about why there is no album. He openly admits that he can't get along with Daron in the studio. Serj will bring a song in and then Daron will get his hands on it and change it to the point that Serj gets pissed.

In my opinion, the issue is entirely Daron and his Napoleon complex. He has to touch everything.

Ah, I found Serj's statement on the whole thing, if you haven't seen it:

https://metalinjection.net/shocking-revelations/serj-tankian-issues-lengthy-statement-on-holding-up-new-system-of-a-down

Man, now I want to know how Shavo and John feel about this. It's like they're there, wondering what the fuck, and telling Serj, come one bro, we both agreed, it's just you. And Serj, has it in his heart, to stand his ground with his ideals and reasons, and that's a damn good reason to not want to be in the band. I don't blame him or Daron. A band can only work when everyone agrees, and compromises are made. And sometimes, it's impossible for that to happen, and band members leave due to "creative differences".

I find it great that Serj went in depth into what his reasons were. And it's more to do with business than the creative side.

[Zantera]

I think there's two sides to every coin though. On one hand I sympathize with Serj because the thought of a musician bringing songs to the band only to have them shut down or altered to the point where it's not what you brought in - that sucks. But I've also heard his 100% pure vision with some of his solo albums which didn't leave that much of a mark on me either. I think sometimes you need that input from the others to turn it into something great. I'm sure Daron's control traits worked well for them on the albums they did put out and unfortunately it grew out of control.

[Kotowboy]

I don't know why the 6 songs each plus whatever Shavo has and vote on the x best songs wouldn't work.

Even if you selfishly choose your 6 own songs thats still 18 potential songs for an album.

Jam them with an outside producer listening in commenting on them.

That way nobody in the band is saying ' drop this - change this ' etc.

And not a lie on the couch doing fuck all and take all the credit producer like Rick RUIN

An actual producer who will tell them their shit stinks like Bob Rock.

[Ben_Jamin]

I think there's two sides to every coin though. On one hand I sympathize with Serj because the thought of a musician bringing songs to the band only to have them shut down or altered to the point where it's not what you brought in - that sucks. But I've also heard his 100% pure vision with some of his solo albums which didn't leave that much of a mark on me either. I think sometimes you need that input from the others to turn it into something great. I'm sure Daron's control traits worked well for them on the albums they did put out and unfortunately it grew out of control.

Yeah there is. and there is the outside view as well. Which is John and Shavo. I feel more sympathy for them as they're the ones who are taking the fall, they just want to play.

I agree with you about Serj too. But, if has a certain way he wants his "Art" to sound, then he should try and compose songs he can let Daron mess with. Daron, could also let Serj take control of how he wants his songs to go...

I don't know why the 6 songs each plus whatever Shavo has and vote on the x best songs wouldn't work.

Even if you selfishly choose your 6 own songs thats still 18 potential songs for an album.

Jam them with an outside producer listening in commenting on them.

That way nobody in the band is saying ' drop this - change this ' etc.

And not a lie on the couch doing fuck all and take all the credit producer like Rick RUIN

An actual producer who will tell them their shit stinks like Bob Rock.

 
I agree with this...

It's all just a clash of two massive Egos.

[ErHaO]

I honestly do not expect a new album at this point. The reasons for these new songs are clear, they want to raise money for something important.

And it is not like the guys haven't been together, they have been actively touring for years, prior to those interviews and after those interviews. So this isn't like with some other bands, where it is like a reunion that might lead to more or something.

But hey, maybe the positive reactions might push them to reconsider. I am not getting my hopes up, however.

[darkshade]

I'm over it already. We got two new songs, both just OK, what more can we expect after 15 years? Glad we got what we got.
I'm old school with System anyway. First 2-3 albums are the best.

[Kotowboy]

Yeah I was over them when Hypnotize came out and it was watered down SOAD.

Each album they did was progressively less aggressive and less 'wacky'

MezMerize was alright but I felt that Hypnotize was them TRYING to be the same level of wacky that the debut was - and failing.

[ErHaO]

Yeah I was over them when Hypnotize came out and it was watered down SOAD.

Each album they did was progressively less aggressive and less 'wacky'

MezMerize was alright but I felt that Hypnotize was them TRYING to be the same level of wacky that the debut was - and failing.

They got less heavy and more melodic, but less wacky is not how I'd personally describe most of Mezmerize and Hypnotize. Not compared to Steal or Toxicity anyways, I have never listened to their debut all that much.

[Kotowboy]

Unlike Load and Reload which will be debated to death -

I think we can all agree that Mazmerize was the better of the two ?


----

I do find it interesting that after 15 years - the two new songs sound identical to SOAD - on a production level.

Usually when bands take ages to make a new album - sonically it sounds completely different.

Protect Tha Land literally could have been recorded for Hypnotize. .

[ErHaO]

Unlike Load and Reload which will be debated to death -

I think we can all agree that Mazmerize was the better of the two ?


----

I do find it interesting that after 15 years - the two new songs sound identical to SOAD - on a production level.

Usually when bands take ages to make a new album - sonically it sounds completely different.

Protect Tha Land literally could have been recorded for Hypnotize. .

I do agree Mezmerize is better. But Mezmerize is probably a top 10 of all time album for me personally, so most albums will lose that match for me. And I also agree the new songs sonically sound close to their 2005 output, which is a positive for me.

[darkshade]

I'll admit, I listened to the shit out of Mezmerize when it came out, and I think it's a good album, whereas I disliked Hypnotize right away and have never warmed up to it since. I liked Mezmerize/Hypnotize less and less when Scars On Broadway came out, as it made me realize more that M/H were Daron dominated. I love his guitar riff sound especially on Toxicity, I mean, I consider it a top 5 metal album for a reason. But Serj is the lead singer, sorry.

[Zantera]

Mezmerize is probably better but Hypnotize more interesting. Is the Load/Reload debate really a thing though? Don't know anyone who prefers Reload to Load.

[Ben_Jamin]

I love both Hypnotize and Mezmerize. I consider them 1 album, which they are, when you consider the album packaging. I personally prefer Hypnotize over Mezmerize. The meanings and lyrics on Hypnotize hit more for me, mainly Tentative, Holy Mountains, Dreaming, Hypnotize, Soldier Side, pretty much the entire side of Hypnotize, except Stealing Society, not really into Ramones style punk.

I combined the songs into one album playlist and this is what I came up with...

Soldier Side - Intro
Attack
B.Y.O.B
Revenga
Dreaming
Cigaro
Kill Rock N Roll
Radio/Video
Hypnotize
This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I'm On This Song
Stealing Society
Violent Pornography
Tentative
U-Fig
Holy Mountains
Question!
Sad Statue
Old School Hollywood
Vicinity of Obscenity
She's Like Heroin
Lost In Hollywood
Lonely Day (This would be switched with Lost In Hollywood, but it has the Soldier Side intro ending tacked on, and it goes into Soldier Side, or else it'd be before Lost In Hollywood)
Soldier Side


The way I see the differences in Mezmerize and Hypnotize is Mezmerize is more propaganda with B.Y.O.B being the main lyrical meaning of the album "Everybody's going to the party, have a real good time." While Hypnotize is the one with the truth songs, like What is really behind the illusion of the party in the desert. Mezmerize the propaganda, This is what they Hypnotized you from.

[Kotowboy]

Mezmerize is probably better but Hypnotize more interesting. Is the Load/Reload debate really a thing though? Don't know anyone who prefers Reload to Load.

Maybe not outright - but whenever there's a wot if load and relod were 1 abum ? thread - everyones best songs are always different.

There's no consensus on which are the best of the 27 songs.

Personally I think Load has a great first half and Reload has a great 2nd half. Plus i think Reload's weakest songs are

still better than Load's weakest songs. I just think Reload is more interesting overall.

[Ben_Jamin]

Mezmerize is probably better but Hypnotize more interesting. Is the Load/Reload debate really a thing though? Don't know anyone who prefers Reload to Load.

Maybe not outright - but whenever there's a wot if load and relod were 1 abum ? thread - everyones best songs are always different.

There's no consensus on which are the best of the 27 songs.

Personally I think Load has a great first half and Reload has a great 2nd half. Plus i think Reload's weakest songs are

still better than Load's weakest songs. I just think Reload is more interesting overall.

That's pretty much how I feel about Hypnotize...

[Kotowboy]

WELL YOURE A SILLY WOTSIT !!!


Nah it's all good. 

[twosuitsluke]

Late to the ratings party, but here we go:

1. Toxicity

2. Mezmerize
3. Steal This Album

4. Hypnotize


5. System of a Down

I'm listening to Steal This Album now, and it could be #2 to be fair, it's great!


Oh yeah, also new songs were fine but nothing to get excited about.

[Zantera]

When I was at the height of my SOAD fandom days I could never quite get into the debut. Maybe if I revisited the albums today I'd have a different outlook on it but back then it was a step below the rest. Toxicity/Steal This Album were probably the best but Mezmerize and Hypnotize were 'hot' at the time.

[Kotowboy]

This is probably rumour / urban legend...

But I seem to remember reading that Steal This Album! was intended to be the third studio album proper but because it leaked

they just threw it out as a kind of 'rarities' slap dash release hence the DIY kinda artwork.

Not sure if that's true or not.

[Zantera]

From what I remember, SOAD was one of the most torrented/downloaded bands at the time and I believe Toxicity was one of those frequent albums that everyone pirated. And Steal This Album (both artwork and title) was a knock on that basically. I might be wrong.

[Ben_Jamin]

Yes, SOAD was one of the most Torrented/Downloaded because they had a lot of demoes that were going around. I believe what SOAD did was gather the most popular demoes, the ones most downloaded, and Recorded them with better production and released as Steal This Album as a poke at the Illegal Downloading Fiasco, and as a nod to "Steal This Book". It was released with a limited edition with 4 styles of different art for the CD Disc, I bought one of those, unknown to me, I unfortunately lost it with a couple other cds.

[TAC]

So Serj Tankian released a new single.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLYkjQr3s5c

I like it.

I actually bought Elect The Dead when it came out after hearing Empty Walls. I remember liking it but it's easily been 10 years since I have listened to it. Might have to change that.


And BTW, a guy at work gave me copies of a few SOAD CD's many (15ish) years ago. Not for me, but I did like the Serj album.

[Zoom E]

So Serj Tankian released a new single.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLYkjQr3s5c

I like it.

I actually bought Elect The Dead when it came out after hearing Empty Walls. I remember liking it but it's easily been 10 years since I have listened to it. Might have to change that.


And BTW, a guy at work gave me copies of a few SOAD CD's many (15ish) years ago. Not for me, but I did like the Serj album.

TAC, that single, How Many Times, is from the 5 song EP Elasticity that was released a couple of months ago. I’ve been listening to the EP a lot. Your Mom is probably the strongest song on there, if you care to check that one out. Though it is the most SOAD-like of all the songs so perhaps not to your taste.

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

So Serj Tankian released a new single.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLYkjQr3s5c

I like it.

I actually bought Elect The Dead when it came out after hearing Empty Walls. I remember liking it but it's easily been 10 years since I have listened to it. Might have to change that.


And BTW, a guy at work gave me copies of a few SOAD CD's many (15ish) years ago. Not for me, but I did like the Serj album.

Your Mom is probably the strongest song on there.....

I thought you were making a joke about TAC's mom for a second there 

[Zoom E]

So Serj Tankian released a new single.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLYkjQr3s5c

I like it.

I actually bought Elect The Dead when it came out after hearing Empty Walls. I remember liking it but it's easily been 10 years since I have listened to it. Might have to change that.


And BTW, a guy at work gave me copies of a few SOAD CD's many (15ish) years ago. Not for me, but I did like the Serj album.

Your Mom is probably the strongest song on there.....

I thought you were making a joke about TAC's mom for a second there 

[TAC]

 



Zoom, I’ll check it out.

[SoundscapeMN]

Tour with Faith No More and Russian Circles

https://systemofadown.com/tour/

[krands85]

Russian Circles