System of a Down delivers mesmerizing album

By CRAIG LAUE, For Pulse

True rock music should have a message. If it is done right, it is rebellious, controversial and pure. System of a Down is one of a handful of bands to incorporate these key elements in its music. The group's music is a melting pot of aggression and melody --- anger with a dose of humor, controversial yet tongue-in-cheek. System of a Down may be one of the most important groups on the rock scene today.

"Mezmerize," one of two albums recorded for 2005, lets the band explore even more uncharted territory. System of a Down's members are themselves a melting pot of different cultures. Two members hail from Armenia, one from Lebanon and another from Hollywood. The unlikely quartet cranks out an unmistakable sound.
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"Mezmerize" reveals a band not only growing more confident over time, but continually changing. System of a Down dares to be different, be itself and show a no-compromise attitude. The band refuses to bow down to label pressure, which makes it a true rock band --- rebellious and dangerous.

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