System Of A Down - Mezmerize [Black Vinyl LP]
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System Of A Down - Mezmerize Released in May 2005, Mezmerize represents a pivotal moment in System of a Down’s evolution, showcasing the band’s fearless melding of aggressive metal, unexpected melodic turns, and incisive political commentary. This black vinyl edition delivers a rich analog sound that captures every nuance of the album’s complex arrangements. From the moment Mezmerize begins, listeners are plunged into a sonic maelstrom—John Dolmayan’s drumming tears through the opening keyboards on “B.Y.O.B.”, while Serj Tankian’s vocals veer from quiet menace to feral intensity as the song dismantles war propaganda. The album’s production, co-handled by Rick Rubin and the band themselves, strikes a rare balance between raw ferocity and polished clarity, allowing Daron Malakian’s layered guitar textures—whether in the haunting Middle Eastern–inflected verses of “Question!” or the oppressive roar of distorted riffs—to breathe through the vinyl’s warm highs and deep lows. Throughout the record, System of a Down never shies away from contrast. “Sad Statue” begins with a mournful piano motif and tranquil vocal lines before exploding into a wall of metallic force, revealing the band’s ability to convey vulnerability without sacrificing intensity. “Lost in Hollywood” offers a sardonic critique of celebrity culture, its groove-driven bass and drums forging a head-nodding pulse beneath Tankian’s shifting register—from playful sarcasm to seething outrage—while the guitar work alternates between slick rhythmic chugs and jagged lead accents. In “Tentative,” a melancholic piano theme sets a reflective tone before plunging listeners back into frantic riffing, underscoring the album’s thematic interplay between introspection and volatility. Pressed on a single disc of high-quality black vinyl (33⅓ RPM), this edition of Mezmerize preserves the album’s dynamic range and each member’s performance. Shavo Odadjian’s bass grooves lock tightly with Dolmayan’s precise snare beats and thunderous kicks, creating a foundation upon which Malakian’s guitar solos and ambient overdubs can soar. The glossy jacket replicates the original gold-and-black artwork—an ornate, hypnotic design that hints at the album’s lyrical exploration of illusion and reality—and the inner sleeves are printed with full lyrics and candid band photography, making this an immersive collector’s item. More than a decade after its release, Mezmerize remains one of System of a Down’s most cohesive and ambitious works. Its blend of heavy attack, melodic sophistication, and unflinching social critique continues to resonate with fans around the world. This black vinyl reissue offers an authentic listening experience that highlights every detail of the album’s inventive production and powerful performances.
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Track List: Side A:
Side B:
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