Dogmatic

It’s always refreshing when a band like System Of A Down come along. It doesn’t happen all too often, but every now and then - a band springs forth which sounds like no other bringing with it a style and identity all there own. System Of A Down were such a band. Marrying their middle-eastern influence with the Metal genre and politicizing a musical genre who’s lyrics usually border on the sublime and ridiculous. The System were smart, uniquely melodic, brutally heavy and a superbly crafted band that dominated the scene over the course of the past ten years.

Having seen the band live a few years ago, I still rank that show as one to take to the grave.

So after 10 years of prolific activity and releasing some classic albums along the way, the band is on an ‘indefinite’ hiatus. (sigh!) Practically splitting into two camps, lead singer Serj Tankian released a so-so solo album last year entitled ‘Elect The Dead’ which also featured System drummer John Dolmayan on several tracks.

Dolmayan now returns as one half of Scars On Broadway with System lead guitarist Daron Malakian. Malakian drives the self-titled album with all the quirkiness and melodic sensitivities that he brought to the System table. Always a prolific song-writer, as can be seen by the Hypnotize and Mezmerize albums that System released a few years ago, Malakian is quoted as saying, “I could release ten solo records tomorrow…”

So here we are. Not quite ten solo records down the track, but the debut Scars On Broadway has hit the streets and as expected, features a slab of catchy as fuck ditties that are as infectious and supreme as some of System’s finest moments. The album zips past at breakneck speed and seems over before it even began, but along the journey there are some amazing tracks on offer.

Granted, I miss the vocal stylings of Tankian and the smooth melodies that he and Malakian would interject throughout the System Of A Down repertoire. But seeing as the band is on this extended break, this really is the next best thing until the planets align once again and the guys can’t get their shit back together. I mean, as good as this album is… it doesn’t hold a candle to the brilliance of System. I hope we’re all in agreeance on that.