It’s been 15 years since we’ve heard from the legendary nu-metal band System of a Down. However after 15 years the band still does have the tenacious energy that we love, just not all of it.
System of a Down releasing new music is as BIG news as it’s been 15 years since we’ve heard anything from them. Back in 2005 the band split with no reunion insight, so it’s definitely a pleasant surprise that we hear new music from them. Reuniting to bring the plight of Armenia and the traversties they face Azerbaijan, the question is after 15 years do they still have that spark?
System of a Down always starts out their projects with high crazed energy, songs like “Chic n‘ Stu”, “Prison Song”, “Attack” “BYOB” (Not the official album intro but it’s the first song on the album.) System of a Down starts their new singles with “Protect the Land ” a rallying song for those who defend Armenia, those who are sick and tired of the oppressive and violence Azerbaijan imposes on their home country. . S.O.A.D takes a different approach opting for a more anthemic track, however it just falls flat. Let me be clear that it’s not a bad track, it’s just not a memorable song. The guitar work sounds like 15 other nu-metal tracks, the delivery of the vocals is The guitar riff is bland, the vocals lack the crazy edge that we’re used to from Serj. Rather than being an in your face political track, “Those who protect the land” is a rallying call to those who Guitarist Daron Malkian originally wrote this track for his other band “Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway” which does offer an explanation as to why the song is lifeless. Overall the song is boring, and offers nothing new to the System of a Down discography, but if it came on shuffle I probably wouldn’t skip it.
5/10
Genocidal Humanoidz is the true star out of these two singles: it hits all the right notes as to what makes a great System of a Down track. It’s got a great guitar hook that instantly draws you in, Daron leads the verses with Serj backing him up. The hook is punchy and memorable “Can you see us, beating the devil, we never run from the devil, we never summoned the devil.” Lyrically the song talks about the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and despite the fact that they’re outnumbered they will stand their ground. Despite all the racism, war and hardships that they face, Armenia will never cede and continue to fight for their lives against the genocide. Drummer John Dolmayan as usual sets the atmosphere with his aggressive drums, this time adding in a brief section of blast beats something that pleasantly caught me by surprise. The song has an amazing flow, it’s fast paced, and showcases high energy from both vocalists giving the song an all around great sound. .Overall I love this track and it easily makes my top songs of 2020 list.
9/10
Does their new music hold a torch to their previous work, no. It’s a bit of a mixed bag with “Protect the Land” being a boring anthemic rallying cry. Lyrically the track is nothing special nor is it presented in a unique way. Instrumentally it sounds like any run-of-the-mill nu-metal track. “Genocidal Humanoidz” on the other hand is quite amazing. It’s got a killer chorus, incredible drumming, and it shows us that they still have the fighting spirit we love from System of a Down.
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