System Of A Down: Hypnotize

Herald rating * * * *

This is the second instalment of the double album that System Of A Down promised us earlier this year. Musically, it is just as good. However, even before you listen to it, it has to be said that the masterful way the two albums fit together (with matching art work) to form a great digi-pack is the initial sign that System are clever, cool, and passionate about their music.

On Hypnotize there are no songs with the extreme ferocity and ball-busting impact of B.Y.O.B. or Cigaro from Mesmerize. But as an album, Hypnotize, is more listenable because of its increased subtleties (albeit unnerving ones), tender moments and songs like Stealing Society (possibly the most normal song the band has written).

Right from the first note of each song, System draw you in and intrigue you. Often the start is punishing, like the death metal opening of Attack, but you keep listening.

Their unhinged craziness is in full effect yet again, especially on Vicinity Of Obscenity, which is metal funk madness with a manic chorus of "Banana, banana, terracotta, terracotta, pie".

With a few more brutal and kick-arse songs this album would have been their best yet, but Mesmerize just takes it.

With their eccentric time signatures, scary spazz-outs, and political aggression, it is uncanny how System Of A Down can be so popular. But enough about that, because it's great. The band's secret is that they are not self-indulgent, they just like to rock hard and make music a more informed and interesting place.

Label: Columbia