Coming up from behind its predeccesor Mezmerise (In the same year no less) was not an easy option and there was considerable risk this album would contain songs of almost the exact same design and leave fans pondering the reasons other than a quick cash fix. Luckily although this album is clearly by the same band and does give a nod to its esteemed big brother, it is none the less superb.
Attack Kicks off in standard heavy metal fasion though its thrilling to note how far drummer John Dolmayan has progressed from Toxicity days, with blast beats aplenty this is one of SOAD's heavier offerings and leads the album off into an excellent start. Dreaming starts almost too familiarly to attack and would appear like a song for only am acquired taste, luckily the harmonious breakdown at the end is fantastic and will have any music fan singing away in unison. Kill rock and roll is next, and damn if it isn't more genius, with a glorious opening line 'I felt like the biggest ass hole' it… more »

Coming up from behind its predeccesor Mezmerise (In the same year no less) was not an easy option and there was considerable risk this album would contain songs of almost the exact same design and leave fans pondering the reasons other than a quick cash fix. Luckily although this album is clearly by the same band and does give a nod to its esteemed big brother, it is none the less superb.
Attack Kicks off in standard heavy metal fasion though its thrilling to note how far drummer John Dolmayan has progressed from Toxicity days, with blast beats aplenty this is one of SOAD's heavier offerings and leads the album off into an excellent start. Dreaming starts almost too familiarly to attack and would appear like a song for only am acquired taste, luckily the harmonious breakdown at the end is fantastic and will have any music fan singing away in unison. Kill rock and roll is next, and damn if it isn't more genius, with a glorious opening line 'I felt like the biggest ass hole' it will be hard forgotten and while up tempo as its forerunners it is a more accessible and light hearted song although its meaning clear as to the wave of feeling towards the music franchise over the past years. Moving on to the self titled track, not the best but certainly a good piece to listen to. Slower and more of a ballad, Hypnotise, is a nice deviant away from the first 2 songs thunderous start and leads the listener into a more calm arena before stealing society brings back the speed of tracks 1-3 with some brilliant, and all so true lyrics of an unhinged life all too real for many by guitarist and fellow singer darron for another qualioty moment for a band that do not care whether what they say will be taken well or not. Tentative provides another wonderful breakdown moment where the thrashing drums and distorted guitars cease and give way to serj and darrons harmonious vocals as they ask the all too poignent questions 'where do you expect us to go when the bombs fall' its a harsh and desperate cry for those who are in danger and are not listened too by an all too dictatorial system and marks another stellar moment for the band and album. the following 2 tracks U-Fig and Holy Mountains come as a slight downturn for an otherwise glorious offering U-Fig is odd fast, noisy but lyrically potent whilst Holy mountains is longer than many of the songs and while it has its moments, the chorus being of notable beauty) the song seems to dwindle and lack in the face of what went and certainly what is to come.
The Next 2 tracks represent all that is right with SOAD and for what went before, can only be called a simple glance as to what is to come, VIscinity of Obscenity is irreverant and Insane, with Lyrics making absolutely no sense to those uninformed but being both stunningly catchy and memorable at the same time. 'Banana Banana Banana Terracota'....Terracota Pie'. Indeed but all done so wonderfully that one cannot help be drawn into its simple brilliance, a true Band highlight. After This we Come to A less heavy but no less fantastic song detailing the needs of closet lifestyles and the odd fetishes that drive them 'She's Like Heroin' is mid tempo but an ultimate sing along moment crescendoing into the final two pieces on this triumphant record. Lonely day is, sadly, a little let down. Very quickly forgotten though in the wake of the albums last, and finest track. Soldier side. Haunting, Beautiful and astounding to take in. When the song reaches its zeneth it reprises into a much grander version of the original soldier side intro from Mezmerize, ending the album on a epic high with a song with depth the like of jabba the huts crease.

Grand, Original and Epic...

...Truly Outstanding.