Takedown of System of a Down

Over at Something Awful. Caution, this link needs a serious profanity warning.

Unlike the author of that scathing review, I'm extremely impressed with their musical abilities. That is, they have their technique nailed down so perfectly, it's just amazing. I don't know of any other band that keeps things so tight and technical.

That said, it is obviously possible to be highly skilled and proficient and still totally lack the ability to write a decent song. System of a Down seems out to prove that point as often as possible. Technique is no substitute for writing something melodic, that flows and makes some sort of musical sense. And when you combine Serj's voice, I am seriously without words to express just how ridiculous the songs get.

But the real reason I change the channel when System of a Down comes on is their totally ridiculous, uninformed politics that at once encourage total conformity to ostensible anti-conformity. That is, no one can suggest with a straight face that true rebellion consists of listening to mass-produced and -marketed blather while spouting the same insipid liberal talking points as a million other teen-age dimwits.

Want an example? Here's one, from the song B.Y.O.B.:

Why don't Presidents fight the war?
Why do they always send the poor?

If pure douchebaggery has ever been expressed in a more cringe-worthy forced rhyme, I have yet to hear it. But the answers to the two questions are of course simple. 1. Because we want to win, you morons, and Presidents are not elected for their ability to run around a battlefield with a rifle. Case in point. 2. Perhaps you aren't aware, but America has an all volunteer army. If poor people volunteer, because they are interested in the benefits of a military career or for some other reason, then that's just what happens. Contrast this with your Eurotrash socialist buddies, who have mandatory military service for teen-agers. Do you really prefer their system?

This is from an member of System's official forums:

"im really into the political side of the music aswell even tho i havnt been to a campaign of this scale before i though some of u might like to know sooo here's a link http://www.anticapitalism.org.uk/index.html there's a campaign in 2 weeks to do with war,poverty,hurricane katrina,g.bush and how is actions are going to effect the world, and many more subjects that i found quite intresting the campign is on the 24th in london if you want to know more go to http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/2005/406/np12.htm i know most of you dont really care but if u do then you really should take a loook. hope to see some of u there and thanks for reading."

To which I can only reply, PUNCTUATION IS A TOOL OF THE ZIONIST OPPRESSORS SCREW BUSH THE FASCIST NAZI YIPPEE FOR SOCIALISM WHICH HAS KILLED HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO HAD IT COMING ANYWAY!