Rock hard with System of a Down

There are so many instantly noticeable things in the new System of a Down album entitled Mesmerize. First, at a time when musicians are doing practically everything to cram all materials they have in lengthy productions, the famous rock group has chosen to have only 11 cuts: Soldier Side Intro, Revenga, Cigaro, Radio/Video, This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I’m on This Song, Violent Pornography, Question! Sad Statue, Old School Hollywood, Lost in Hollywood and the best of the lot, B.Y.O.B.

Note: If you think that title means the Pinoy directive, "bring your own baon," you are very mistaken. It actually means "Bring Your Own Bomb," which is not really surprising given System of a Down’s always subversive stance. Here is hoping that nobody will take this order literally. Here is also hoping that everybody who listens to B.Y.O.B. and the rest of this album will notice what a brilliant piece of rock music production it is.

Second, this must be a comeback of sorts because the last time we ever heard anything about System of a Down was in 2001 when the album Toxicity was the hottest thing in the hit charts. I honestly thought that lead guitarist Daron Malakian, vocalist Serj Tankian, drummer John Dolmayan and bassist Shavo Odadjian have already called it quits. They have not. Their music has not changed in any way. It is still a massive assault on the ears and throw in the other senses, too. And I do marvel at this band’s efforts to serve up something meaty and interesting with anything they come up with.

Third, contrary to the beliefs of the uninitiated, metal rock can be melodic, hooky, amusing, moving and lyrical. The songs in Mesmerize can sustain an entire opera. The range of topics that these guys deal with is also remarkable and puts a moron stamp on the "I love you but you don’t love me" stance of many big selling bands these days. Why is the Statue of Liberty sad in Sad Statue? Because the country is at war. What is gonorrhea gorgonzola? Find the answer in This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I’m on This Song.

So if you want something to think about, to get angry with, to admire and to do many other things with, check out Mesmerize this weekend. Then after you have assimilated and digested what it has to say, brace yourself for part two of this epic, Hypnotize, which is expected to be out anytime soon. That, is the reason why Mesmerize is so short.

Ryan Cayabyab’s choice

>Message from Ryan Cayabyab about a future rock star: "Do you guys watch INXS Contest on Star World? Ang galing ni Mig Ayesa. We should support him! Every week I feel proud just watching that talent. Di bale if he grew up in Ozzie, he was born here and he is Pinoy na Pinoy. Vote for this guy. Kaya natin siyang itaguyod and we will have someone to be proud of in these awful times."

It is really so nice of Ryan to go to bat for a talent like Mig. The guy deserves to win, although I must say he is up against also formidable rivals. No matter what happens, I am sure the contestants are already all set for a great career in the music business. As for the viewers, Rockstar: INXS is giving us one fantastic ride into the world of rock music. It is just too bad it will not be able to repeat this one next season. Stay tuned to Rockstar: INXS on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and 8:50 p.m. and on Thursdays at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. There are only six more guys to go.

Top 10 tunes on Billboard

Meanwhile here are the Top 10 tunes in the Billboard 200 Album Chart for the week ending Aug. 27: Chapter V by Staind; Now 19 by Various Artists; Fireflies by Faith Hill; The Emancipation of Mimi by Mariah Carey; Monkey Business by The Black Eyed Peas; Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 by Young Jeezy; X & Y by Coldplay; Demon Days by Gorillaz; Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson; and Wanted by Bow Wow.

The Top 10 tunes in this week’s Billboard Hot 100 list are: We Belong Together by Mariah Carey; Don’t Cha by The Pussycat Dolls featuring Busta Rhymes; Pon de Replay by Rihanna; Let Me Hold You by Bow Wow featuring Omarion; You and Me by Lifehouse; Shake It Off also by Mariah Carey; Behind These Hazel Eyes by Kelly Clarkson; Listen to Your Heart by D. H. T.; Lose Control by Missy Elliott featuring Ciara & Fat Man Scoop; Pimpin’ All Over the World by Ludacris featuring Bobby Valentino.