System of a Down review – Deviant pop and anti-war rage combined in a metal brawl | music

SSince re-forming in 2010, System of a Down (SOAD) have existed in a strange state of limbo, playing several big-ticket tours but releasing only two new songs, with more new material being rolled out conspicuous by their absence amid rumblings of impasses and creative struggles.

Tonight offers little evidence that this impasse has been eased – sure, there are no new songs – but SOAD doesn’t play like they’re rehashing familiar material for the sake of filthy profit. They’re very heavy, and offer everything a metal band should, including guitar hero, Daron Malakian, who leads chants of: “Pull Oasis out of your ass!” It raises a circular hole extending from the stage to the exit; Guitarist Shavo Odadjian, whose skill is unparalleled; And singer Serj Tankian, who growls and sings, gets operatic and — at least once tonight — meows.

Ranging from Dead Kennedys, Faith no More, Zappa and a million points beyond, their bizarre design is as disorienting, but as inspiring as it is chaotic. Decades later, the likes of Suite Pee and Chic’n’Stu have retained their initial shock impact for the new, as time signatures jump and bounce between artistic brutality, perverted pop antics, and melodies that could spark pop uprisings. These songs are a brutal, expertly crafted rollercoaster, with plenty of terrifying twists and jumps.

As Chop Suey’s ongoing melee recedes into the distance, Malakian sighs. “last Angry song. Excuse us For being So Angry – the world is kind of taken advantage of! This has been SOAD’s stance for over 25 years, but their songs are so powerful tonight because the anger that flows through this material feels so palpable today. Their paranoid vision of America’s deteriorating future under exhausted capitalism…well, they’re not so paranoid anymore. The anti-war message within the shrapnel riot in the BYOB opener – with Tankian shouting “Why do they always send the poor?” – As timely as when they wrote it. Want to advance? Well, as a video spoof promised, human suffering is now available “in 4K resolution.”

But if the world is in a bit of a bad state, SOAD’s relentless onslaught is a life-affirming catharsis, a scream into the darkness. Rage is still energy, and it drives SOAD to elevate timeless anthems of rage to the level of thrilling, thrilling, and thrilling entertainment.