Mezmerize is the fourth studio album by System of a Down, released on May 17, 2005, through American Recordings and Columbia Records. Upon its release, the album received acclaim from critics. The album sold over 450,000 copies in its first week (over 200,000 more than Toxicity did), and immediately topped the Billboard 200.
At a length of just over 36 minutes, Mezmerize is the band’s shortest studio album. The album debuted at number one in at least 12 countries, and has since been certified double platinum by the RIAA. The hit single “B.Y.O.B.” won a Grammy Award in 2006 for Best Hard Rock Performance.
Despite the time difference between releases, Mezmerize and Hypnotize were recorded within the same time frame. The album features guitarist Daron Malakian sharing most of the vocal work with vocalist Serj Tankian, splitting the vocals at least halfway on many of the tracks. All music was written by Daron Malakian, except “Question!” , written by Malakian and Serj Tankian.
Tracklist:
- Soldier Side
- B.Y.O.B.
- 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
System of a Down
Serj Tankian: vocals, keyboards, acoustic guitar on “Question!” (uncredited)
Daron Malakian: vocals, guitars, bass (uncredited)
Shavo Odadjian: bass
John Dolmayan: drums, percussion
Vocals
“Soldier Side”: Intro: Daron Malakian and Serj Tankian (both main)
“B.Y.O.B.”: Tankian (main), Malakian (second voice)
“Revenga”: Tankian (main), Malakian (second voice)
“Cigaro”: Tankian (main), Malakian (second voice)
“Radio/Video”: Malakian and Tankian (both main)
“This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I’m on this Song”: Tankian
“Violent Pornography”: Malakian and Tankian (both main)
“Question!”: Tankian (main), Malakian (backing vocals)
“Sad Statue”: Malakian and Tankian (both main)
“Old School Hollywood”: Malakian and Tankian (both main)
“Lost in Hollywood”: Malakian (main) and Tankian (second voice)
Production
Rick Rubin: production
Andy Wallace: mixing
David Schiffman: engineering
Jason Lader: editing
Dana Neilsen: editing
Phillip Broussard: engineering assistance
John O’Mahony: Pro Tools engineering
Steve Sisco: mixing assistance
Joe Peluso: mixing assistance
Additional personnel
Marc Mann: string arrangements
Vartan Malakian: artwork
Brandy Flower: graphic design
