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STEAL THIS ALBUM
Ahh yes, another occurance of two guys writing reviews the same night for the same disc...and both guys seem to like the disc...
FoundryMusicHammer's Review: I will tell you that I didn't jump when this band first came along. A lot of people had good things to say. I just never went down that road. The hype of Toxicity finally made me break down and buy it. Then they even went as far as to re-release that record with extras.
This California metallic machine returned with a very strong follow up. Even thought the songs were unfinished from the last record and others were older here didn't hurt it at all. It flows in such a way that you'd think that this is all new material. The band has taken the better elements of thrash that I know and mixed it into some very cool music. And I do have to admit that I like Serj more, he has a great range not to mention that distinctive voice.
From the beginning of "Chic N Stu" you already get the sense that this record is gonna be heavy. "Innervision" is also another of the first cuts that turns out to be so damned strong. "Bubbles" is one that gets very catchy. "Boom" is one with a great chorus and so more kick ass thrash. "Nuguns" does seem that it will turn into a sleeper hit, it has some great melody! Turn to "A.D.D." for some solid thrashing riffs. It sounds so NYHC and very like Sick Of It All, SWEET! By "Mr. Jack" I'm just sitting here wowed by the great song writing they came up with.
"IEAIAIO" slams down some great vocal screams. "Pictures" is another track that could have big impact if played enough. Ever hear of Scatterbrain? "Fuck The System" is much more punk like after it gets the mellow out.
Need I go on to the sixteenth track? It is a seriously strong record. They just might deserve all the praise and selling records. It betters the name of heavy music. It kicks some serious ass. Find this wagon and jump on I say! They came through with the goods. The title is funny because that fact is that this is on one of the new wave no copy CD's. So mini tour and new record??? We shall see. Look for the limited art CD format. I got one of those shitty promo sleeves, so it looks stolen!
Steve C's Review: Here's a collection of SYSTEM OF A DOWN songs which you were never supposed to hear. That's right kids, Steal This Album isn't just a clever title; It's named that way because so many people felt the need to "steal" the album via the internet several months ago.
The songs were initially recorded as demo tracks, but were leaked online while the band was touring behind their disc Toxicity, so rather than absorb the loss, they decided to release the tracks with their official blessing, so to speak. The band was always planning on releasing the material, but the internet leak expedited the process.
They're not the strongest tracks (they're leftovers from the Toxicity sessions), but the first single "Innervision" shows promise, as do "Fuck The System", "Pictures" and "Boom". The disc also showcases the band's more mellow side with an acoustic track titled "Roulette", which guitarist Daron Malakian began writing seven or eight years ago, and features just Serj Tankian on vocals and Malakian on vocals and guitar.
Rick Rubin and Malakian produced Steal This Album and Andy Wallace, who mixed Toxicity, mixed the disc in Los Angeles.
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