Hypnotize
by System Of A Down
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Nov 22, 2005
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 260 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 234 out of 260
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 260
  3. Negative: 11 out of 260

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  1. DonldTrump_45Th
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Hello, this is a default review because i'm forced to use 75 characters. I'll edit this review in the future talking about the game, don't worry ;)

    My final rate is: 10
  2. cvnefedmn
    Feb 9, 2022
    10
    Guitarist Daron Malakian's voice is much more prominent. It is much more different and pop compared to other albums. Still a great album
  3. MentalMetalGuy
    Nov 15, 2016
    8
    Hypnotise is perhaps the most important album System has ever released. This was their final album before they went on a long hiatus, which will soon be ending with their upcoming album. This also, perhaps, was their weakest album, and the hiatus will most likely allow them to spiritually clear their air, and allow them to head in a clearer, more musically interesting direction.

    There    Hypnotise is perhaps the most important album System has ever released. This was their final album before they went on a long hiatus, which will soon be ending with their upcoming album. This also, perhaps, was their weakest album, and the hiatus will most likely allow them to spiritually clear their air, and allow them to head in a clearer, more musically interesting direction.

    There are some issues on this album, for example the overuse of Daron’s voice. In my opinion he works so much better as a backup singer than a lead vocalist, and it’s a shame he steals the show from Serj, who really is the greater singer. For one, Daron’s voice is high and whiny (intentionally so), which does suit the instrumentation, but wastes the manic singing of Serj, who really proved his skills in their debut. There are fewer moments in the vocals on this album that really resemble Spiders and Know, which evoke that middle eastern sound, which could really have helped these tracks.

    However, regardless this is a SOAD album, so it is still of a high quality, even if it can’t keep up with its predecessors. There are some standout tracks on this:

    Attack:
    We get a really fast, and thrash-like riff opening the album, and does remind me of the way 80’s bands tended to open their albums. This song does work, and has a lot of emphasis on Serj’s voice, which for me is a major plus.

    Kill Rock ‘n Roll:
    Another solid SOAD track, especially the comedic lyrics. “I felt like the biggest ass” goes to show there was some honest musicianship on this album, and even some hints of experimentation in their songwriting, which meant this album was anything but tame. Very re-listenable.

    Hypnotize:
    Great lyrics (“can you say brainwashing…brainwashing” as an example), this was a great track to choose for the title, but what I especially love is the solid balance between Daron and Serj’s vocals. If they want more Daron singing, this is the way to do it, with very prominent backups. Sadly the song isn’t as heavy as Mesmerize before it, but compensates with a very catchy and modern melody. Not a song you can really headbang to, but one you could really sing along to.

    Holy Mountains:
    This song sounds like something straight off their Debut. A long and heavy track, with massive religious criticisms (on the edge of redundancy and revolutionary), like a mix of Mind and Know. There is an eerie soundscape throughout the track, and makes the pacing of the album so much better. The 3 songs before this were very short and heavy, adding up to about 10 minutes of fast riffs, then stopped for a massive stomping track filled with huge riffs which live up to the name. This was an expertly written song.

    She’s Like Heroin + Vicinity of Obscenity
    They experiment even more She’s Like Heroin, and succeed in making something quite catchy, and re-listenable. This is quite a different tone for SOAD, as this is the first time they (kind of) touch on songs about love, but in their own, mildly psychotic way. Then with Vicinity of Obscenity they come full circle with the veritey of this album, this song is ENDLESSLY relistendable, with some standout lyrics, even on this album. Really great song, which I believe was previously released on a few of their older singles, which goes to show that they had some of their roots in this album

    Lonely Day:
    This song has a great melody, and ‘memorable’ lyrics, which I really don’t know what to make of… Daron has leads, and it just goes to show what a shame it is that Serj isn’t as present on this album, and he could really have carried the melody a bit better. Regardless the song sounds good when you listen, and is one which really feels like a hit, which works to the advantage of those re-listening to the album.

    Soldier Side:
    The album ends with the opposite of the opening track. What a good track this is. Like a semi-ballad, it has actually interesting anthem-like lyrics about war. Serj and Daron have harmonising vocals that work here, because of the anthem like quality of the song. A great way to end the album.

    Overall this cannot be considered a disappointment. It could compete with all of SOAD’s discography for its clear and distinctive style, and its melodic focus. I only wish there was less emphasis on Daron’s voice, and more softer and harder moments.

    This was a great success, and should really get everbody excited for the SOAD album, which is even as half as good as this (which will easily be) then we might have their new masterpiece on our hands.    … Expand
  4. TheQuietGamer
    Nov 5, 2016
    9
    It certainly does hypnotize. While not quite matching the outright perfection of Mezmerize, the band is still in top form for the second half of their double album. It's the softer half of the two and as a result doesn't have the same sense of manic energy.

    Yet, the band's sense of humor is still on point and things do get heavy. The experimental elements are still in place. In a lot of    It certainly does hypnotize. While not quite matching the outright perfection of Mezmerize, the band is still in top form for the second half of their double album. It's the softer half of the two and as a result doesn't have the same sense of manic energy.

    Yet, the band's sense of humor is still on point and things do get heavy. The experimental elements are still in place. In a lot of ways Hypnotize is a return to the group's Toxicity days. The punk-rock feel and political lyrical themes are back in place. Not that they really left at all.

    There's not really much to say outside of System of a Down has brought it again. Everything sounds fantastic and is just as addicting as ever. The track Kill Rock N' Roll stands out as one my new favorite SOAD songs. Everything else on the album is more high quality music they've added to their already stellar resume. They sure as heck don't disappoint fans here.

    9.5/10    … Expand
  5. AadityaW65
    Jul 12, 2015
    7
    What is this abomination? This album disgraces what System of A Down stands for. Mezmerize was at least listenable, or decent, but this is pure **** Complete and absolute **** Vicinity of Obscenity? What the hell was that? The lyrics are so bad! Probably the worst album they've ever come out with out.
  6. reaper17112
    Nov 27, 2013
    8
    This album houses probably my favorite song from the band, "Dreaming". Its amazing fast paced melody, and ambiguous lyrics that leave you trying to come up with a meaning, make it one of the bands stand out tracks. The rest of the album for me was good, but not as good as some of their earlier albums. Songs like Attack, Tentative, Holy Mountains, Hypnotize and Soldier Side, left aThis album houses probably my favorite song from the band, "Dreaming". Its amazing fast paced melody, and ambiguous lyrics that leave you trying to come up with a meaning, make it one of the bands stand out tracks. The rest of the album for me was good, but not as good as some of their earlier albums. Songs like Attack, Tentative, Holy Mountains, Hypnotize and Soldier Side, left a standing impression on me, while songs such as Kill Rock and Roll, Ufig, and Vicinity of Obscenity while good songs, didn't appeal to me as much as the rest of the album. Overall, a great album that left you wanting more from the band.… Expand
  7. Andremax
    Oct 15, 2013
    8
    Mezmerize is ver amazins
    but i preferes this
    is weird but well-worked
    funny
    my favourite band
    ...............................................................................................................................................................
  8. jfrotylpe532
    Dec 22, 2012
    7
    Hypntize and Attack are the big reason this album is alive. Mostly Hypnotize.
  9. skyminster
    May 29, 2012
    7
    Hypnotize is pretty good, most of the songs are very good, but three or four of the songs are weird and extra angry. The best songs are: Tentative, Holy mountains, Hypnotize, and Soldier's side. And the worst songs are: kill rock 'n' roll, stealing society, vicinity of obscenity and shes like heroin (super weird). Why does the guitarist sing so much, he's a bad singer, and the lyrics heHypnotize is pretty good, most of the songs are very good, but three or four of the songs are weird and extra angry. The best songs are: Tentative, Holy mountains, Hypnotize, and Soldier's side. And the worst songs are: kill rock 'n' roll, stealing society, vicinity of obscenity and shes like heroin (super weird). Why does the guitarist sing so much, he's a bad singer, and the lyrics he writes, are terrible and have bad grammar, like, for example: "the most loneliest day of my life"it seemed like serj tankian was a background singer, but at least his vocals were good.… Expand
  10. TehBlooBomber
    May 21, 2012
    10
    This album kicks all kinds of ass! Every song on this album had me either bobbing my head, or screaming to the lyrics. I cannot express the joy this album brings me. A 10 would be an understatement for this album, and I love this album more than all the others by System of a Down.
  11. AnikM
    Apr 21, 2012
    7
    Alright album, it's got some great songs but a lot of the songs sound like carbon copies. Tentative, Attack, Dreaming, Kill Rock N' Roll and U-Fig all sound alike and start off the same way (save for the different guitar notes). It's one of the more repetitive albums I've ever heard but it's still a good album that any metal head should want to listen to. The harmonies on this album areAlright album, it's got some great songs but a lot of the songs sound like carbon copies. Tentative, Attack, Dreaming, Kill Rock N' Roll and U-Fig all sound alike and start off the same way (save for the different guitar notes). It's one of the more repetitive albums I've ever heard but it's still a good album that any metal head should want to listen to. The harmonies on this album are the best ever though, and SOAD can still rock out. Highlights of this album are "Dreaming", "Holy Mountains" and "Soldier Side". Low points of this album are "Stealing Society" and what is IMO the worst SOAD song ever, "Lonely Day".… Expand
  12. ImUnavailable
    Feb 18, 2012
    7
    The follow-up to Mezmerize is a solid album but is less inventive and not quite as intelligent. A few bland songs hold it back but the overall product is still solid.
  13. asylumspadez
    Nov 24, 2011
    8
    The best album behind Toxicity. Hypnotize gives plenty of good tracks and just a good album overall that once again establishes System as one of the best metal bands out there.
  14. martinw
    May 11, 2007
    10
    the best band of its kind!!!
  15. Mithyus
    Apr 16, 2007
    10
    Just as Playlouder translates into words - Intense, terrifying.
  16. Marc
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    Rock at it's best!!!
  17. tonyak
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    i love it...this is the first SOAD album i've owned and it's my favorite. i love all the political aspects: there are some great points, very deep. and, of course, the music is great!
  18. Myles#13
    Sep 6, 2006
    10
    Great great GREAT album! Along with 'Mesmerize', this is THE album to have of the year, and firmly puts SOAD at the top of the musical field. SOAD dares to rock the boat, both musically and politically and remains one of the most truly original bands of our time. Fav's are 'Attack', 'Holy Mountains', 'Vicinity of Obscenity' and the hauntingly Great great GREAT album! Along with 'Mesmerize', this is THE album to have of the year, and firmly puts SOAD at the top of the musical field. SOAD dares to rock the boat, both musically and politically and remains one of the most truly original bands of our time. Fav's are 'Attack', 'Holy Mountains', 'Vicinity of Obscenity' and the hauntingly beautiful 'Soldier Side'.… Expand
  19. yoG
    Jul 30, 2006
    10
    Awesome album.Better than 10 out of 10.Holy Mountains is the best song ever written.
  20. ChrisJ
    May 5, 2006
    9
    Superb. Loses its way a little between Holy Mountains and Soldier Side but the class shines through. If I ever hear a better song than Holy Mountains I'll consider myself very lucky..........still prefer Mezmerize though.
  21. KeithJ
    Mar 30, 2006
    10
    A Great Album, I have all there others and feel that this is a masterpiece. The two Albums together are a fine body of work and I can't wait for the next instalment!!!!!
  22. donna
    Feb 21, 2006
    9
    not bad, not bad at all. their mixture of goth and funk has proven itself to be sellable.
  23. Connor
    Feb 17, 2006
    10
    This album is just one smash hit after another. I can never get enough of it. After hearing one good song I go to hear another, but then another good one comes on and I can't turn back.
  24. IgorM
    Feb 17, 2006
    10
    This deserves a 10! Few albums like this, one of my favorites.
  25. BriaM
    Feb 11, 2006
    10
    i disagree with kyle i thinkSOAD really outdid themselfs and i couldn't be happier
  26. MikhailV
    Feb 10, 2006
    10
    Absolutely amazing, It's a bloody masterpiece. I have no idea how some people can put down S.O.A.D. and their music. I saw a comment saying "this isn't music". That person can go and burn. Each song on this album is amazing and send shivers around my body. I don't know if this happens to others? If i had to pick a least best song, it would be She's Like Heroin as it Absolutely amazing, It's a bloody masterpiece. I have no idea how some people can put down S.O.A.D. and their music. I saw a comment saying "this isn't music". That person can go and burn. Each song on this album is amazing and send shivers around my body. I don't know if this happens to others? If i had to pick a least best song, it would be She's Like Heroin as it sounds kind of rushed. But still great. System rock!!!!!!… Expand
  27. NateW
    Jan 30, 2006
    7
    This album is for me a decline for System. I really was hoping that they would make a return to a more metal style but, I was mistaken. They just went back to the things they were doing on Mezmerize. If they would have combined the 2 albums into one then we would have something to talk about but, instead they put out 2 seperate LP's with songs on each that didn't need to be on This album is for me a decline for System. I really was hoping that they would make a return to a more metal style but, I was mistaken. They just went back to the things they were doing on Mezmerize. If they would have combined the 2 albums into one then we would have something to talk about but, instead they put out 2 seperate LP's with songs on each that didn't need to be on there. I guess I'm a little disapointed.… Expand
  28. BradG
    Jan 26, 2006
    9
    One of their best albums yet
  29. GregH
    Jan 20, 2006
    10
    Wow. And I say that as an objective listener rather than an avid fan. Point for point this album surpassed my expectations. Though much more somber than Mezmerize, the songs still retained their typical energy. I particularly liked "Stealing Society", "Holy Mountains", "Tentative", and "Dreaming". Overall, this album was by far an excellent purchase.
  30. thomass
    Jan 20, 2006
    9
    this cd is the shit it aint too hard they sing about nothing but its all that...i recommend listening to crade of filth and slipknot as well as decay into light.i rate the cd
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Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Most Discussed Album of 2005
41
#41 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Billboard
    70
    Not that the band's blend of metal; world music; jagged, breakneck rhythms; and non sequitur lyrics don't still connect, but it is nowhere near as dazzling as it was on its first two go-arounds. [26 Nov 2005]
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    It's a strange brew that may not be everyone's cup of tea; still, there's no denying these cats have their singular system down pat. [25 Nov 2005, p.100]
  3. Los Angeles Times
    88
    "Hypnotize" has some of the circus-is-in-town surrealism that links System to the Frank Zappa avant-rock tradition, but overall it's more of a fundamental rock album. [20 Nov 2005]
See all critic reviews »