Note: This is the debut album from the band fronted by Daron Malakian (System of A Down guitarist/vocalist/songwriter). SOAD drummer John Dolmayan joins him on drums. At this time, their much more famous band has no plans to record or tour, but isn’t officially broken up. Since SOAD’s “indefinite hiatus” began, their frontman also put out a record, 2007’s Elect the Dead. So the future of the premier metal act of the last decade is uncertain at best.
Sound: They bounce between slick, arena-ready metal; stomping, more aggressive punk; reserved, mid-tempo rock; and power ballads. The bizarre, theatrical, progressive tendencies and political/social/environmental commentaries of System of a Down are still present, but Scars on Broadway is more melodic and less frenetic.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “3005”; “Enemy”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Universe”; “They Say”; “Funny”; “Exploding/Reloading”; “Cute Machines”
Recommended: If you’ve found System of A Down a little too in-your-face intense, Scars on Broadway is easier to digest. However, they’re missing some of the danger and standout tracks of SOAD. Plus, Daron’s front-and-center lyrics feel a little lazy and silly at times, which can be distracting. And, the second half of the album is stronger than the first (i.e. the backloaded sequencing can make it harder to get into). Still, the music on here is more accomplished and invigorating than most aggressive rock/metal out there these days.
Grade: B+

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