Scars On Broadway

Scars on Broadway | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 29, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Interscope Records
• ASIN: B001BMKOZW
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,564 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #78 in Music > Hard Rock & Metal > Progressive Metal

Editorial Reviews

Scars on Broadway, the long-awaited collaboration between guitarist-frontman Daron Malakian and drummer John Dolmayan, both best known for their work in the multi-Platinum-selling, Grammy-winning band SYSTEM OF A DOWN, has signed with Interscope Records and will see their self-titled debut released on July 29.

With Malakian sitting in the Scars' producer chair, he and Dolmayan entered the studio last September, recorded nearly two-dozen songs for the album, and then whittled down the final track listing to 14 songs.

Many of the Scars on Broadway songs had their genesis years ago. "I like to let my songs marinate over time, that helps determine which ones speak to me the loudest," explained Malakian. Malakian, who penned or co-penned SOAD classics such as "Aerials," "Chop Suey!," "Hypnotize," and "B.Y.O.B.", wrote the Scars songs mostly on keyboards and a drum machine. On the new scars material Malakian injects more rock than metal, citing influences from Iggy Pop to David Bowie to Neil Young.

Different from the chaotic/alt/metal sound of SOAD, the Scars tracks are more song-based and showcase Malakian's varied writing style, from the simmering rock sound of "World Long Gone" to the melodic yet desolate "Universe." On the politically-tinged "3005," Malakian proves he is still as provocative as ever with the lyric, "Let's clap our hands for the president and Jesus Christ/And don't forget Charles Manson..." And "They Say," the first track leaked to the public, is heavy, but in more of a 1970s punk fashion. Some of the other confirmed tracks include "Enemy," ""Stoner Hate," "Babylon," and "Cute Machines."

Scars on Broadway has already played a handful of live shows, including Coachella 2008, where the Los Angeles Times singled them out as "one of the festival's hottest highlights." They also opened for Metallica at an L.A. benefit gig - SPIN said that their set "made it clear how little System's hiatus has dulled each man's hyperactive creativity." Scars plans to tour extensively to support the new album.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars 1 year later, June 16, 2009

By 

Clean Ol Dubby of the New Millenium (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Scars On Broadway (Audio CD)

With System splitting, it is very apparent who had the penchant for song writing between them. No longer do you look through the liner notes of SOAD's disography and have to guess who had more of an influence in the lyrics of a song when you see split credit between Malakian/Tankian.

This album falls flat on its face with abhorent lyrical content. Daron Malakian must take 5 minutes per song and write whatever elementary school dribble that pops into his head.

Musically, the album is acceptable but lyrics make it utterly forgettable.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant beyond measure, August 29, 2008

By 

Owen Nagle "Foamy" (Everywhere and Nowhere) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Scars On Broadway (Audio CD)

Without a doubt this entire album makes up for System of a Down's hiatus. It is the perfect complement to Serj Tankian's "Elect the Dead" and it feels fresh and new. "Babylon", "Stoner-Hate", "Universe", "Chemicals", "Enemy" and "They Say" are probably some of the best songs on this album, a must have for any System of a Down fan, or anyone looking for something new.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Exptect less than SOAD, October 24, 2009

By 

J. Cantrell - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Scars On Broadway (Audio CD)

I knew Daron was a weird one. This cd proves it. I wish System of a Down would get back together, so we don't get more of this crap. There are a few good songs, but he does too much weird/stupid stuff with his voice. The lyrics are really.... dumb, half the time.