Down

Chart-topping but challenging alt-metal band that incorporates programmed beats and subtle Eastern European influences.
Like many late-'90s metal bands, System of a Down struck a balance between '80s underground thrash metal and metallic early-'90s alternative rockers like Jane's Addiction. Their dark, neo-gothic alternative metal earned a cult following in the wake of the popularity of such like-minded bands as Korn and the Deftones. Vocalist Serj Tankian, guitarist Daron Malakian, bassist Shavo Odadjian, and drummer John Dolmayan formed System of a Down in Southern California in the mid-'90s. They quickly earned a strong following in Los Angeles, largely based on strong word of mouth…

Lauded London 6-piece Melt Yourself Down are back armed with a new approach for their fourth studio album Pray For Me I Don’t Fit In. Created for misfits, by misfits, Pray For Me I Don’t Fit In sees Melt Yourself Down embrace a celebratory punk agenda. Having realised they are never going to fit the mould, the group deliberately draw on their myriad influences, speaking all languages musically and lyrically. Led by the potent sounds of Sax pioneer Pete Wareham, the punchy sax hooks pay homage to the traditional horn sections of late 60’s early 70’s era of Jazz, Soul and Rock n Roll, while showcasing African pentatonic scales and dance-inducing rhythms with raw 70’s rock and punk.

"Shame," "Snowblind," and "Metro" are covers of a Wu-Tang Clan, Black Sabbath, and Berlin song respectively. "Shame" actually features some members of the Wu-Tang Clan and contains typical System insanity with Serj rapping and a few extremely catchy riffs. In "Snowblind," SOAD makes a decent Black Sabbath song into a fantastic song by speeding up the tempo of the verses and slowing down the bridge, bringing a beauty to it that was never previously there. Then changing speeds again back to the heavy chorus. "Metro" is another classic System-twanged cover with another catchy slow verse that gives way to a hectic chorus then right back to the melodic verse. All three covers display all the things System of a Down fans have come to love about the band…