System Of A Down - "Protect The Land/Genocidal Humannoidz" Double Single Review

As we cap off another year and reflect on what had happened throughout the year which was essentially one of the most divisive years of them all what with an ongoing pandemic, the fate of the united states seemingly up in the air, and an ongoing conflict in other countries. The fact that 2020 has given us opportunities to speak up and raise awareness on these topics is a saving grace. As for System Of A Down the way they are speaking out is, you guessed it new music; this is the first release from System in 15 years so the excitement levels are high but the question is is this a true quality release from a veteran band?, Of course it is, it's System Of A Down we're talking about here.

This is without a doubt one of the best releases from a veteran band well long into their career and the fact that these singles are donations in themselves to raise awareness for the ongoing conflicts in Artsakh and Armenia are charitable acts of raising awareness through music and these two singles show that as the passion not only for their countries but for their music as well is incredible, you can tell that their passion is still strong and these two singles show that off with amazing results.

The first single that we have on our hands is 'Protect The Lands' which is without a doubt one of the best tracks that the band has ever released as this track in particular talks about the ongoing conflicts in their home countries as well as the current struggles that we as a nation are currently facing and as seemingly run of the mill that may sound the way that the band pulls those topics off in this track is outstanding. The vocal harmonies from Serj Tankian and Daron Malakian are so beautiful here as the refrain "They protect the land" is a driving force throughout the track, as well as a smooth yet somehow menacing riff, a subtle but effective bass groove, and powerful drums that make the whole package come together.

The second single and the much heavier single of the two is 'Genocidal Humannoidz' which is a flamethrower of a track that takes nods from their earlier material while also adding new elements to make the track a lot heavier. The track takes on terrorism and fights back at it with ease as the track runs through it's short runtime. The track just flexes heavy with riffs that feel like they belong in a thrash metal cut, drums that just do whatever they please, and vocals from Serj that sees him showing off his vocal talents with pose and excellence. 

Both tracks show off the best of System Of A Down and to know that the band can put aside their differences and release two tracks that are pretty much perfect examples of truly great tracks from System is truly something incredible.

This is truly some of the band's best work and from a band that hasn't made any music in over a decade and can seamlessly put out new music that supports a great cause is just beautiful. This again is some of the band's best work and to know that they are truly back with new music is mind blowing. Welcome back System Of A Down we missed you dearly. - Samuel Cook

Rating: 5/5