RECONNECTED SYSTEM

May 12, 2011

After a hiatus spanning nearly five years System of a Down reunited and hit the touring circuit running. Thursday night they stormed into Vancouver and were welcomed back by a moshing pit of loyal fans.

The floor crowd began to churn and chants of "System" grew louder before breaking into cheers as the lights went down and the music blasted from the behind the shadows of a curtained stage. SOAD was back.

The alternative metal rockers ripped into their set with "Prison Song". Wasting no time drawing the crowd into show, they followed up with "B.Y.O.B", a song that earned them a Grammy in 2006 for Best Hard Rock Performance.

Known for their politically outspoken lyrics, the Armenian-American musicians have developed an experimental hard rock sound. While forging their path since forming in 1994, the group has earned critical acclaim with five studio albums, while amassing a strong legion of fans.

From Los Angeles, the band—Serj Tankian (singer), John Dolmayan (drummer), Daron Malakian (guitarist/vocalist), and Shavo Odadjian (bassist)—continued at full speed, rolling out "Needles" and "Deer Dance", with lights flashing as rapidly as the lyrics were flying out of Tankian's mouth, fuelling the Vancouver crowd's energy.

The minimalistic stage backed onto a giant projection screen, featuring the band's logo and light shows throughout the night. Four oriental rugs carved up the stage for each band member.

As the crowd swelled the band dove into their music, Malakian and Odadjian seemingly lost in their work, moving around the stage in sync with their instruments. Tankian sounded strong and put in a concerted effort to work the stage.

In line with the group's experimental sound, special guest Gogol Bordello opened the show with an great energetic, theatrical performance that blended accordions with punk seamlessly during their 45-minute set.

The Gypsy punk band, hailing from New York City’s Lower East Side, brought their eclectic sound to Vancouver and were welcomed by a enthusiastic crowd. The group, featuring a diverse roster of musicians, has released five full-length albums and one EP since forming in 1999.

System of a Down continued to power through their setlist of staples including "Hypnotize", and reached back into their catalogue for "Chop Suey!" off their 2001 Toxicity album that really put them on the map.

Wrapping up Ozzfest in August 2006, System went on an indefinite hiatus to give band members a chance to do their own thing. Then in November 2010 after more than four long years for SOAD fans, the group confirmed what the internet rumour mill had been speculating and fans hoping—they would be reuniting for a series of European music festivals this summer.

Following the news of their return, the band announced they'd be bringing their explosive live show to audiences in North America throughout May, kicking off in Edmonton on the 10th. It was a dream come true for loyal System fans.

And the wait was well worth it. System of a Down didn't miss a beat, taking to the stage as if no time had passed and earning deafening cheers from the Vancouver crowd.