System Of A Down - Mezmerize World Tour 2005,
Glasgow SECC, Scotland, 15/6/05,
With The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster.

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It's around five years since System Of A Down last played in Scotland, and upon seeing the crowd gathered in the SECC to witness their return to the land of rain, it is clear they have been missed.

First up are psychadelic rockers The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, playing to the 3/4 full crowd. They have decent songs and are lively, and put on a good show. Job done. But how are you supposed to chant that name?

The wait for System to appear is excruciatingly painful, as a huge curtain emblazoned with the logo of the latest album 'Mezmerize' is set up. Eventually, the lights go dim and the audience goes into an uproar of applause. From behind the curtain comes the intro known as 'Soldier Side', and the curtain falls to reveal the band as they launch into latest single 'BYOB' (short for 'Bring Your Own Bombs'). 

The audience can't possibly cheer loud enough after the first song. We are greeted by guitarist Daron Malakian, as the other members look on smiling; pointy-nosed singer Serj Tankian, bassist Shavo Odadjian and drummer John Dolmayan. 

The songs being played tonight are mostly from 'Mezmerize' and their holy grail, 2001's 'Toxicity'. The setlist includes 'Revenga', 'Cigaro', 'Forest', 'Aerials', 'Chop Suey!', 'Science', 'Bounce', 'Lost In Hollywood', 'Prison Song', 'Toxicity', 'Suggestions' and 'War?', as well as many other favourites. The two closing songs are 1998 classics 'Suite-Pee' and the amazing 'Sugar!'.

One bad thing, perhaps the only bad thing, is that tonight, the band don't seem very talkative or grateful. Not once do they say 'thank you' tonight, not even at the end of the concert. There is also no encore, which leaves everyone quite shocked.

However, System Of A Down truly are mezmerizing tonight. It is a show no one in the audience will forget in a hurry. I certainly won't, seeing as I was right at the front and Shavo's water bottle skimmed my fingers when he threw it out...