Malakian's "Dictator" among 2018 best hard rock albums: LoudwireNovember 27, 2018 - 10:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "Dictator" by Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway was included in Loudwire's 30 best hard rock albums of 2018. Right around the time rumors were heating up about System of a Down working together on a new album, the band members were stymied by friction between vocalist Serj Tankian and the other musicians. So, System guitarist Malakian dropped the second album by his other band Scars on Broadway. A brief listen to "Dictator" and it’s clear that Malakian is a major force behind SOAD’s twitch-inducing music. "The album brims with off-kilter guitar rhythms, hook-laden choruses, punk attitude, chunky, metallic guitars and touches of Armenian and Middle Eastern music. Sound familiar? It should. Not only does "Dictator" bear an uncanny resemblance to some of System’s greatest moments, the lyrical content – often thought to be the master craft of Tankian – is very Systemic," the publication says. "There are songs about totalitarianism, smoking weed, getting laid, and, of course, the Armenian Genocide. Surprisingly, "Dictator" was written, composed and recorded back in 2012 in a mere 10 days. At the time, System were five years into an indefinite hiatus. Regardless, "Dictator" sounds as fresh, trenchant and exciting as it would have back in 2006, proving once again that the more things change, the more they stay the same." 2018 was a year that saw the continuation of excellence for a number of rock radio staples, with Halestorm, Breaking Benjamin, Godsmack, Alice in Chains, Disturbed, Slash, Shinedown, Five Finger Death Punch and more represented within this year's list of the best hard rock albums. Related links: Top stories The creative crew of the Public TV had chosen 13-year-old Malena as a participant of this year's contest. She called on others to also suspend their accounts over the companies’ failure to tackle hate speech. Penderecki was known for his film scores, including for William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist”, Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”. The festival made the news public on March 19, saying that “several options are considered in order to preserve its running” Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |