R.A.T.M. or S.O.A.D. (yet another pointless music poll in an effort to get to know the community's taste from mjakob42)

[mjakob42]

So, yeah, bored and just thought I'd start off another either/or music poll.

Last time we talked about who I find to be the two biggest names in modern day metal. Today, we're going to talk about who I find to be the biggest names in political hard rock, being System of a Down and Rage Against the Machine, so obviously I'm curious whom of the two you guys prefer.

As for me, and let me go on record by saying love both bands for the most part, I lean more towards RATM. First off, I honestly think rap and hard rock has potential to go real well together if done right, and RATM is an example the successful combined efforts. But the vocals wouldn't work nearly as well if it wasn't for Zack de la Rocha's brilliant lyrics. In general, though, I just love RATM's successful fusion of punk rock, psychedelic rock, funk, and rap. While I'm not in favor of all of their political views, I have great admiration that they actually carry out their political activism outside the stage and albums, something rarely seen with musicians.

So, how 'bout you guys?

(Sorry I can't give better forum contribution - just bored and want to get to know some of the community better)

[sroberson]

Gotta say I am more of a fan of System of a Down. I at first hated them to tell the truth, but I remember one loooong night of typing up my final paper for Computer Architecture changed my mind (actually, I think the first time I started liking SOAD was when I just left it to play in the background as I started playing Fable). I have to admit though, every live performance I have seen on Youtube of SOAD is pretty disappointing.

I like Rage Against the Machine from a musician point of view due to their bombastic musicianship, especially on Tom Morello's part (something about such superbly staccato guitar skill just gets me for some reason...Disturbed's guitarist does a great job at it too) , and their relatively clear socio-political message they like to convey in most of their songs. I just can't say I enjoy their music as much overall.

[mjakob42]

Gotta say I am more of a fan of System of a Down. I at first hated them to tell the truth, but I remember one loooong night of typing up my final paper for Computer Architecture changed my mind (actually, I think the first time I started liking SOAD was when I just left it to play in the background as I started playing Fable). I have to admit though, every live performance I have seen on Youtube of SOAD is pretty disappointing.

I'll say it right now that I'm practically the same when it comes to how I got into SOAD. The first song I ever listened to by them was "Chop Suey!" which was enough to ruin them for me for years to come (and for me, it's still one of the most obnoxious and overplayed songs ever), but then I heard "Prison Song" which not only changed my opinions on SOAD, but also became one of my all-time favorite songs. Otherwise, I don't know what clicked to make me like SOAD significantly more than I used to.

And I do agree with you on their shitty live performances, but I gotta' hand it to Serj - most badass thing I've ever seen on any stage @ 0:10.

[Xortberg]

I've gotta go with SOAD if only because I'm much more familiar with their music than I am with RATM. I mostly think it's just Serj, though. The band itself is great, but I barely batted an eyelash when Serj started doing solo stuff, and even thought it actually was SOAD at first because he's really the most distinctive thing about their sound IMO.

[thunderflare]

I can tell you now I have not listened to music much, I have been starting to get into it lately, been listening all the time. I'll have to listen to songs from each band before I can form a opinion. Thanks for the topic even if you were bored, now I will be able to find more music I like. I may be leaning towards SOAD right now though thank to the video.

[sroberson]

Oh man if you think the music is enjoyable...then you will like their studio material a lot more. The vocal quality is much more enjoyable. The dynamics of the instruments that you can't hear in the live performance as opposed to studio will get you too.

But to defend Rage Against the Machine...Here is some awesomeness

[Arashikage]

System all the way man. I don't think there's a single song by System of a Down that I don't just want to loop as I jam out. I love how unique the voices are, Daron is an amazing guitarist, and John Dolmayan(You just have to say his full name lol) is a phenomenal drummer. The two of them go together very nicely. And the bass at the beginning of "Mind" by Shavo, holy crap.

[ballisticwaffles]

Bitches please.

System of A Down anyday, if not for the stellar vocals, mad guitar and drums, and their cover of Metro.

[thunderflare]

@sroberson: speechless, you were right that was "some awesomeness". I'm still undecided though both are just that great. New category please "both", for me so far. I'll just have to see which I like better over time and thanks I did like that music a lot. :D

[Peter]

Honestly, I don't listen to either, but I'll take Rage Against the Machine because they have a song in Guitar Hero 2, which I have been playing since age 7. Hehe.

[conaly]

Hi,

I don't listen to any of them either, but I would prefer System of a Down. They have at least a few songs, which I don't dislike. But I couldn't get used to any songs from Rage against the Machines...

[Steviocat]

I'm a fan of both bands, but I'm gonna have to go with System of a Down. Nothing against RATM, though. I've been listening to both bands for years now and I think it's safe to say that in my opinion, SoaD are superior through my eyes. I really like their self-titled album and Toxicity. Both are great albums.