Dictator
Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway · 2018
44 min · 12 tracks · alternative metal
Raucous alternative metal intertwines with politically charged lyrics, creating a raw and aggressive soundscape that demands attention.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lives — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its frenetic energy and urgent lyrical content about survival and resilience. Its driving rhythm encapsulates the album's overall intensity.
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Dictator — This title track delves into themes of authoritarianism and control, featuring potent riffs that amplify its critical message. It serves as a centerpiece for the album’s political commentary.
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Fuck and Kill — With its confrontational title and aggressive instrumentation, this track embodies the album's raw aggression while addressing darker societal issues. Its unfiltered approach highlights Malakian's provocative songwriting style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines aggressive soundscapes with politically charged lyrics, showcasing strong composition and distinctiveness.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to slower, more introspective pieces.
- Tracks often feature abrupt tempo changes, with some songs transitioning from aggressive riffs to quieter moments within the same track.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies alongside heavy instrumentation, creating a dense sound that emphasizes the lyrical themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for focused listening
- politically charged lyrical themes
- aggressive sound for cathartic release
- consistent flow with emotional peaks
- for late-night introspection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lighthearted and upbeat
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2018, Dictator is Daron Malakian's first full-length album under the Scars on Broadway moniker since their self-titled debut in 2008. After years of touring and recording with System of a Down, this project marks a return to his solo work, showcasing his distinctive style infused with socio-political commentary.
- Stylistic neighbors
- System of a Down· Deftones· Korn
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lives 4:03
- 2 Angry Guru 3:36
- 3 Dictator 3:00
- 4 Fuck and Kill 3:35
- 5 Guns Are Loaded 4:16
- 6 Never Forget 3:19
- 7 Talkin Shit 4:50
- 8 Till the End 4:55
- 9 We Won't Obey 3:39
- 10 Sickening Wars 2:18
- 11 Gie Mou "My Son" 2:55
- 12 Assimilate 3:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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