Scars on Broadway
Daron Malakian and Scars on Broadway · 2008
44 min · 15 tracks · alternative metal
A jagged blend of punk-infused metal and melodic hooks, driven by urgent riffs and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Exploding/Reloading — This track encapsulates the album's raw energy, featuring aggressive instrumentals paired with pointed social commentary that reflects Malakian's views.
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Kill Each Other/Live Forever — Combining heavy guitar riffs with reflective lyrics, this song articulates the tension between violence and hope in a conflicted world.
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Babylon — With its catchy chorus and driving beat, 'Babylon' stands out as both a radio-friendly single and a critical examination of modern life and its complexities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends aggressive metal with melodic elements, showcasing Malakian's unique style post-System of a Down.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with aggressive riffs, while the second half shifts to more melodic and introspective pieces.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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 energetic flow
- short immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- consistent pacing throughout
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2008, Daron Malakian released 'Scars on Broadway' as his first major project following System of a Down's hiatus. This debut offered an exploration of his musical identity outside the band, showcasing a more personal and unfiltered sound that diverged from the group's signature style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- System of a Down· Deftones· Korn
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Enemy
A sudden shift in perspective addresses the listener directly, challenging their complicity in societal conflicts.
This direct address breaks the fourth wall, inviting listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about their role in ongoing societal issues.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Serious 2:07
- 2 Funny 2:55
- 3 Exploding/Reloading 2:15
- 4 Stoner Hate 2:00
- 5 Insane 3:07
- 6 World Long Gone 3:16
- 7 Kill Each Other/Live Forever 3:05
- 8 Babylon 3:56
- 9 Chemicals 3:13
- 10 Enemy 3:03
- 11 Universe 4:15
- 12 3005 2:54
- 13 Cute Machines 3:03
- 14 Whoring Streets 3:01
- 15 They Say 2:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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