DARON MALAKIAN & SCARS ON BROADWAY – Addicted To The Violence (Album Review)

Addicted to the Violence is the third record from the helm of System of a Down guitarist and vocalist Daron Malakian in tandem with his Scars on Broadway. A smashingly varied recording of sounds, Daron and friends present a dazzling and luminously dark LP of ten standout songs.

The record opens with two blistering rockets in the form of the angry “Killing Spree” and the politically-charged “Satan Hussein.” Daron, no doubt, wanted to make a clear statement with this record both lyrically and musically. “Killing Spree” is fast yet groovy, with a catchy chorus: “Insanity, controlling me, society, the kids are on a killing spree.” There’s also some blast beats here from drummer Roman Lomtade that I really wasn’t expecting but found endearing. The song doesn’t pull any punches as it makes a statement about the rash of violence we’ve been experiencing here at the hands of young people who seem to lack empathy and emotion. “Satan Hussein” is a grittier sounding track that seems to run the gamut of themes from drug use to religion to neighborhood violence.

While “Satan Hussein” is a bit repetitive for me personally, it’s followed up by the masterfully melodic and catchy “Done Me Wrong.” Co-written by multi-instrumentalist wizard Orbel Babayan, this is one of the record’s best songs and features a classic Malakian bridge followed by a really unique Armenia-style saxophone solo. In fact, Malakian and associates use several instruments on this record in rather unconventional ways that are pushed into new directions.

“The Shame Game” is a more traditional rock track that’s a bit more contemplative and reserved than the earlier cuts on the record, but it’s filled with affect and more masterful use of the keyboards, organ compounded with rich melody. This particular song is emblematic of just how talented the songwriting for Scars on Broadway has become. “You Destroy You” is a slightly similar cut in the vein that the band isn’t afraid to slow the tempo down a bit and allow the vocals to get a turn in the driver’s seat.

“Destroy the Power” has a thumping baseline and a lead guitar track that sounds a bit Middle Eastern. The keys also offset a hammering groove that envelops a percussive lead chant. Malakian isn’t afraid to delve deep into his heritage here on this piece and the rest of the record.

“Your Lives Burn” is a straight-ahead rocker that will satisfy your need to get your pulse raised. This particular cut has a bit of a punk edge to it. It’s short, punchy, powerful, and in your face, and politicians and the media are conspiring. “Imposter” follows with that same raw energy, with really thick guitars taking center stage. I can see this one being a favorite in the live show. “Watch that Girl” has a similar up-tempo mixed with some time changes that accentuate the emotion the band is trying to convey as they warn you to “watch that girl…she is the one that will walk all over you…”

The record closes with the fantastic “Addicted to the Violence,” which again brings in the keyboards to match the guitars to form a rich wall of sound. I’m actually getting some shades of latter Ghost in this particular track as it’s a clear rocker but with some pop sensibilities. It’s five plus minutes of magic that will leave you breathlessly wanting more. In a catalog of brilliant songs by Malakian, it’s difficult to stand out, yet this one clearly does.

Addicted to the Violence, in my opinion, is the pinnacle of the Scars on Broadway releases. Of course, System of Down fans will wonder… is this as good as System? My answer, quite frankly, is yes. It is. It shares the same diversity of sound, the same careful layering of sonics, and similar urgency. I will also admit that, like some of you, I actually prefer Daron’s lead vocals to those of Serj Tankian, thus another reason to love this record. The contrast between Daron’s solo work and Serj’s is rather sharp, as Daron seems to be more apt to embrace the System sound. 

Release Date: July 18th, 2025
Record Label: Independent
Genre: Alternative Metal, Punk, Psychedelia

Musicians:

• Daron Malakian / Vocals, guitar, bass
• Orbel Babayan / Keyboard, guitar, bass
• Roman Lomtadze / Drums
• Matthew “Narducci” Silberman / Saxophone

Addicted To The Violence Track-list:

1. Killing Spree
2. Satan Hussein
3. Done Me Wrong
4. The Shame Game
5. Destroy The Power
6. Your Lives Burn
7. Imposter
8. You Destroy You
9. Watch That Girl
10. Addicted To The Violence

Listen to Addicted To The Violence here