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Scars on Broadway - The Whisky, Hollywood

"Come eat some chemicals with me," screamed Daron Malakian, the creative mastermind behind System of a Down, and now, Scars on Broadway. That's an invitation that 90 percent of the packed crowd in Hollywood's famous Whisky-a-go-go was gladly ready to take him up on. However, it was merely the refrain from one of Scar's amazing new tracks and not a come-with-me-backstage-and-get-fucked-up proclamation. This delightful little chorus came halfway through Scars' phenomenal debut show at The Whisky on Friday night. The club could not have been more crowded, with bodies packed to the walls. The show's VIP-set included legendary, rock royalty Rick Rubin and Jerry Cantrell from Alice in Chains , just to name a few. However, the legend in the house that mattered most was Malakian, who, alongside System skinsman John Dolmayan, proved that Scars will be one of heavy music's most important acts.

The band kicked the set off with the high-energy, thrash bombast of "I Like Suicide." The song segued from a snaky, jagged riff to an ethereal chorus that instantly pulled everyone in. "World Long Gone" stood out as Malakian's voice took center stage, and Dolmayan's drumming got more and more technical. "Whore Street" and "Universe" found the perfect middle ground between Slayer and The Beatles, a place where Malakian is king. He combines a metallic edge with brilliant melodies for songs that will become hard rock classics. Meanwhile, clad in all black and bearded with a hat, Malakian looked ready for a rock revolution a la his '60s heroes.

The scene in the Whisky couldn't have been more frenetic. Before Scars started, the bar line stretched on forever, but from the first downpick of Malakian's guitar, all eyes were driven to the stage. Security could barely keep the walkway clear because everyone wanted to get close—from the Hot Topic kids to the music industry suits—desiring a glimpse of the lastest tricks up Malakian's sleeve.

By the time the band closed the set with their first MySpace track, "They Say," one thing was clear, Scars are the future. As Malakian screamed, "They say it's all about to end," a cacophonous roar erupted out of everyone, from the diehard fans in the front to the sexy bartendresses in the back. It may be about to end, but for now, let's all go eat some of those chemicals Malakian promised.

—Rick Florino
04.14.08