And you can only go so far with power chords

First off we're talking about without the lyrics. Secondly, Serj has a beautiful and unique voice that for some reason you can't seem to see. I must agree that Daron uses to many of those three string power chords but they do sound different most of the time, and I also agree that Daron isn't a great singer, BUT he doesn't even sing that much on the older albums.

All he does is rant very fast.

You obviously haven't heard all their songs, or most of them for that matter...

I've heard all their songs and Serj isnt impressive. He's just another singer.

Tell me a good one then.
I have heard s/t, toxicity, M&H, the only one I haven't listened to is STA.

I could compile a list right here of all the songs he sings in, sure he does rant in a few of their (like Prison Song, which is a song I hate) but seriously in most he both sings and does speed ranting.

that's the same for me and I can say that they exponientally degressed from an already low point to an even lower.

I love there music. Havent got around to listening to Mezmerize and Hypntoize a real lot yet. Although i have listened to s/t and Toxicity a ****load and also STA. I would classify them as a political band, most of there songs are on political issues (Boom, Prison Song) or on politically/socially sensitive issues. As for whoever it was that said there songs are written poorly, what makes this so? Just because there lyrics arent completely straight forward doesnt mean they are written poorly. By that rational all poetry is poorly written.

np: SOAD - Know

Their lyrics are straightforward, and ridiculous.

Why don't presidents fight the war
Why do they always send the poor

Did anyone have difficulty decifering what they were trying to say here?

How about the Prison Song rant:

They're tryin' to build a prison
For you and me to live in

Once again, pretty straight forward.
They aren't even good lyrics.

I agree with whoever said they were like Playskool My First Political Band.
I'll say it again, if you want good politics in your music, I just can't find it in rock music. Rap is tenfold greater in my opinion when it comes to producing artists who can articulate a political message. Immortal Technique, Dead Prez, JMT. They all do it so much better than SOAD or RATM could ever do.
Country/Folk music also produces musicians who are just so much better at poltical music. Nu Metal is laughable, not political.