In August of 2006, System of a Down went on an extended hiatus after having released its fifth album, Hypnotize. Serj Tankian then holed himself up in his home studio in Los Angeles working on an album that showcased his writing and arranging prowess. The result of his work: Elect the Dead.
Elect the Dead is multi-faceted and multi-layered. It contains a sound similar to his work with System of a Down while remaining an irrevocably original work. It is evident by the sound of Elect the Dead that Tankian put his heart and soul into his work. The lyrics are moving, the sound is undeniable, and it all culminates completely into every song. In short, Elect the Dead is both thought-provoking and from the heart.
The work in Elect the Dead is entirely Tankian, despite the appearance of John Dolmayan and Brian Mantia of System of a Down. His latest project is definitely an album for anyone, but one especially for System of a Down fans. Anyone familiar with his style can easily appreciate the careful precision that Tankian put into Elect the Dead.
Additionally, because of Tankian’s history in the music industry, Elect the Dead marks a turning point for the rock genre. With System of a Down revolutionizing metal rock with insightful lyrics, it’s only natural that the man who wrote the majority of their songs would put out such a solo album.
Tankian’s work with Elect the Dead should inspire new works for System of a Down once their hiatus is over. This could mean even more musical excellence from a band that has turned the musical world over.
Any fan of System will like Elect the Dead. It’s an album that further strengthens the intellectual songwriting that made System huge because the man who led System to their fame has put it together. Even people who aren’t fans of System, but ones that are fans of metal rock can appreciate the edgy sound and roar of Tankian’s lyrics as he sends them relentlessly into your ears.