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Serj Tankian

Elect The Dead  Hear it Now

RS: 2.5of 5 Stars Average User Rating: 4.5of 5 Stars

2007

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First the good news: With his solo debut, System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian didn't try to make an electro-pop album or acoustic-folk opus. In fact, Elect the Dead is nearly as decadently weird and furiously propulsive as System's art-metal records were: Serrated guitars and madman rants bump up against pained, slo-mo choruses and speed-punk splatter, occasionally within the song. Sometimes, the strange little frills work -- the prolix, singsong hooks and eerie, is-that-an-electric-violin? riffs on "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition," say. But Elect the Dead mostly sounds like a random smattering of ideas, many of them undercooked: "Saving Us," to name one dud, features a bleated, awfully annoying chorus that Tankian's bandmates might have talked him out of, were they involved. And though some may praise the leftist, possibly Iraq-inspired doomsaying of Tankian's lyrics, it's hard to imagine anyone getting much out of his self-serious tirades about post-industrial society and putting "civilization on trial."

CHRISTIAN HOARD

(Posted: Nov 1, 2007)

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Review 1 of 14

thewilltodeath576 writes:

Not Rated


I am fan of System of a Down so this album is not to hot to me. First I am just not a fan of Metal music I am a fan of all music. This album is confusing it has to many ideas. It seems maybe for serj to appear more muscial then his bandmate Daron Malakian who wrote 97% of Systems music, but back to the point he cramed to many ideas into one song making it sound bad. If you are a System of a Down and did not enjoy this album like myself listen to Daron Malakian new band Scars on Broadway you will not be as disapointed as this.

Jul 22, 2008 18:50:21

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Review 2 of 14

Ebbeggs writes:

3of 5 Stars


Maybe it's just that I'm a big fan of System, but, I liked the album. Preachy; yes, and a little overdone at times, but compared to some of the stuff that's coming out today, Serj did above average. He did well for a solo career, but, he needs to get back with a band. He can't be outstanding on his own, that's a fact. But I do applaud him for originality, among his great sining voice. But due to his tendency to be preachy, his constant overdone lyrics, and his eclectic style, (Which when controlled, is near genius) I can only give him three stars. The album was a good listen though.

Jun 22, 2008 10:56:54

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Review 3 of 14

flownominal writes:

5of 5 Stars


I'm not a huge SOAD fan, but i liked this CD as well as their others enough to apreciate their originality i guess. but come on, 2 1/2 stars? the credibility of this magazine takes a hit whenever you rate a Britney Spears CD with 3 1/2 stars and CDs such as this one by Serj that is obviously more creative with such low rating. I think this magazine is rating CDs with a different measuring stick here, that's not cool.

Jan 15, 2008 01:45:21

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Review 4 of 14

WarSick writes:

5of 5 Stars


First of all, i really dont care about RS's review or anyone elses reviews. To me it is a great album, with great songs, that have strong meanings! i really dont care if people says some songs are annoying, iv had the album since it came out and iv loved every minute of it! i really do hope the band gets back together because im a HUGE SoD fan and i would love for them to release another album [since the other 5 were freakin AMAZING] but for right now "Elect The Dead" will do.

~SYSTEM RULES~

Jan 7, 2008 05:20:14

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Review 5 of 14

goillini writes:

5of 5 Stars


First and foremost, I have to completely disagree with this writer's opinion of Saving Us. That song is hands down my favorite on the album. Now I don't know all types of music terminology but I will just say I think this CD is great! SOAD is better but, at least I don't have to listen to Daron on Elect the Dead. (Not that he is a bad singer but come on...he is no Serj!) This CD is all over the place with SOAD like heavier songs, a song that reminds me of Bad Religion (5) and one that reminds me of Primus (10) and the usual soft song at the end. If you like System, and not just their heavy songs, you will like this album.

Dec 19, 2007 14:25:06

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Review 6 of 14

zsolstice writes:

4of 5 Stars


I would agree with most of the reviewers that have already spoken. While this album does seem to need a little more refinement and i did get sick of hearing him sing baby, baby, baby over and over, i think that this is a great album. It shows the talent of Serj as a lyricist and an accomplished musician and producer. I really like the drum tracks that Brain put down and the fact that Serj would pick him shows something too. Content-wise Serj hit it on the head again. Our system IS failing, and time isn't on our side...."Wouldn't it be great to heal the world with only a song?"

Dec 1, 2007 18:45:50

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Review 7 of 14

waldodio writes:

3of 5 Stars


SOAD may have gotten away with an unedited 'fuck' on SNL, but Mr. Tankian doesn't get away with a great album here, in my opinon. Musically this all seems very pedestrian to me, except for a few flourishes here and there. Lyrically I think he excels, but his voice is certainly an acquired taste, and I don't think I've acquired it yet. I think this is truly one for the hard core fans.

Nov 6, 2007 09:48:06

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Review 8 of 14

DemIsOver writes:

5of 5 Stars


Serious, mistake. Kind of ridiculous even not that a bunch of old dudes would understand anyway. But w/e its your opinions.

Nov 5, 2007 11:04:04

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