By Sara Pintilie/entertainment editor
System of a Down’s front man, Serj Tankian, branches out to create an entertainingly angry solo album, Elect the Dead.
This album is filled with fury, but unlike many screaming artists, he shows his anger with clever lyrics and riffs.
And he still hits those high notes.
Vocally, Tankian is all over the place, but he keeps the listeners engaged.
Unlike some of System of a Down’s music, the tracks on Elect the Dead never come across as too much.
His manic voice is complemented by the distinct favorable sound hidden in the background.
The rag-time piano and old world instruments make the album pop stylistically and give Tankian’s lyrics more of an oomph.
Of course, the tracks are chocked full of social commentary and political agenda, but they are entertaining.
Tankian’s first single off the album is “Empty Walls,” and though it is enjoyable, the song doesn’t showcase his talents as well as other tracks.
Elect the Dead shows Tankian can carry his own without the help of his band.
Noteworthy Tracks: “Lie, Lie, Lie,” “Feed us,” and “Baby”
