Asif Khan Inc.

Elect the Dead Symphony – Serj Tankian

Dead men don’t tell tales. Yes, we may have heard this oft repeated quote in gangster flicks when the mob decides to take care of someone for good. But when the living cease to be of any good use, its probably left to the dead to rise up to the occasion. Serj Tankian, vocalist of the blitzkrieg that System of a Down was, emerged as one of the most articulate voices for the downtrodden in a social system gone to the dogs. SOAD may have slowly moved themselves into the shadow of the limelight, but Serj continued to talk. And the best way he could talk was by singing in his distinctive hard hitting voice. His solo effort “Elect The Dead” garnered rave reviews, which prompted him to release it again as “Elect The Dead Symphony”, a recording of a live performance accompanied by a full fledged orchestra. Best summed up as an operatic effort, Serj does work it out well, even though he maybe no Freddie Mercury or a Geoff Tate as far as vocal prowess goes. His voice doesn’t need to soar above the jarring riffs and pounds; it just floats above the harmonies of the orchestra. “Sky is Over” becomes a much more pleasant experience. The topics are socially relevant, and the voice is stern. And it would do well to hear it.