Note: This is the debut solo album from the System of A Down frontman. He produced all the tracks, wrote all the songs and performed nearly all the vocals and instruments.
Sound: Political and progressive metal that mixes punk, thrash, opera and traditional Armenian music. That’s the invigorating and singular sound we’ve come to expect from System of a Down over the years. This solo project is mellower and more reflective than Serj’s work with the band, though, as piano and acoustic guitar pop up frequently.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “The Unthinking Majority” (Top 20 Songs of 2007 Candidate); “Empty Walls”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Saving Us”; “Sky Is Over”; “Lie Lie Lie”; “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition”
Recommended: At times Elect the Dead is indistinguishable from a System of A Down album and matches the band’s lofty level of originality and quality – particularly on the first two tracks. But several songs adopt a mellow-at-the-start-then-frenetic-or-anthemic-at-the-hook formula, which can get a little tiresome. Regardless, Serj Tankian continues to create some of the most vital, refreshing and intriguing music out there.
Grade: B+

Listen to Tracks/Buy Music:
On iTunes
On amazon.com