Elect The Dead Review

Release Date: Oct 23, 2007
Label: Warner Bros.
Genres: Industrial Metal, Neo-Prog, Hard Rock, Progressive Metal
Number Of Tracks: 12
Even if you’re tired of endless moaning about politics and dumb society, Elect The Dead is a great rock album.

Sound:	8.5
Lyrics:	9.3
Impression:	9
Overall rating:	8.9
Users rating:	9
Comments:	144

overall: 9

Featured review by: UG Team, on october 26, 2007

Sound: Elect The Dead is the long-awaited album from one of the most enigmatic artists in rock scene -- System Of A Down frontman Serj Tankian. Since the band stopped any activity in August 2006, Tankian locked up in his home studio in Los Angeles, working on a solo record. Elect The Dead consists of both new songs and some old material. As greatest rock musicians, Tankian played most of the instruments on the album himself, except of some help from his colleagues, including System of a Down drummer John Dolmayan and Bryan "Brain" Mantia (Primus, Tom Waits, Guns N' Roses). There are a lot of interesting eastern-influenced melodies appearing here and there in the songs. The CD is very rich in sounding -- lots of very different instruments are multi-layered in every song. Tankian compares the process and excitement making this CD with the first System Of a Down album in 1998. Each song lives it's own little life, carrying it's own story, changing unpredictably from verse to chorus and awakening surrealist images in your head. Even though some guitar parts are replaced by piano, there are still plenty of heavy astonishing riffs in the tracks.

The majority of the album is furious with galloping tempo. There are very few quiet moments that burst out after a few seconds. Like Baby that starts as an acoustic guitar ballad and turns into a heavy rock intense song after the first verse. The title song is a peaceful piano-based track with poignant vocals about timeless “All I need is you.” Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition reminds me of more of a crazy circus than of a rock song. It is such a chaos I don’t know how he managed to put all of this together. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: Just by looking at tracks’ titles you can tell those are not your average “sky is blue, grass is green” songs. Tracks like The Unthinking Majority or Beethoven’s Cunt don’t leave you any doubts this is something interesting. Though nothing else is to be expected from System Of a Down frontman.

The songs have one of the deepest and thoughtful lyrics I’ve heard in rock songs lately. Of course the subjects of Iraq and modern society bother the author the most. Like the single The Unthinking Majority, which is a song about the current catastrophe of failing democracy. The back vocals are as diverse as the album itself -from soft female chorus in Lie Lie Lie to mad impossibly high screams performed by opera soprano Ani Maldjian in Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition. // 9

Impression: Even though the tracks are very different, Tankian somehow turned it into a very solid piece. The author didn’t limit himself in experimentations, carrying one unific idea in his head. Due to its constant tempo and mood changes, the album turns out to be moving and alive. The tracks are full of energy and fury with words of anger matching intense music. Even if you’re tired of endless moaning about politics and dumb society, Elect The Dead is a great rock album. This is the case when the attitude of the musician can’t spoil the genius. // 9

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: Travis.P, on october 26, 2007

Sound: Very distinct metal/rock sound. Basically System of a Down without Daron singing, which gives it a much more balanced feel. Composed very well, especially since Serj did most the recording/playing himself. Excellent use of many, many various instruments, including anything from a synthesizer, cello, and violin which are featured on several tracks throughout the album. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: Unique and original singing/lyrics which we've come to expect of Serj. The lyrics are very insightful with a strong message tied into each song. The song titles and lyrics seem to suggest Serj's well-known and strong protest about the inhumanities and troubles surrounding his heritage which is tied back to Armenia. And again, Serj's singing is, well, Serj's specialty. // 9

Impression: Seeing as this is his first solo album, he has done quite well for himself. He puts out the same energy and emotion as he did with SOAD. Some of the songs that stand out from the album are of course, "Empty Walls" which is available as a ring tone, "The Unthinking Majority", again also available as a ring tone, and "Feed Us" which offers a roller coaster of rising and falling intensity in both the lyrics and music. My personal favorite about the album is it's Serj Tankian, including bits from John and Shavo, it's nice to see them active again. Seeing as I have ripped this to my computer already, I probably wouldn't bother buying it again, but in the case of if I had no computer, I would definately buy it again. It's one of those albums you can just sit down and listen straight through, whether your driving somewhere or just wasting time on the internet. Excellent music to get you pumped, as all SOAD music is anyways! // 9

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: Prisoner5, on october 23, 2008

Sound: I've reviewed the Scars on Broadway album, so it's only fair I review this one too.
It is remarkable how much of System of a Down's sound Serj took with him, despite the fact that Daron was their primary composer. Songs like Aerials, Question, Lonely Day, perhaps Hypnotize, would not be out of place on this album, which took the quiet, melodic aspects from System and split it up to a more or less permanent piano, and 2 guitars. One giant flaw in this album is the homogenosity (? ) of the album, with many of the songs sounding remarkably similar. In fact, at some point, two songs that play back to back sounds so alike at first that I thought the CD was damaged or dirty. Also, it seems that they lost much of the Eastern European melody that made System so original and attractive. Regardless, the nice balance of some heavy parts that were kept simple and the complex melodic quiet parts manages to make this album rather special to those unfamiliar with System of a Down and a nice blast from the past to System of a Downs older stuff. It does lack the heaviness of songs like Sugar, and Darons melodic guitar's absence leaves a whole in our hearts, but it cannot be helped... // 8

Lyrics and Singing: Serj, as always, has to hit every political issue. Regardless of what the song is about literally, you almost always hear the political lines more. "She came to me within a dream" is somehow lost as "Killing us, they're killing us" rushes in to assault your sensibilities. As a lover of songs that actually say something, this keeps me listening.

Serj's skills as a singer are even more prevalent now once complimented by a piano, although his sccreaming skills are absent in this album. His deep warm lows and twanging highs (it sounds like I'm describing a guitar) manage to convey the lyrics nicely past the complex usic into our ear. He also managed to find a rhythm guitarist/backup singer, who, in Empty Walls, can be mistaken for him, giving the illusion of him singing two parts simultaneously (on the CD, it sounds like a simple doubling of the tracks, but after seeing him live, I saw the truth of the situation). // 9

Impression: It seems that Serj and Scars will both forever be compared to System of a Down, and never as favorably... this album lacks the oomph and variety of SOAD, but to those of us who preferred the gentle, moving songs over the loud, weird ones, this album will do the trick. // 9

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: welcom2duhjungl, on july 21, 2008

Sound: Wow. It's very impressive. It has the metal/rock sound of SOAD only without Daron's voice. Most of the songs are very fast while some are slower filled with heart-strong emotion. You can tell he did spend a lot of time on composing it all with the help of John Dolmayan, the SOAD drummer. Songs are amazingly catchy, got me singing the whole day. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: Titles of the songs are most unique such as "Beethoven's Cunt". Most lyrics are simple, short, and sweet. They get the point across. While some are mind boggling. The lyrics are very deep based on his observation of the war, the way people live their lives, the corruption of power, and so on. His voice is louder, but they're deeper. You could hear the emotion coming out such as "Sky is Over". // 10

Impression: This is his first solo album and he puts up a good fight. He has good intentions behind his music as he did when he was with SOAD. When I went into a music store and heard a sample of his songs, I immediately caught on. It's something you can't easily ignore. You can tell he's put a lot of work in. "Empty Walls" is one of my favorites since it's varies from heavy tone to a soft piano melody. Another one of my favorite is "Sky Is Over" where you know Serj's emotion are true. If this was stolen from me, I'd definitely go and buy it again. If you're a SOAD fan, you'll definitely get the taste of SOAD with this album. // 9

Comments

[cunning_stunt]

bought the album the day it came out, thought it was amazing, really reminded me of old system, but had some new stuff in there to, overall id give it an 8

[Twixted]

ya i heard the whole album i agree

[Beaners_31]

It reminds me of SOAD without Daron, but not. Its still worth getting for the artwork.

[Samsonator]

this is actually his 2nd solo album with his first being "Serart" I jst found it on itunes :S

[Trellis]

Samsonator wrote:

this is actually his 2nd solo album with his first being "Serart" I jst found it on itunes :S

that was a duet with arto tebuncian or however u say his name,he was the guy who made that hidden track on toxicity called arto

[Deflection]

This album is great. The lyrics are pretty good, but sometimes repeative. The songs are all very different, and you can clearly hear influences from Armenian folkmusic. Great singing, good sound and production. 8-9/10.

[Mcleody]

one of my fav albums this year!!!!!

BUY IT!!!!!

[deepestpurple]

Erect the dead!

[caged in rage]

man bring system bak together

[dutch5367]

I haven't heard this album yet. I like system of a down... think I will like this one?

[Psycho Pigeon]

the album is great. I had high expectations for this album and did find that some of the songs did remind me of the others but over all it's amazing. Can't wait for this second album.

[marcus00]

If you look at the album on Amazon.com there is a really funny video about the making of the album. I strongly recommend checking it out.

I really liked this album. I think The Unthinking Majority is my favorite track.

[avengingender]

i got this the day it came out. but it actually disappointed me. after about the 5th song it started getting bad. it was alright before that but then...no just no. a lot of the songs seemed to be recycled ideas, a few had the same exact riffs and sound to them (which i'm pretty sure was intentional, but nevertheless boring).

it makes me so mad cuz i love serj and system of a down is one of my favorite bands. maybe i'll learn to like it, but i don't really have time to get used to a weird sound when there's so much better music out there. serj could've done SO much better on this album.

oh and how could anyone POSSIBLY compare this to SoaD's self-titled? are you joking? they sound nothing alike. oh yeah that video is really funny marcus00, i saw it on his myspace.

[xdolmayan]

I've heard a few songs, I can't wait to buy it.

[carlsbad]

I bought the CD and it blew my mind. Like seriously, Like my head blew up listening to it. I'm still gathering the pieces that are on the ground. That's how good the album is. =P

[adslam3]

I heard the single. I was the opposite of impressed, it was bad. I'm not a fan of him or soad but i respect them/him and i know he is really talented but i expected a lot more than what i heard in that song. maybe it was just the song...?

[t_godin]

it was a pretty decent album.. love honking antelope and feed us

[no mercy]

this cd REALLY makes me wish SOAD was still around...in time, hopefully they will be.

[Bananapatata]

I could see why you'd say that.
Check out something like Lie Lie Lie and give him a second chance.

[humpacow6]

care to elaborate, noob? just because its not avenged ****ing sevenfold.

this is one of the best albums i have bought in a while. imaginative, different and musically...genius.

glad to part with my money. its a break from the mould. a great break.

thank u, and yea i like this album, its not the best album in the world, but a good album

[rockstarbowker]

I thought he would suck solo but he proved me waaay wrong

[Jrsnyder881]

does anyone else notice that the guitar break in one of the songs off this album (can't remember which one at the moment :p) sounds just like the break in streamline from SOAD its a little to similar for me but its still a great cd with saving us, praise the lord and pass the ammunition, and the unthinking majority being my favorites

[HavokStrife]

I don't think I'll ever understand how probably millions of aspiring guitarists on this website are absolutely obsessed with this moron and SOAD. I hate his, and that emo guy in SOAD's vocals, and I don't think either of them have any value in their words, but that's just my opinion. I just can't understand how all of you can salivate over all three of this guy's chords. It's all musically garbage and I don't know how any of you can keep a straight face while disagreeing. Being on this site, and practicing and all, YOU, yes YOU could probably write better riffs.

[fender_NiNE]

ewww...no screaming...gross...lol

but seriously not a fan

[coolmanwc5]

the album's ok. But I think he needed Darron to rock it up. SOADS riffs are much more distinct. This is more typical. Lyrics are deep. ALl in all a worthwhile album while we wait for the next SOAD album.

[Chaosinferno825]

care to elaborate, noob? just because its not avenged ****ing sevenfold.

this is one of the best albums i have bought in a while. imaginative, different and musically...genius.

glad to part with my money. its a break from the mould. a great break.

It sucks because it's the same old crap over and over again. The entire album is whining about political and societal problems. It's nothing more than an album written by the frontman of another nu-metal band.

And on that note, Avenged Sevenfold is an abomination along with Dragonfarce and other overlyhyped bands with poor musicianship. I listen to bands such as Children of Bodom, Opeth, Dream Theater, etc. So don't be an ass fueled by assumptions.

[Key Master]

HavokStrife wrote:

I don't think I'll ever understand how probably millions of aspiring guitarists on this website are absolutely obsessed with this moron and SOAD. I hate his, and that emo guy in SOAD's vocals, and I don't think either of them have any value in their words, but that's just my opinion. I just can't understand how all of you can salivate over all three of this guy's chords. It's all musically garbage and I don't know how any of you can keep a straight face while disagreeing. Being on this site, and practicing and all, YOU, yes YOU could probably write better riffs.

yeah, you cant understand

[guitarLG2087]

love the sound, cant wait to hear daron and john's new cd

[ghost_killaz]

really like the album, love SOAD but i did think the lyrics are repetative....still definitely worth the buy

[revan1013]

HavokStrife wrote:

I don't think I'll ever understand how probably millions of aspiring guitarists on this website are absolutely obsessed with this moron and SOAD. I hate his, and that emo guy in SOAD's vocals, and I don't think either of them have any value in their words, but that's just my opinion. I just can't understand how all of you can salivate over all three of this guy's chords. It's all musically garbage and I don't know how any of you can keep a straight face while disagreeing. Being on this site, and practicing and all, YOU, yes YOU could probably write better riffs.

So I take it you've never actually paid attention to Daron's riffs? Nice blanket condemnation you got going there.

[StueyALBB]

this is definately a nice change from all the generic stuff thats around.
It definately beats Systems more recnt stuff hands down

[areese82]

So I take it you've never actually paid attention to Daron's riffs?

How much attention must you pay to a bunch of drop-d riffs chugged out the same way every time. Ever seen SOAD live? The guitar sounds like garbage because he can't layer eight tracks on top of eachother when he's on stage and not in a studio.

[Metal_Militia15]

Definitely right Stuey, I went out and bought this on the day because it deserves it more than 98% of music out there, and Serj seems to be one of the leading individuals who are in the MUSIC business, and not the music BUSINESS.

Fantastic album all around.

[Thornography]

I love the album. Money is they best song IMO.

[jerkoffjack]

As greatest rock musicians, Tankian played most of the instruments on the album himself, except of some help from his colleagues, including System of a Down drummer John Dolmayan and Bryan "Brain" Mantia

. I hope to God he's not implying that Serj is a great musician, because he isn't. The CD is good for what it is, but i got bored with it after a week and it is now lost in my collection. Just speaking from a consumer's point of view, a band like Bat For Lashes just decimates anything this guy will ever do. Seriously. And I'm an SOAD fan! Worth buying used for $9.

[james1210]

way better then the crap that system was putting out recently. Wouldnt mind system getting back together but somebody has to shut that whiney little guitar player up, he cant sing for crap!!! good for back up vocals but thats about it

[nolanxxx]

yeah i agree with james1210, his singing is pretty shitty, its anoying after a while, liek 2 songs, he's definately a good back up but not lead. anyway i hope this is good, i only heard one song....i am kinda sick of the politcal rants now though

[Anarion614]

All the songs I heard from it were extremely mediocre, i was disappointed.

[euan_soad]

I bought it on day of release, and I love it! I can't remember the last time I was so addicted to an album,it might have been Maiden's A Matter of Life and Death, and I've bought some good albums since then! (Clutch- From Beale Street to Oblivion, Dream Theater- Systematic Chaos, Machine Head- The Blackening, Megadeth- United Abominations etc).

[suminorudder]

i thought it was a great album, bought it yesterday. i love all the layers of piano and strings etc. reminds of a heavy metal porcupine tree. i thought the latter half of the album was exceptionally good. standout tracks- "money" "sky is over" "lie lie lie" "praise the lord and pass the ammunition" (i wonder if he heard rush's album earlier this year and wrote that song after hearing "the way the wind blows".)

[Polaris666]

care to elaborate, noob? just because its not avenged ****ing sevenfold.

this is one of the best albums i have bought in a while. imaginative, different and musically...genius.

glad to part with my money. its a break from the mould. a great break.

dude! i so agree! we have all these bands today that claim to be anarchy and will never sell out, and then they do. Serj and the Rest of SOAD are the people that follow through with it.

[mattdamon]

its not as heavy as all SOAD , which in my opinion ,was the best thing sbout SOAD , aswell as there randomness.

but this has hardly any of that , i prefere SOAD by miles , but as a solo debut ,its a very good one

love !!Empty Walls!!

[spartanfan10]

System is terrible. So is this.

[metalifan]

I finally get to hear an album featuring Serj without Daron singing!
This album by far rocks this house down!!!!
Its what you expect from Serj

[EllttEll]

eh, im not gonna say your retarded ^^^^^, cause every one has there own taste in music, personally i think its pretty good, if you really listen to it you hear the emotion he puts in to his lyrics

[EllttEll]

that was directed to Spartanfan10 ^^^^

[LP4EVR]

empty walls is just phenominal excellent song lyrics and video

[ToxicGhost]

This is like if SOAD made an album in between Mesmerize and Hypnotize.
I just like it so much.
Lie lie lie is my favorite song.

[KickOutTheJamsX]

praise the lord and pass the ammunition is one of the coolest songs serj has ever had a hand in making.

the first few songs are great, the rest (aside from plpa) seem to be filler. but when i say filler, they still have their own seperate feel to them and arestill good songs, they just arent as good.

[rocktolive]

Wow. I'm a pretty big SOAD fan, and I think i actually might like Serj's solo stuff better than Systems =0! It still has SOAD elements of middle-eastern hard rock/political lyrics/occasional random nonsense, but it's pretty distinctly different than system

[jahyarain]

Chaosinferno825 wrote:

care to elaborate, noob? just because its not avenged ****ing sevenfold.

this is one of the best albums i have bought in a while. imaginative, different and musically...genius.

glad to part with my money. its a break from the mould. a great break.


It sucks because it's the same old crap over and over again. The entire album is whining about political and societal problems. So don't be an ass fueled by assumptions.

you would do well 2 heed your own last statement. we "whine" about political and societal problems because we care. because we want 2 change things. you're just a lazy apathetic idiot with horrible taste in music. dumbass.

[C&C Magik]

jahyarain wrote:

Chaosinferno825 wrote:

care to elaborate, noob? just because its not avenged ****ing sevenfold.

this is one of the best albums i have bought in a while. imaginative, different and musically...genius.

glad to part with my money. its a break from the mould. a great break.


It sucks because it's the same old crap over and over again. The entire album is whining about political and societal problems. So don't be an ass fueled by assumptions.

you would do well 2 heed your own last statement. we "whine" about political and societal problems because we care. because we want 2 change things. you're just a lazy apathetic idiot with horrible taste in music. dumbass.

His taste in music is better than yours. But that's just my opinion.

[MAX_POWER_002]

I thought the guitar was kind of simple it still sounded good though the lyrics were the best part.

[Kornjack]

areese82: How much attention must you pay to a bunch of drop-d riffs chugged out the same way every time. Ever seen SOAD live? The guitar sounds like garbage because he can't layer eight tracks on top of eachother when he's on stage and not in a studio.

they are actually Drop C for one, so you must really know much if u can even get that fact right

[cliffcronie]

[riffs.[/quote]

Chaosinferno825 wrote:

care to elaborate, noob? just because its not avenged ****ing sevenfold.

this is one of the best albums i have bought in a while. imaginative, different and musically...genius.

glad to part with my money. its a break from the mould. a great break.

It sucks because it's the same old crap over and over again. The entire album is whining about political and societal problems. It's nothing more than an album written by the frontman of another nu-metal band.

And on that note, Avenged Sevenfold is an abomination along with Dragonfarce and other overlyhyped bands with poor musicianship. I listen to bands such as Children of Bodom, Opeth, Dream Theater, etc. So don't be an ass fueled by assumptions.

i dont know bout the cd but i know that the bands he talked about and SOAD are not that great but i do have to give em props for trying to change something in the music world.if you want to hear metal listen to metallica,slayer,testament,gwar,morbid angel,megadeth,and stuff like that some people wouldnt know metal if came up and gave em a mushroom stamp

[slipknotfan24]

i've only heard empty walls but this seems like a good album. system of a down is an amazing band so hopefully this will be just as good

[TheMagicStump]

Dude, I bought this album the day it came out and I was astonished! It was almost as good as SOAD!

[whosamerica]

prety much the blink 182 of the metal/rock world... the band parted ways to make something pretty good but not quite as good as it was.
and....
the whole "Metal" debate in general is bull.... different bands have different styles. personally when it comes to metal i have a very diverse taste. i like super deathy kights of the abyss and they are in fact better musicians than dreamtheater.... along with that i usually say i hate grindcore but i love the band "fish with guns"... but then i also like a little metallica here and there... and definately iron maiden.people are so (so so so so so so) limited when it comes to music tastes. with all the bands ive listed im also into a lot of country, pop punk, and feel good music.... the only thing im not into is hip hop/rap.... and even then i like the occasional party like a rockstar...

[corruptjustice]

I listened to a few songs, they weren't terrible but weren't amazing either, just solid.

[Man-Made-God]

no mercy wrote:

this cd REALLY makes me wish SOAD was still around...in time, hopefully they will be.

m8,in metalhammer they said theyed all go their seperate ways 4 10yrs then most probably return 2 the scene again as s.o.a.d

[jumpmanhat]

his voice gets REALLY ANNNOYING!!!!

[Man-Made-God]

i think s.o.a.d be4 they split up will always be the greatest theyll be.i dont think theyll get there again if they reunite,still,id like 2 see how this works out.this is not metal,its more nu-metal.motorhead,nile,megadeth are metal.

[Toguro]

I have the complete album, is beautiful!

[Toguro]

The songs are the best.

[C&C Magik]

Kornjack wrote:

areese82: How much attention must you pay to a bunch of drop-d riffs chugged out the same way every time. Ever seen SOAD live? The guitar sounds like garbage because he can't layer eight tracks on top of eachother when he's on stage and not in a studio.

they are actually Drop C for one, so you must really know much if u can even get that fact right

Burn?

[pyritmann]

im a huge SOAD fan, but i do agree with all the people saying the guitar isn't that talented. all it is, is the guitarist dragging his finger up and down the fretboard, but thats just their sound, they are not a guitar orientated band. get over it. besides, you know they are talented because they have been able to sell more albums then most of the bands that you are comparing them to even with the repetitive riffs. whether you like it or not, System of a Down is amazing.

[Auals]

mosh_rocker2006 wrote:

You know something....you suck. Yeah what, how about you make an album and we'll see where you're at. If you think the guy sucks then don't even bother being lame and posting anything...

Ok, now I'm just sticking up for the principal here and not having a go so here goes...

Serj only got such a rippr deal and release BECAUSE of SOAD, without he'd (most probably) be just another guy working with all these ideas in his head he couldn't put out, so maybe the guy you're ripping into can make music as good as or possibly better than him but just because he's not known yet he can't get it, ok? coolies

just got that sorted, and now that you've read that I don't like SOAD or Serj, or most metal, but that's not the point, I just wanted to see how much people bashing went on, i find myselpased

[sickmike]

james1210 wrote:

way better then the crap that system was putting out recently. Wouldnt mind system getting back together but somebody has to shut that whiney little guitar player up, he cant sing for crap!!! good for back up vocals but thats about it

DUDE i completly agree with you im glad on hiatus the last system of a down albums sucked cause daron wouldnt shut the **** up he wanted to sing more then serj and it just got annoying. so this solo album is a good switch up cause i can finally listen to serj sing daron just needs to go make a album get the singing out of his ****ing system so soad can get back together

[mobious128]

these people posting about how much they dislike System are almost as bad as the bible thumping wasps who try to abolish violent video games. You don't want to see a man get his scrot ripped open with a rusty corn knife, don't play man hunt.

And havokstrife, it's cute when animals act like people. When you do it, it's just sad and pitiful. I weep for you. Asstoad

[Shazazmic]

Everything is great on this album, but Serj's vocals. Also the reason I never got into System of a Down (besides the guitarist's extreme lameness...)

[Hot Fuzz]

Haha I just read through all these comments, I lol'd out loud.

[guitarking10]

Well, my roommate is a big SoaD fan, but I'm not, I mean I like some of their stuff, but it gets annoying after about 15 minutes. That being said, the lyrics on this album are sung with a lot of emotion. Unfortunately, his voice gets annoying and I think that song about praising the lord and passing the ammunition is the worst piece of crap ever, there's about zero creativity in that song. The video for the other song is awesome though empty walls or whatever it's called. I'd give it a 6/10

[Frusciante30]

SOADFan88 wrote:

Ok this is a great album. All you dumb shits who say that it isnt or that serj or soad sucks. You basically have no musical taste and you wouldn't know what music is if it hit you in the ****ing face. O and to the dumbass who said that "Bat For Lashes just decimates anything this guy will ever do" is dead ****ing wrong. Bat For Lashes is shit compared to everything. My shit can make better music than them. They suck almost as much balls as you do. This is one of the greatest albums in the world and of the year. All you dumb ****s who say anything bad about this album have no musical sense whatsoever. O ans to the people who said that Serj singing is crap. WTF!!! You dont know what singing is. He is one of the best vocalists in rock. EVER. All you dumbasses who think this is a bad album ARE NOT rock fans. You wouldnt know what rock was if it came and bit you in your scrawny, mother****ing ass.

The bottom line is that this is one of the greatest albums of the year and of all time.

Lol. well said boss.

[Heat-13]

Serj rules.


End of story.

[Frusciante30]

HavokStrife wrote:

I don't think I'll ever understand how probably millions of aspiring guitarists on this website are absolutely obsessed with this moron and SOAD. I hate his, and that emo guy in SOAD's vocals, and I don't think either of them have any value in their words, but that's just my opinion. I just can't understand how all of you can salivate over all three of this guy's chords. It's all musically garbage and I don't know how any of you can keep a straight face while disagreeing. Being on this site, and practicing and all, YOU, yes YOU could probably write better riffs.

Emo guy? Wtf?

[C&C Magik]

SOADFan88 wrote:

Ok this is a great album. All you dumb shits who say that it isnt or that serj or soad sucks. You basically have no musical taste and you wouldn't know what music is if it hit you in the ****ing face. O and to the dumbass who said that "Bat For Lashes just decimates anything this guy will ever do" is dead ****ing wrong. Bat For Lashes is shit compared to everything. My shit can make better music than them. They suck almost as much balls as you do. This is one of the greatest albums in the world and of the year. All you dumb ****s who say anything bad about this album have no musical sense whatsoever. O ans to the people who said that Serj singing is crap. WTF!!! You dont know what singing is. He is one of the best vocalists in rock. EVER. All you dumbasses who think this is a bad album ARE NOT rock fans. You wouldnt know what rock was if it came and bit you in your scrawny, mother****ing ass.

The bottom line is that this is one of the greatest albums of the year and of all time.

haha your taking that WAY too far.

soad is alright at times, but you saying that i have no musical taste because i don't think SOAD are music gods is very wrong.

and greatest rock vocalist of ALL TIME??? this is what i thought was insane. Robert Plant? Claudio Sanchez? Hell, I'll even give Axl Rose more credit then Serj.

All in all, your statements are absurd. You are obviously just an over loyal fanboy.

This album was OK. Can't listen to it very long without it losing my attention. My album of the year goes to No World For Tomorrow.

[Mojo89]

People are stupid. "tired of political moaning" thats because most people are too stupid to care. Theres dirty stuff going on in the government that effects you and you just deal with it because its covered up and you dont care to investigate. You live for your tv and your bank account forget your pride.

[TheNERD250]

I hate this album. Serj puts too much effort in the lyrics, and forgets about the music. It's a borefest. That's also why I think System of a Down sucks

[guitarman341]

SOADFan88 wrote:

Ok this is a great album. All you dumb shits who say that it isnt or that serj or soad sucks. You basically have no musical taste and you wouldn't know what music is if it hit you in the ****ing face. O and to the dumbass who said that "Bat For Lashes just decimates anything this guy will ever do" is dead ****ing wrong. Bat For Lashes is shit compared to everything. My shit can make better music than them. They suck almost as much balls as you do. This is one of the greatest albums in the world and of the year. All you dumb ****s who say anything bad about this album have no musical sense whatsoever. O ans to the people who said that Serj singing is crap. WTF!!! You dont know what singing is. He is one of the best vocalists in rock. EVER. All you dumbasses who think this is a bad album ARE NOT rock fans. You wouldnt know what rock was if it came and bit you in your scrawny, mother****ing ass.

The bottom line is that this is one of the greatest albums of the year and of all time.

Shut the **** up you dick. Just because someone thinks Serj or SOAD suck does no way mean they have no music sense, it actually means they have ****ing way more music sense than you. So get your ****ing head sorted you dumb piece or shit.


Maybe System or Serj should put some edge and attitude into their music, instead of having each song being a whiney piece of crap with some drop d shitty chords thrown on top.

[Xecks13]

Sky Is Over is a great song.

[thycrusader]

i hate how alot of people on UG think they are qualified godly music critics. if you dont like it. fine. if you do. fine. thats all there is to it.

on a brighter note. i do like serj's project. it is different from system, but thats whats good. if i were him i wouldnt want to make a side-project that would sound like system. cuz then it wouldn't be a side-project.

[Izz]

This guy is a joke right?

[Shredder Guitar]

Trellis wrote:

Samsonator wrote:

this is actually his 2nd solo album with his first being "Serart" I jst found it on itunes :S

that was a duet with arto tebuncian or however u say his name,he was the guy who made that hidden track on toxicity called arto

theres a hidden track on toxicity? i never knew that

[in*limbo]

THIS ALBUM IS THE SHIT!

seriously, ive never been big on heavy stuff. but this album is mint, loved system love serj.

[nathaniel6393]

This album kicks ass. Love the chorus and powerful lyrics. I like all the songs especially Feed Us, Saving Us, Lie Lie Lie, Empty Walls and The Unthinking Majority. I might as well name the whole album I especially like all the songs.

[webbtje]

TheNERD250 wrote:

SOADFan88 wrote:

Ok this is a great album. All you dumb shits who say that it isnt or that serj or soad sucks. You basically have no musical taste and you wouldn't know what music is if it hit you in the ****ing face. O and to the dumbass who said that "Bat For Lashes just decimates anything this guy will ever do" is dead ****ing wrong. Bat For Lashes is shit compared to everything. My shit can make better music than them. They suck almost as much balls as you do. This is one of the greatest albums in the world and of the year. All you dumb ****s who say anything bad about this album have no musical sense whatsoever. O ans to the people who said that Serj singing is crap. WTF!!! You dont know what singing is. He is one of the best vocalists in rock. EVER. All you dumbasses who think this is a bad album ARE NOT rock fans. You wouldnt know what rock was if it came and bit you in your scrawny, mother****ing ass.

The bottom line is that this is one of the greatest albums of the year and of all time.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
I bet you, that you have posters of all of the members hanging up on your walls, have all of the albums, and masturbate to Serj every night

His name has SOADFAN in it. Enough said. I can respect everyone's opinion on here except for the fanboys, of which there have been a couple.

From what I've heard of the album, it's nothing to write home about.

Checked.

[whoomit]

areese82 wrote:

So I take it you've never actually paid attention to Daron's riffs?
How much attention must you pay to a bunch of drop-d riffs chugged out the same way every time. Ever seen SOAD live? The guitar sounds like garbage because he can't layer eight tracks on top of eachother when he's on stage and not in a studio.

Drop C and Drop C# LEWL

[whoomit]

Oh yeah he's normally drunk or high... hahaha =/

[5_Strings]

I really don't know how do you people enjoy this guy's work .. his songs are all alike .. and his singing style is really annoying .. is he even singing ?

[jackson soloist]

i agree with 5 strings
i got this album thinking it would be another crazy hitter like the latest soad stuff
it wasn't bad but i was sorta dissapointed

[aram-ginga]

I don't think I'll ever understand how probably millions of aspiring guitarists on this website are absolutely obsessed with this moron and SOAD. I hate his, and that emo guy in SOAD's vocals, and I don't think either of them have any value in their words, but that's just my opinion. I just can't understand how all of you can salivate over all three of this guy's chords. It's all musically garbage and I don't know how any of you can keep a straight face while disagreeing. Being on this site, and practicing and all, YOU, yes YOU could probably write better riffs.

we may be able to right better riffs than darren but not as good as serj he is actually the better musician. and serj a break it's his first solo album. considering he did most of it himself its a good album and to be honest the best album iv seen on the shelves in a long long time. and although we may be able to right better riffs we cant right lyrics as good as serj and darren do.

[TheKingisDead]

mobious128 wrote:

these people posting about how much they dislike System are almost as bad as the bible thumping wasps who try to abolish violent video games. You don't want to see a manget his scrot ripped open with a rusty corn knife, don't play man hunt.

And havokstrife, it's cute when animals act like people. When you do it, it's just sad and pitiful. I weep for you. Asstoad

...
what?

[Beaners_31]

You people are funny. I like DT, I like Rap, I like This album, its different. Its more great music, thats all that matters. I really don't care what people say anymore, Its all the same negativity. He has some good points about life. Also Music doesn't have to be techinical like Dream Theater to be good. This stuff has a message, and its to the point. with some cool riffs thrown in.

[aram-ginga]

on a note to jackson soloist its not actually all of system its not supposed to sound like system. the reason he relesed this album was to show his own view on things and show a different style and type of music.

[serjYankovic]

adslam3 wrote:

I heard the single. I was the opposite of impressed, it was bad. I'm not a fan of him or soad but i respect them/him and i know he is really talented but i expected a lot more than what i heard in that song. maybe it was just the song...?

yeah, it was just the song... The Unthinking Majority is the only track that even resembles System.

I really hate when people compare this to them actually.. They'll get back together when they feel like it, deal with it!

Serj is amazing. After System dipped, I was really waiting for Daron's stuff to come out, UNTIL I saw the video of Serj on the Axis tour doing Charades. I mean seriously, a Lebanese voice backed by a VERY unique style of piano... It's incredible.

So I waited for the album... Loving each single that was released. I preorederd it on iTunes. Then at 1:30 am on October 23rd, I checked to see if it was there yet. I DL'd it and listened to it straight through. AMAZING. The only real issue I have is a very specific one. And that is that parts of Beethoven's Cunt sound EXACTLY like Empty Walls... That's my ONLY issue.

I guess this was all just my rant that people need to stop listening to Serj if all they want is System.. Because from this musicians point of view, Serj was hiding some REAL groundbreaking shit while with System.

[now go Die]

[serjYankovic]

Kornjack wrote:

areese82: How much attention must you pay to a bunch of drop-d riffs chugged out the same way every time. Ever seen SOAD live? The guitar sounds like garbage because he can't layer eight tracks on top of eachother when he's on stage and not in a studio.

they are actually Drop C for one, so you must really know much if u can even get that fact right

um... Well they first used C... then Db... get THAT fact right..

Ight well... To all of you who hate Serj and/or System... then hahaha dumbass, you just lost 12 bucks! I don't know why you're all like "SOAD sucks, Serj Sucks!" what the HELL are you doing here? do you see a board about someone you don't like and immediately think OH SH*T, MUST APPEAR AS A JERKOFF TO HUNDREDS OF FANS! cuz THAT's a good thing to do!

[Second Rate]

Kornjack wrote:

areese82: How much attention must you pay to a bunch of drop-d riffs chugged out the same way every time. Ever seen SOAD live? The guitar sounds like garbage because he can't layer eight tracks on top of eachother when he's on stage and not in a studio.

they are actually Drop C for one, so you must really know much if u can even get that fact right

Umm..... you do realize that Drop C is just drop D lowered by one step right? They utilize the same intervals. I would expect someone on a guitar site to know that.

As for serjYankovic.... why are you getting angry at people expressing dislike for this album? I would think a System of a Down fan would like the idea of people expressing differing views and exercising free speech.

[dandesmond]

people say this is crap eh? fair enough. i just wanna say, it must be a good album if so many people are enjoying it! get over it if you dont like it :

Sounding good what Ive heard of it. SOAD = ace

[dark_falco3000]

System was a good band... before Mesmerize/Hypnotise when Daron started singing. He's barely even a good guitarist, and he has no place in trying to sing more than the band's actual vocalist, who actually has some vocal skills. I'm looking forward to getting this album, mainly because Daron won't be on it. I'm sure they're all good mates and all, but I think System should just get a new guitarist, one that isn't so egotistical and a bit of skill wouldn't hurt either. Of course, since they're probably all good mates as I said, they probably wouldn't do that. I just really dislike Daron.

[that_1_dude24]

Meh.
It isn't the greatest album to ever hit the shelves, but it's okay. I'd buy it if you are a fan of SOAD.

[that_1_dude24]

that_1_dude24 wrote:

Meh.
It isn't the greatest album to ever hit the shelves, but it's okay. I'd buy it if you are a fan of SOAD.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, the lyrics are good, but might get a tad old after repeated listening.

[C&C Magik]

Second Rate wrote:

Kornjack wrote:

areese82: How much attention must you pay to a bunch of drop-d riffs chugged out the same way every time. Ever seen SOAD live? The guitar sounds like garbage because he can't layer eight tracks on top of eachother when he's on stage and not in a studio.

they are actually Drop C for one, so you must really know much if u can even get that fact right

Umm..... you do realize that Drop C is just drop D lowered by one step right? They utilize the same intervals. I would expect someone on a guitar site to know that.

As for serjYankovic.... why are you getting angry at people expressing dislike for this album? I would think a System of a Down fan would like the idea of people expressing differing views and exercising free speech.

QFMFT

[-kiksu-]

serjYankovic wrote:

adslam3 wrote:

I heard the single. I was the opposite of impressed, it was bad. I'm not a fan of him or soad but i respect them/him and i know he is really talented but i expected a lot more than what i heard in that song. maybe it was just the song...?

yeah, it was just the song... The Unthinking Majority is the only track that even resembles System.

I really hate when people compare this to them actually.. They'll get back together when they feel like it, deal with it!

Serj is amazing. After System dipped, I was really waiting for Daron's stuff to come out, UNTIL I saw the video of Serj on the Axis tour doing Charades. I mean seriously, a Lebanese voice backed by a VERY unique style of piano... It's incredible.

So I waited for the album... Loving each single that was released. I preorederd it on iTunes. Then at 1:30 am on October 23rd, I checked to see if it was there yet. I DL'd it and listened to it straight through. AMAZING. The only real issue I have is a very specific one. And that is that parts of Beethoven's Cunt sound EXACTLY like Empty Walls... That's my ONLY issue.

I guess this was all just my rant that people need to stop listening to Serj if all they want is System.. Because from this musicians point of view, Serj was hiding some REAL groundbreaking shit while with System.

[now go Die]

Are you armenian?

[-kiksu-]

serjYankovic wrote:

adslam3 wrote:

I heard the single. I was the opposite of impressed, it was bad. I'm not a fan of him or soad but i respect them/him and i know he is really talented but i expected a lot more than what i heard in that song. maybe it was just the song...?

yeah, it was just the song... The Unthinking Majority is the only track that even resembles System.

I really hate when people compare this to them actually.. They'll get back together when they feel like it, deal with it!

Serj is amazing. After System dipped, I was really waiting for Daron's stuff to come out, UNTIL I saw the video of Serj on the Axis tour doing Charades. I mean seriously, a Lebanese voice backed by a VERY unique style of piano... It's incredible.

So I waited for the album... Loving each single that was released. I preorederd it on iTunes. Then at 1:30 am on October 23rd, I checked to see if it was there yet. I DL'd it and listened to it straight through. AMAZING. The only real issue I have is a very specific one. And that is that parts of Beethoven's Cunt sound EXACTLY like Empty Walls... That's my ONLY issue.

I guess this was all just my rant that people need to stop listening to Serj if all they want is System.. Because from this musicians point of view, Serj was hiding some REAL groundbreaking shit while with System.

[now go Die]

Are you armenian?

[Sos-viper]

I think SOAD where an amazing band pure talent and originality there, more than what you can say about the current bands of today i.e Fall Out Boy and Panic! all respect to them but they all sound the same. Apreciate real music, like SOAD. The question is will Serj Tankian be able to live up to the standards set by SOAD.

[Drewcifer 000]

SOunds pretentious.

[Drewcifer 000]

Sounds pretentious.

[Salvial]

Honking Antelope is brilliant.

[bnull24]

When did this guy ditch the Weird Al Yankovic look for the Borat look?

[redwolf206]

HavokStrife wrote:

I don't think I'll ever understand how probably millions of aspiring guitarists on this website are absolutely obsessed with this moron and SOAD. I hate his, and that emo guy in SOAD's vocals, and I don't think either of them have any value in their words, but that's just my opinion. I just can't understand how all of you can salivate over all three of this guy's chords. It's all musically garbage and I don't know how any of you can keep a straight face while disagreeing. Being on this site, and practicing and all, YOU, yes YOU could probably write better riffs.

Who gives a shit what you think? Ever think about that one?

[iamcopperman]

i think empty walls is his best song so far.

[ashers67]

jerkoffjack wrote:
I hope to God he's not implying that Serj is a great musician, because he isn't.

Have you not seen the video to Charades by Serj off of the Axis of Justice Concert Series Vol. 1 on YouTube?
Proof he is a great musician.

Shredder Guitar wrote:

Trellis wrote:

Samsonator wrote:

this is actually his 2nd solo album with his first being "Serart" I jst found it on itunes :S

that was a duet with arto tebuncian or however u say his name, he was the guy who made that hidden track on toxicity called arto

theres a hidden track on toxicity? i never knew that

the hidden song is right after Aerials and is a cover of "Der Voghormia [Lord Have Mercy]" by Komitas Vardapet, a traditional Armenian Church hymn known as Arto due to Arto Tunçboyacıyan's large part in the making of SoaD cover of the song.

also Serart was a duet (taking its name from Serj and Arto, not solo effort from Serj and was supposed to be "completely new" music though I've never heard serart to be able to comment, just heard that it is experimental to say the least

[systemofadown73]

Mojo89 wrote:

People are stupid. "tired of political moaning" thats because most people are too stupid to care. Theres dirty stuff going on in the government that effects you and you just deal with it because its covered up and you dont care to investigate. You live for your tv and your bank account forget your pride.

Right on man, government corruption and cover-up is everywhere. People are too stupid to ask questions and use their minds for one moment out of the day.

[C&C Magik]

SOADFan88 wrote:

OK i admit i was a little over zelious. It was early in the morning and i was a little drunk. OK and i admit serj is not the best vocalist ever and this isnt the best album of all time, but it is a pretty damn good album. but putting Axl Rose above Serj is just plain stupid. If you actually pay attention to elect the dead and other System albums you can tell that his vocal range is better than Axl. But to the person who said that you have a valid point. I am not an over loyal fan boy. I jsut like there music a lot. O and to the dumb**** guitarman why dont you stop ****ing your mom and start listening to actual music. I was wrong in saying that if you dont love soad then you have no music sense, but saying that because they dont like it they have better music sense, thats just plain ****ing stupid. And System has way more edge and attitude than anything you listen to, you piece of shit.

This is a brilliant album. Serj is a great vocalist (not the best) but still great.

If you dont like this stuff then why the hell do you listen to it in the first place. If you dont like the content of his lyrics then you probably dont care about the world around you and you like getting it up the ass by the government cuz there is shit going on that you havent a clue about.

O and to webbtje I am not a crazy fanboy. Im just stating my opinion of some o the dumb****s who commented. If you didnt like the album thats ok. Thats your opinion. And try listening to the album before you judge it. And to THE MOTHERFUCKING SON OF A BITCH TheNERD250. YOU ARE A PIECE OF SHIT that couldnt get laid if you tried. Thats why you probably jack off to pictures of Cher and Pauley Shore. Now go off with your Barby dolls and play. Let the adults talk misic.

One last thing. I agree with metalhead118 in that the dumbasses who rip on soad and serj have no life. This is a review for the album elect the dead. If you didnt like it than thats ok. Just say you didnt like it and why. If you didnt even listen to it then dont come on here and say its shit because that is just an empty argument. You have to valid facts. You cant possible know what your talking about if you havent even listened to the ****ing album. Dumbasses.

i know. i write too much

Still, a little too much, but atleast you see your faults in the last one, and i respect someone who does that.

[ashtopov]

I did love the album, i thought it was great. But i did notice a slight repetitiveness. Never the less a great effort by serj.

[Metalhead118]

SOADFan88 wrote:

OK i admit i was a little over zelious. It was early in the morning and i was a little drunk. OK and i admit serj is not the best vocalist ever and this isnt the best album of all time, but it is a pretty damn good album. but putting Axl Rose above Serj is just plain stupid. If you actually pay attention to elect the dead and other System albums you can tell that his vocal range is better than Axl. But to the person who said that you have a valid point. I am not an over loyal fan boy. I jsut like there music a lot. O and to the dumb**** guitarman why dont you stop ****ing your mom and start listening to actual music. I was wrong in saying that if you dont love soad then you have no music sense, but saying that because they dont like it they have better music sense, thats just plain ****ing stupid. And System has way more edge and attitude than anything you listen to, you piece of shit.

This is a brilliant album. Serj is a great vocalist (not the best) but still great.

If you dont like this stuff then why the hell do you listen to it in the first place. If you dont like the content of his lyrics then you probably dont care about the world around you and you like getting it up the ass by the government cuz there is shit going on that you havent a clue about.

O and to webbtje I am not a crazy fanboy. Im just stating my opinion of some o the dumb****s who commented. If you didnt like the album thats ok. Thats your opinion. And try listening to the album before you judge it. And to THE MOTHERFUCKING SON OF A BITCH TheNERD250. YOU ARE A PIECE OF SHIT that couldnt get laid if you tried. Thats why you probably jack off to pictures of Cher and Pauley Shore. Now go off with your Barby dolls and play. Let the adults talk misic.

One last thing. I agree with metalhead118 in that the dumbasses who rip on soad and serj have no life. This is a review for the album elect the dead. If you didnt like it than thats ok. Just say you didnt like it and why. If you didnt even listen to it then dont come on here and say its shit because that is just an empty argument. You have to valid facts. You cant possible know what your talking about if you havent even listened to the ****ing album. Dumbasses.

i know. i write too much

Finally someone sees it the right way!

[Shredder Guitar]

ashers67 wrote:

jerkoffjack wrote:
I hope to God he's not implying that Serj is a great musician, because he isn't.


Have you not seen the video to Charades by Serj off of the Axis of Justice Concert Series Vol. 1 on YouTube?
Proof he is a great musician.

Shredder Guitar wrote:

Trellis wrote:

Samsonator wrote:

this is actually his 2nd solo album with his first being "Serart" I jst found it on itunes :S

that was a duet with arto tebuncian or however u say his name, he was the guy who made that hidden track on toxicity called arto

theres a hidden track on toxicity? i never knew that


the hidden song is right after Aerials and is a cover of "Der Voghormia [Lord Have Mercy]" by Komitas Vardapet, a traditional Armenian Church hymn known as Arto due to Arto Tunçboyacıyan's large part in the making of SoaD cover of the song.

also Serart was a duet (taking its name from Serj and Arto, not solo effort from Serj and was supposed to be "completely new" music though I've never heard serart to be able to comment, just heard that it is experimental to say the least

oh, thanks! i always just thought it was an add-on instrumental. it pretty much starts right as aerials ends.

[Duybi]

To all those FUCKING RETARDS who say Serj is a shit musician and all that, how about you go and make your own solo album? Serj is a genius and he has to be the best musician I know right now. Also, these lyrics are not moaning about politics and dumb societies, look around you! He is raising awareness about the issues this world is facing. His music is the best and I don't think I'll ever get bored of it.

[MentalityBand]

This is pretty pathetic.
I'll leave my personal opinion out of this...

GO SOAD HURRY UP AND COME BACK YOU'RE ALL BRILLAINT OH MY GOD PIE IS SO VERY TASTY THIS ALBUM CANNOT BE DESCRIBED BY ANYTHING IN THE VERNACULAR

...now.
If you don't like it, swallow you're pride (as if you have any) and at least admit this album is creative, as he accounted for a vast majority of the instruments, vocals, etc.

Bravo, Serj Tankian.
The self-titled System of a Down album is the greatest album in history.

[hardcore-ROCKER]

great album I bought it the day it came out I gave it a 9 out of 10 I can't wait till daron and john come out with scars on broadway

[TheWarlock724]

It's friggin great, but repetitive... seems like the lyrical structure is the same each song... That's my only problem with it :P

[elpresidente831]

i think he has an alright voice and his albums are okay but shut the **** up with the political crap already. it gets old after the first twenty something songs. and before anyone says anything, no i would not like it any better if they took an opposite side. political rock just sucks altogether. right or left

[cooman_g]

you know no matter what anyone listens to these days, every band has something political in their songs

[livinginmisery]

ive only heard empty walls and the unthinking majority, but it doesn't sound bad at this point. I'd give it a 7.5, maybe an 8. All of SOAD's albums were better. I want to hear serj or even daron do more stuff like Holy mountains

[elpresidente831]

cooman_g wrote:

you know no matter what anyone listens to these days, every band has something political in their songs

thats true but it just seems counter productive. Rock was meant to be a big middle finger to the status quo of society it was supposed to be the voice of anarchy. i think bringing politics into it kills the point. it would be nice if i wasn't preached to every time i turn on my ipod

[donnyyouidiot]

[quote]C&C Magik wrote:

Kornjack wrote:

areese82: How much attention must you pay to a bunch of drop-d riffs chugged out the same way every time. Ever seen SOAD live? The guitar sounds like garbage because he can't layer eight tracks on top of eachother when he's on stage and not in a studio.

they are actually Drop C for one, so you must really know much if u can even get that fact right

[quote]

i have seen them live, and they sound perfect.

soo there goes your theory.
and this album is amazing.
if you have the chance pick up the limited edition.
lots of cool stuff in there

[downvictim]

You guys can debate this album endlessly. The fact is Serj makes music that is different. I am not saying it is better than anything else out there, but it's not shit. Elect the Dead is full of songs of which you as the listener can draw a personal meaning. Even the album's title is open to interpretation according to Serj in an interview. I personally find great messages in his songs, especially "Empty Walls" and "Money". What it comes down to is, if you can interpret the music, then you can appreciate it. If it doesn't do anything for you, then by judging the music in a conventional sense you might end up disappointed. It's just like fine art really; some people look at a painting and see it only as scribbles, while other deem it a masterpiece.

[TamaIbanezGirl]

thycrusader wrote:
i hate how alot of people on UG think they are qualified godly music critics. if you dont like it. fine. if you do. fine. thats all there is to it.

I don't think I could agree with you more.
I find it hilarious how people bash each others musical taste on here all the time. Everyone has different taste, so get over it.
And being the big SOAD/Serj fan I am, I pre-ordered this CD, and I've loved it since it was released. The guitars are pretty simple, but the piano definitely makes up for it in my opinion. I love that he had Brain and John Dolmayan drum on it (sometimes on the same song). The lyrics can be repetitive, but the emotion in his voice makes up for that (again, in my opinion).
I like this album more than Hypnotize too. Incredibly good for a debut solo release I think.

[sxy6helena]

I bought the cd and i dont regret it. It's definately a rock album. I'ts a moving album with lots of ups and downs, starts and stops, and tempo changes. It's depressing but uplifting, its Jazzy but it rocks! He plays about evry instrument. I really really liked this cd! Like I said i bought it and dont regret it!

[qwerty_555]

i love serj! he's awesome!
and i love the new album, i was really surprised at the quality of the songs when i found out he'd played it all himself.

10/10

[metalifan]

Fantastic album
It really is a must have for any SOAD fan. Thing I don't get is why did Serj not do these songs with SOAD because they sound just like their stuff. It's good to here Serj's voice on his own and not hearing Daron's voice which can get annoying.
10/10 GET IT!!

[thewalrus77]

personally i only like 3 songs so i kinda thought it was a waste of money

[>jktt<..brah.]

all his music sounds like it should be on a system album
system rock =]
his solo album is awsome

[Streebek]

HavokStrife wrote:

I don't think I'll ever understand how probably millions of aspiring guitarists on this website are absolutely obsessed with this moron and SOAD. I hate his, and that emo guy in SOAD's vocals, and I don't think either of them have any value in their words, but that's just my opinion. I just can't understand how all of you can salivate over all three of this guy's chords. It's all musically garbage and I don't know how any of you can keep a straight face while disagreeing. Being on this site, and practicing and all, YOU, yes YOU could probably write better riffs.

Reading this made me realise i don't like you.

[Kornholic]

Chaosinferno825 wrote:

care to elaborate, noob? just because its not avenged ****ing sevenfold.

this is one of the best albums i have bought in a while. imaginative, different and musically...genius.

glad to part with my money. its a break from the mould. a great break.

It sucks because it's the same old crap over and over again. The entire album is whining about political and societal problems. It's nothing more than an album written by the frontman of another nu-metal band.

And on that note, Avenged Sevenfold is an abomination along with Dragonfarce and other overlyhyped bands with poor musicianship. I listen to bands such as Children of Bodom, Opeth, Dream Theater, etc. So don't be an ass fueled by assumptions.

Children of bodom is utter crap. Dream Theater can play but they cant write good songs.

[DroogieSteve]

The Man has the worlds best Diction ever! He's also got much better at singing since system. What I like about this album is as well as having some nice melodies and strong vocals it sounds smart - as if some actual thought has gone into it's construction. My brain is happy!

[flyingmarlin]

I think it's a piece of well put together art, One of my favorite albums this year!

Checked.

[horandago]

this album is so potent that it can make you pregnant

[Strausser33]

this album proves serj was the music mastermind behind system of a down, daron can go F himself
wah wah cry some more daron about yo writing stuff bc personally system was better when you didnt control them all.....lonely day is a great song tho

my fav song is sky is over, but theres a bunch of other great songs lie lie lie, unthinking majority, empty walls, etc this is a great album
and everyone sayin no screamin its bc daron did the screaming idiots....serj has a great voice.....ughg daron doesnt :
i respect daron as a guitarist tho

[Casey6661]

i liked the album but soad is way better all together they need to make a new album

[j-walk]

System is legend, so shut the f uck up homos. All you nobs that say thier riffs are shit, I would f uckin pay good money to watch you play those same riffs live somewhere. Seriously, stick to your strumming g - d - c shut it f uckey!

[Teh Skisgaars]

Great album bought it ages ago
but just bought SOB and was a real let down
Serj rules