Serj Tankian is widely recognized as the lead vocalist of the Grammy-winning rock band System of a Down. However, his career extends far beyond this singular role, encompassing a vast array of musical, artistic, and activist endeavors. Understanding Serj Tankian’s projects involves exploring his diverse contributions as a solo artist, composer, poet, painter, and dedicated advocate for social and political change.
This guide provides a straightforward overview of his significant work, highlighting the breadth of his creative output and his impact across various platforms. You will find information on his most notable musical ventures, his work in film, his collaborations, and his passionate activism.
System of a Down: The Foundation
Serj Tankian first gained international prominence as the dynamic frontman for System of a Down (SOAD). Formed in 1994, the band became known for its unique blend of alternative metal, Armenian folk influences, and politically charged lyrics.
SOAD released five studio albums, including the multi-platinum Toxicity and the critically acclaimed double album Mezmerize/Hypnotize. These records showcased Tankian’s distinctive vocal style, ranging from melodic singing to powerful screams, and his ability to craft complex, thought-provoking lyrics. The band’s music often addresses themes of war, injustice, environmentalism, and consumerism.
After a hiatus beginning in 2006, System of a Down reunited for tours and, in 2020, released two new songs, “Protect the Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz.” These tracks marked their first new music in 15 years, with all proceeds supporting humanitarian efforts in Artsakh.
Serj Tankian’s Solo Career: A Multifaceted Musical Journey
Beyond System of a Down, Serj Tankian embarked on a prolific solo career, allowing him to explore a wider range of musical styles and themes. His solo work often features orchestral arrangements, jazz influences, and experimental elements not typically found in SOAD’s music.
Key Solo Albums and EPs:
- Elect the Dead (2007): Tankian’s debut solo album was a critical and commercial success. It blended hard rock with orchestral arrangements, showcasing his talents as a composer and lyricist. Songs like “Empty Walls” and “Sky Is Over” became fan favorites.
- Imperfect Harmonies (2010): This album continued his orchestral rock exploration, incorporating more jazz and electronic elements. It further demonstrated his willingness to experiment with diverse musical textures.
- Harakiri (2012): A more punk-influenced rock album, Harakiri saw Tankian returning to a heavier sound while maintaining his signature lyrical depth and political commentary.
- Orca Symphony No. 1 (2013): This classical symphony marked a significant departure, featuring four acts and no vocals. It showcased Tankian’s serious foray into classical composition.
- Jazz-Iz-Christ (2013): A collaborative jazz fusion album featuring renowned musicians, this project highlighted Tankian’s versatility and love for the genre.
- Elasticity (2021): An EP that returned to his rock roots, offering a collection of powerful and politically charged songs reminiscent of his earlier solo work.
Through his solo work, Tankian has consistently pushed musical boundaries, blending genres and using his platform to express personal and global concerns.
Serart: An Experimental Collaboration
In 2003, Serj Tankian teamed up with Armenian multi-instrumentalist Arto Tunçboyacıyan to form Serart. Their self-titled album is a highly experimental project that fuses traditional Armenian music, jazz, rock, and electronic elements.
Serart is known for its improvisational nature and its unique blend of cultural sounds. This collaboration exemplifies Tankian’s open-minded approach to music and his desire to explore diverse artistic partnerships.
Film Scores and Soundtracks
Serj Tankian has also contributed significantly to the world of film, composing original scores and contributing songs to various movies and documentaries. His background in orchestral composition has made him a sought-after talent for visual media.
Notable Film Contributions:
- Promised Land (2012): Tankian composed the full orchestral score for this Gus Van Sant film, starring Matt Damon.
- 1915 (2015): He scored this historical drama, which delves into themes related to the Armenian Genocide.
- Furious 7 (2015): Tankian contributed the song “Charge of the Light Brigade” to the soundtrack of this blockbuster action film.
- Spinefarm: The Movie (2017): He composed the score for this documentary about the record label.
- Truth to Power (2021): This documentary about Tankian himself features much of his music and delves into his activism.
His work in film demonstrates his ability to translate emotion and narrative into powerful musical compositions, enhancing the storytelling experience.
Guest Appearances and Collaborations
Throughout his career, Serj Tankian has collaborated with numerous artists across different genres. These guest appearances highlight his adaptability and his reputation as a respected and versatile vocalist.
Examples of Collaborations:
- He has lent his vocals to tracks by bands such as Deftones (“Mein”), Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade, and Tech N9ne.
- Tankian has also performed with classical ensembles, including the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and the Armenian National Opera.
- His diverse collaborations showcase his willingness to cross musical boundaries and work with a wide range of talents.
Political Activism and Humanitarian Work
Beyond music, Serj Tankian is a fervent political activist and humanitarian. He co-founded the non-profit organization Axis of Justice with Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine/Audioslave) in 2002. Axis of Justice aims to bring musicians and fans together to fight for social justice.
Tankian is a passionate advocate for human rights, environmental protection, and the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. He uses his platform to raise awareness about global issues, participating in protests, speaking at events, and producing documentaries.
Poetry and Art: Creative Outlets
Tankian’s creativity extends beyond music into written word and visual arts. He is a published poet and an accomplished painter.
- Poetry Books: He has released two collections of poetry, Cool Gardens (2002) and Glaring Through Oblivion (2011). These books feature his introspective and often politically charged verses.
- Visual Art: Tankian began painting in 2013 and has since held several art exhibitions. His abstract and vibrant paintings often explore themes similar to his music and poetry, reflecting his deep engagement with the world.
These creative endeavors demonstrate his holistic approach to artistic expression, using multiple mediums to convey his messages and perspectives.
Conclusion
Serj Tankian’s career is a testament to the power of diverse artistic expression and unwavering commitment to social change. From the groundbreaking sound of System of a Down to his experimental solo work, intricate film scores, thoughtful poetry, and vibrant paintings, his projects consistently push boundaries.
He is not merely a musician but a multifaceted artist and activist whose work encourages listeners and viewers to think critically and engage with the world around them. Exploring his various projects offers a rich and rewarding experience, revealing the depth and breadth of his unique creative vision. We encourage you to delve into his extensive discography and other works to fully appreciate his contributions.