Released 19 years ago this October
Elect the Dead
Serj Tankian · 2007
45 min · 12 tracks · opera
Eclectic rhythms and politically charged lyrics merge operatic vocals with alternative metal grit to create a provocative sonic experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Empty Walls Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its urgent commentary on societal issues, combining heavy instrumentals with Tankian's powerful, soaring vocals.
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The Unthinking Majority — Here, Tankian critiques complacency in society through sharp lyrics and a driving beat that encapsulates his message about mass ignorance.
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Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition — This song blends dark humor with pointed political commentary, showcasing Tankian's ability to tackle serious subjects while employing an engaging musical style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends operatic elements with alternative metal, showcasing strong craft and distinctiveness but uneven cohesion.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature aggressive instrumentation and rapid tempos, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more contemplative piano arrangement.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as transitioning from soft verses to explosive choruses, enhancing the emotional impact.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic emotional journeys
- short, impactful listening sessions
- politically charged themes
- gradual builds and payoffs
- introspective late-night moods
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked Tankian's solo debut and established his individual reputation.
- Themes
- political disillusionment· mass ignorance critique· dark humor in tragedy
- Career context
- Released on October 23, 2007, 'Elect the Dead' marked Serj Tankian's debut solo album following his tenure with System of a Down. At this point, he was exploring more personal and political themes, stepping away from the band's collaborative songwriting to showcase his individual artistry.
- Stylistic neighbors
- System of a Down· Mike Patton· Rage Against the Machine
Tracklist
- 1 Empty Walls Start here 3:49
- 2 The Unthinking Majority 3:46
- 3 Money 3:53
- 4 Feed Us 4:31
- 5 Saving Us 4:41
- 6 Sky Is Over 2:57
- 7 Baby 3:31
- 8 Honking Antelope 3:50
- 9 Lie Lie Lie 3:33
- 10 Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition 4:23
- 11 Beethoven’s Cunt 3:13
- 12 Elect the Dead 2:54
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Battle of Los Angeles
Rage Against the Machine
Shares politically charged themes and a blend of aggressive rock with eclectic influences.
Toxicity
System of a Down
Explores dark humor and political disillusionment through dynamic shifts and operatic elements.
Year Zero
Nine Inch Nails
Combines industrial soundscapes with dystopian themes, creating an immersive listening experience.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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