Is Elect the Dead Symphony a good place to start with Serj Tankian?

Yes, Elect the Dead Symphony is recommended as a starting point for new Serj Tankian listeners. A symphonic fusion of alternative metal and orchestral arrangements that amplifies the emotional weight of Tankian's politically charged lyrics. Elect the Dead Symphony is Serj Tankian's first live orchestral album, released in 2010 as a companion to his debut solo album Elect the Dead from 2007. This project marked a significant expansion of Tankian's musical palette, showcasing his ambition to blend rock with classical elements while continuing to explore themes of social justice and political activism.

Who is Elect the Dead Symphony for?

Elect the Dead Symphony works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and layered, dense sonic textures.

How many songs are on Elect the Dead Symphony?

Elect the Dead Symphony has 14 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Elect the Dead Symphony

Serj Tankian · 2010

55 min · 14 tracks · opera

A symphonic fusion of alternative metal and orchestral arrangements that amplifies the emotional weight of Tankian's politically charged lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Feed Us Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Sky Is Over — This track combines haunting melodies with poignant lyrics about despair and hope, encapsulating the album's emotional core while demonstrating Tankian's vocal range.
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Empty Walls — The orchestral arrangement elevates this song’s critique of societal issues, making it an impactful representation of Tankian's message and artistry.
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Lie Lie Lie — This song stands out for its biting indictment of dishonesty and manipulation, driven by intense rhythms that are further enhanced by the symphonic backdrop.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The orchestral reinterpretations enhance the emotional depth of the original songs but may not hold up as a standalone work.

What we noticed

The album features orchestral arrangements that accompany the original songs, creating a layered sound that blends metal with classical elements.
Each track is extended with orchestral interludes, often introducing new motifs or variations on the main themes from the original compositions.
The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a driving rhythm while others slow down to allow for more dramatic orchestral passages.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
layered, dense sonic textures
contemplative late-night reflections

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Tankian's reputation as a solo artist beyond System of a Down.
Themes: political activism· orchestral protest· societal critique
Career context: Elect the Dead Symphony is Serj Tankian's first live orchestral album, released in 2010 as a companion to his debut solo album Elect the Dead from 2007. This project marked a significant expansion of Tankian's musical palette, showcasing his ambition to blend rock with classical elements while continuing to explore themes of social justice and political activism.
Stylistic neighbors: System of a Down· Mike Patton· Rage Against the Machine

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

The Charade

Towards the end, the lyrics shift from criticism to a stark personal reflection on authenticity in a world filled with facades.

This transition deepens the emotional impact, contrasting external conflict with internal struggle and enhancing the overall narrative arc of the song.