Harakiri
Serj Tankian · 2012
45 min · 11 tracks · opera
A bold fusion of alternative metal and orchestral elements, propelled by provocative lyrics and Serj Tankian's distinctive vocal delivery.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cornucopia Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Harakiri — The title track embodies the album's thematic exploration of self-destruction and societal collapse through a mix of heavy instrumentation and urgent lyrics.
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Occupied Tears — This track stands out for its poignant reflection on war and loss, combining melodic elements with powerful political undertones that resonate throughout the album.
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Reality TV — Taking aim at modern culture's obsession with sensationalism, this song cleverly critiques media consumption through catchy hooks and sharp commentary.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Harakiri blends alternative metal with orchestral elements, showcasing strong composition and distinctiveness.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that features rapid tempo changes and intricate orchestral arrangements, setting a dynamic tone.
- The final track features a gradual deceleration in tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the preceding intensity.
- 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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- thought-provoking lyrical themes
- mid-tempo reflective moments
- layered, dense sonic textures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Explores political themes with a unique sound, appealing to dedicated fans but less accessible.
- Themes
- societal collapse· war and loss· media sensationalism
- Career context
- Released in 2012, Harakiri is Serj Tankian's second solo album, following his debut Elect the Dead from 2007. At this time, he was exploring themes of political disillusionment and societal issues with a more experimental sound, distinct from his work with System of a Down.
- Stylistic neighbors
- System of a Down· Mike Patton· Rage Against the Machine
Tracklist
- 1 Cornucopia Start here 4:28
- 2 Figure It Out 2:53
- 3 Ching Chime 4:06
- 4 Butterfly 4:10
- 5 Harakiri 4:19
- 6 Occupied Tears 4:22
- 7 Deafening Silence 4:17
- 8 Forget Me Knot 4:27
- 9 Reality TV 4:10
- 10 Uneducated Democracy 3:59
- 11 Weave On 4:07
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Toxicity
System of a Down
Shares bold political themes and a fusion of metal with orchestral elements.
Evil Empire
Rage Against the Machine
Explores similar societal issues with aggressive instrumentation and provocative lyrics.
The Fragile
Nine Inch Nails
Combines industrial sounds with introspective themes, mirroring emotional depth and complexity.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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