REVIEW: Serj Tankian - "Harakiri"

It is only when, an album motivates you and soaks you into the required emotions, that it can be given a clear cut thumbs up. This is what Serj Tankian’s new venture, Harakiri has done to me. Serj has always brought that subtle change and variation in every new album of his since “Elect The Dead”. This record aims at a heavier sound with more of punk in it, which is quite similar to the musical style of System Of A Down. The album is the first of the four new albums set to be released in the near future, the other three being “Orca”, “Jazz-Iz-Christ” and "Fuktronic". The album not only takes a dip into ideas of animal suicide, but also has shades of the usual “Serj elements” in it, like humor, protest, and mockery, ultimately sending out a meaningful message in each of the songs. "Harakiri" separates itself from the previous releases as all the songs featured in it, were written on Serj's iPad. In fact, the device was also used as a mixing tool for three songs from the album with an aim to experiment in unorthodox ways to get unexpected results.

The album shoots off with the first track called, “Cornucopia” which turns out to be a great start. With a punk-ish riff, and Serj’s usual operatic singing in different pitches, this track is quite an ideal fit to a wake up song. The album then moves on to the second track, namely “Figure It Out” which was the first track that was released. This song will take the SOAD fans in a trip to nostalgia, as it is very fast paced and will make you headbang and scream, “Fuck! Lets figure it out!”.

This joyful, motivational, soulful and all-in-all, an entertaining album is well decorated with diversity, which I love a lot. Everything seems to be in place, from the commendable guitar licks throughout, to the sheer classy and variant vocals by Serj himself.

Songs like “Ching Chime” have an oriental tune with extraordinary vocals. In this one, you will hear Serj literally rap to a middle-eastern tune! On the other hand, songs like “Occupied Tears” will move you completely with a soulful tune, and the chorus will give most of you goosebumps. The right mix of a slow, haunting tune with mind blowing lyrics will surely leave you mesmerized. The lyrics in songs like “Uneducated Democracy” and “Weave On” are so cleverly written that it couldn’t get any more true.

The three tracks that stood out in this album, would be the fast and furious, "Figure It Out", the soulful and emotionally absorbing, "Occupied Tears" and lastly, the very unique mix of an oriental tune with rap vocals, "Ching Chime". 

So yes, this third solo album by the Armenian-American singer is another valiant, yet successful effort in remaining unique and set apart, in the music industry. The album is pretty much flawless, as it aces in all fields from the lyrics, to the singing, and the diverse song structuring throughout. We have always known Serj as the bloke who never ceases to entertain, and this album continues to do exactly that, which has left me eagerly waiting for the other three albums. Serj Tankian fans, SOAD fans, and every other music lover craving for something unique and entertaining, buy this album right away!



Rating - 9/10

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Reviewed By,

Vishaal Gollerkeri