Album Details

• Artist: Serj Tankian
• Album: Harakiri
• Label: Reprise
• Year of Release: 2012
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2012-10-18

Media

After disbanding, the four members of System of a Down have all gone on to successful side ventures, all varying in exposure and style but all reflecting the individual elements that made that band so successful. Vocalist and lyricist Serj Tankian has, over the course of three solo records since, set himself apart moreso than many may have anticipated. With Harakiri, Serj goes into both familiar and unfamiliar territory and ends up putting together a solid bit of music.

With influences varying wildly but mostly resting in the alternative-rock/metal spectrum most SOAD fans will be familiar with, Harakiri is warmly familiar but offers enough diversity to truly stand on it's own. "Cornucopia" is a catchy, upbeat opener, with some of Serj's trademark metaphoric and, alternatively, blunt and straightforward lyrical stylings. His pen is truly his mightiest tool, and I say that fully aware of his talent as a vocalist and, as each solo album has shown, as a songwriter as well. Not all will agree with his social/political leanings, but for the most part his is an objective viewpoint, shining needed light on obvious world issues. Serj may point fingers, but one gets the notion that the first one he blames is himself. Beyond all that, Harakiri is a generally solid, but occasionally mixed bag of a record. "Figure It Out" and "Ching Chime" did little for me, but the soaring chorus of "Butterfly" and the excellently written title track set the high water mark early. "Occupied Tears", "Deafening Silence" and "Forget Me Knot" are memorable, standout numbers as well. The end of the record is rather lackluster, including my copy's two bonus tracks, but at that point one feels satisfied enough with the proceedings to let a few missteps slide.


While it doesn't strike me with the same impact Serj's earlier record Elect The Dead did, it's no stretch to say Harakiri is a justified and enjoyable artistic endeavor for the talented musician. It's still refreshing for this old SOAD fan to hear Mr. Tankian in a less restrained musical environment, regardless of the results. This viewpoint bumps my review up half a point, to be sure. 

User Reviews and Comments

on 2012-07-01 Danimal420 Said:

Excellent album, every song is awesome. I am looking forward to SOAD at Heavy TO.
Rating: 10/10

on 2012-06-26 Danimal420 Said:

The special edition ordered from his site or from Rhino records in Canada, comes with a lithograph and some downloadable tracks. Looking forward to it :)

http://www.rhinorecords.ca/shop/products/Merchandise+Catalog/PID-093624949930.aspx
Rating: 10/10

on 2012-06-26 hstisgod Said:

litho? yeah, checked out this youtube video, this is a lot harder edged than i was expecting.
Not Rated

on 2012-06-26 Danimal420 Said:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZRhMxUAo4o&feature=related
Rating: 10/10

on 2012-06-19 Danimal420 Said:

"Cornucopia" is a great song, "Harakiri" (the song) was just released today, it is also pretty awesome!! I did not enjoy "Figure it out" so much, but shaping up to be a good sounding album. Looking forward to receiving my Lithograph and Cd : ) and to seeing SOAD in August.
Rating: 10/10