I've been for many years a fan of System of a Down and their albums can still go up and down to hear, and also Serjs solo tour I have followed with great interest. After a very good for me, "Elect the Dead" and (perhaps even better) orchestra implementation "Elect the Dead Symphony" I felt his last album "Imperfect Harmonies" as successful, but for my taste by the very experimental approach too far removed from the System of a Down Roots.
Already the two singles "Cornucopia" and "Figure It Out!" have made me hope that it happens again slightly harder with the new shekel. Both songs are also the beginning of the CD.
"Cornucopia" adds another element to the music a Serjs that System of a Down songs already has so special: the rapid transition from hard guitars and aggressive vocals to quieter places, which contrast the previous. As an introduction, this song has been well chosen, it indicates in advance, where we are heading, namely in a much rockier direction than before. At the same time it is pleasant to listen to than the (surely intentionally) chaotic beginning of its predecessor.
After relaxing entry there same time directly after a song that makes one no peace: "Figure It Out", for me one of the highlights of the CD. Here show a very clear lyrics Tankian attitude towards top managers and corruption. On the other hand you can feel the anger that Serj against this obviously cherishes, with every riff and every single word. Very powerful and convincing.
Even the already known element of folk influences can be found on the CD again, among others and especially strong in the song "Ching Chime", which pleasantly unusual sounds through the oriental stringed instruments can fully convince.
The title track "Harakiri" convinces with socially critical lyrics, as we are used to from Serj. Here impressed in particular the enormous vocal quality of Serj which the tragic mood of the piece combines wonderful and still not lose its rock character.
With "Defeaning Silence" Serj presents a first quieter piece, coupled with the already known from "Imperfect Harmonies" Electro-influences. Several musical currents make this song despite the quiet mood for a fun piece.
Nevertheless, the album slipped to the song "Harakiri" a little off and the following songs do not quite reach the quality of the top five. But woe to those who become the album just casually listen and perhaps find cuts the toenails at the latest with the song "Uneducated Democracy" run the risk, while you separate the toe!
What a musical explosion! With more speed than in the whole album before Serj Tankian perhaps ballert us here the hidden highlights of the plate around the ears. Significant Metal influences, some of which reminded me of Motörhead, play here the main role, so a song you've heard of Serj or system never before.
Even the last piece "Weave On" allows one then no peace, no chilled outro, but further hard rock and a catchy chorus. This should have been perhaps not presumed to be the final act, and you almost annoyed that the album is already over. But never mind, just continue listening from the front, this impulse I at least felt clearly.
Conclusion: Here everything is really there, what a SoaD- and Serj fan could ask for (except Darons singing of course). Tempo changes, folk elements, intelligent lyrics, excellent vocals and especially at last an album with a focus on rock / metal. From me there is a strong buy recommendation.
Playing tips: Figure It Out !, Harakiri, Uneducated Democracy.
Edit: My review is from the MP3 version of the album, I am wasted in categorizing. Please excuse this, but since I do not go into the facilities of the album, this should have no greater impact.
