oh my god! the best album ever, if you like system of a down then youl love this, fantastic album, cant wait for the next one, a deffinat must have!!!!! FANTASTIC-BUY IT!!!

incredible, smart, clever and tells it how it is! he tops the armenian all time greats ahead of cher and aram khachaturian.

i thought they were amazing at the foo fighters gig so many meanings and such a brilliant voice! What a great album.

For just over a decade, Serj Tankian has solely been seen as front man and political mouthpiece of US/Armenian cult metallers System Of A Down. However with SOAD on an indefinite hiatus, the skilled lyricist has taken advantage of his newfound spare time to release his solo effort; Elect The Dead. With a catalogue of five hundred unreleased songs, Serj has only used twelve for his first release but has he chosen the right dozen to grant a few more solo releases or can he put his other 488 into storage?
While the last two SOAD albums seemed to come with two massive question marks over their digipak cases, an aspect of that was believed to have been due to the added contribution of Daron Malkian as well as a collective belief of the need for progression among the band. Here, quite obviously wring a record for himself, Serj offers the most credible form of System's sound since the idealistic days of Toxicity with the albums first two songs; Empty Walls and The Unthinking Majority. However the tone is not one of consistency as he fluctuates to the acoustic mantra of Money albeit with the trademark quirky vocals erratically proclaiming seven ways to use the tracks title. Feed Us, the albums second longest track, which deals with political corruption in the third world, has an instantly grabbing guitar to open with neck flexing heavy chugging. However the song does has a well-suited cultural and ethnic rhythm to parallel the government's heavy hand with the poverty stricken sound of the deprived countries. Sadly though the album somewhat enters a stagnant period half way in. Saving Us and The Sky Is Over although a sound Tankian is likely much more comfortable with, lacks the virility of the openers but he seems to go through feelings in the album that is reflected in every two song block. Baby, tailing the melancholic block of the previous two songs, starts very similar to Soldier Side but chins up immediately with an optimistic burst of Tankian's 'hope is all we have' voice. Honking Antelope is reminiscent of Toxicity's Jet Pilot in the whole lyrical concept but musically they are poles apart. Irrespective of that it does impress with the 40 year olds piano input and profound musical structures giving the song another level of creativity. The albums final third is greeted with its third single Lie, Lie, Lie, an almost camp Cabaret number that wouldn't be out of place at a bar mitzvah but it welcomes a familiar happy, comical tone to Tankian's music that was once prominent in SOAD and this is followed up by the equally humorous Praise The Lord and Pass The Ammunition. A patriotic song written in reaction to the Pearl Harbour attacks and although quoted countless times in songs, never has it had such a spin as the Serj treatment, expect a lot of psychedelics, undeniable funk and a stupid smile on your face for four and a half minutes. Beethoven, the albums penultimate track, deals with the end of civilization - The arms of time are breaking off, Civilization is on trial, The Clocks eliminating time, Do you believe in Nothing? A fantastic final number that still keeps you enthralled forty minutes in. To close, the album's self titled track drags its heals to a melancholic plea from Tankian, only assisted by a piano solo.
Overall it might not be for the SOAD fan but there's classics sparks in the album that rekindle a much brighter day when the band were around and although it may become a slow affair at times, patience and concentration brings rewards where you least expect them.

Doubters may look at this as the beginning of the end for SOAD, but dont be disheartened. This is Serj blowing off creative steam.

You can easily hear the similarities between this and the influence he has had on SOAD's work. On first listen, it may not remind you of what the System are famous for. But then you LISTEN to the album, the lyrics convey very powerful messages. Just as in system.

Take note that this album is not as heavy in most places as system, but more to do wiht flourishes of the heavy and the melodic.

This is for ANYONE who likes anything SOAD, and again if you dont like Soad then its not for you.

Or simply if you like to think about your music.#

*EDIT* For your information, Serj performed all the instruments on this album except the drums for anyone that thinks had made this in a 'lab' =)

Absolutely Awesome! 5 Stars!
Must Buy!

I saw him Live at the London Astoria!
Was absolutely brilliant live!
Should bring out a live DVD!

I love the tracks:
Empty Walls
The Unthinking Majority
Lie Lie Lie
Honking Antelope

myspace.com/subpopculture87

it sounds like serj has found the ultimate computer program to create songs that have no flaw but also lack the sence of being alive. Its to clean and to perfect.
The first 3 SOAD cds are the best ever, but this is to smooth.

Being a huge SOAD fan of course it would be rude not to give this fair game. I'm glad I did!! Tremendous and huge similarities between Serj's writing and that of SOAD (obviously) but some soloists lose where they come from. Serj hasn't. And just to add Serj supported Foo Fighters recenlty which I was fortunate to attend - absolute brilliance and great live!

To review this album simply, any SOAD fan would be MAD to miss this album. Serj's messages are very clear and the music is brilliant.

this is one hell of a good disk,not a million miles from soad but differant in so many subtle ways.serj at the end of the day is as mad as a box of frogs...check out the video for empty walls...he looks like the kiddie catcher!!!