Following an urgent request for a new System Of A Down , the group reunited to release the singles “Protect the Land” and “Genocidal Humanoidz ,” which address the recent problems between Armenia, the band's home country, and Azerbaijan. The reunion of the four members came after fans saw the band's various political incompatibilities become public, leaving everyone wondering what a new album, the successor to 2005's Hypnotize
Vocalist Serj Tankian EP, Elasticity, followed, and although it contained songs he wrote with a new album in mind, the work was full of intentions that perhaps a new SOAD album wouldn't have. Of course, the band's elemental sound is present on the EP, and there's no denying that; after all, Tankian is responsible for a large part of the band's artistic and creative output.
The first track, which shares the EP's name, is a typical SOAD masterpiece, blending heavy metal and symphonic metal with the sound we've come to expect. Tankian immediately showcases what we love most about his vocals: their versatility, and here we can't help but comment on the EP's title. Elasticity is precisely what we hear here and in the next four tracks – both vocally and melodically.
“Your Mom” is perhaps the song that, melodically, carries the most Armenian influences from the musician. With a more electrifying and moving rhythm, Tankian balances all of this with strong drums and a chorus that we soon find ourselves singing along to.
In the third track, “How Many Times?”, the singer delves into profound questions, asking how many times we will continue to face the problems we face. “How many times must we learn? / And how many times must we fall? (…) When will the earth stand still / Then we can stop murdering our relatives.” A clear statement of the need for a revolution in the way we relate to each other as a society.
The cry for revolution soon transforms into a gentle message for the musician's son. "Rumi" comes with a declaration of love and affection for him, which quickly emerges laden with compassion and partnership. "Oh dear Rumi / My little baby I love you" is soon followed by parental advice such as "When you're an adult in your prime / Stay away from God and crime / Embody justice for this tormented and tormented world / You'll learn something every day / Don't get your toes wet, go all the way / Be the change you wish to see and be the man you wish to be."
In “Electric Yerevan,” Serj Tankian synthesizes everything that happened in 2015 when the people of Armenia took to the streets to protest against the government, with the support and presence of the singer . In these moments of reporting on reality, we see the most electrifying and vibrant Tankian, reminding us, especially in the spoken verses, of “Prison Song,” from the classic SOAD album Toxicity , a work that inspired the name of his solo EP.
Serj Tankian is incredibly talented, and his creative force is evident in everything he does, whether it's with System of a Down, his solo career, or his film scores. Fans of the group may be disappointed by the lack of a new album in sight, but the EP Elasticity will surely fill that void. Strange, powerful, creative, and potent, Elasticity brings to the fore the strength and critical thinking we need to rely on in the current circumstances.
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