Do you believe that music has the power to change the world? A seemingly simple question can bring some reflections to the table, and among them is Truth to Power, a documentary about Serj Tankian , the music of System of a Down , and his activism.
Released in April 2020 during the Tribeca Film Festival and made available to fans via streaming in February of this year, the film explores the journey of Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian , and John Dolmayan in their fight for recognition of the Armenian genocide that occurred in 1915. At the time, the region was dominated by the Ottoman Empire, and in their quest for independence, the Armenian people were massacred. To this day, Turkey, the successor state to the empire, denies the term "genocide" as a definition for what happened. Among the various protests and struggles in favor of recognition of the massacre, System of a Down was created, and this is the story we see in Truth to Power.
Directed by Garin Hovannisian , an Armenian-American filmmaker responsible for works on the subject ( I Am Not Alone and 1915 ), the documentary was created from statements, recordings, and footage of the SOAD vocalist himself, as well as statements from the other members. Tom Morello , a great activist and friend of Serj, and the iconic producer Rick Rubin also appear in the film, recounting some of the band's journey.
Interspersed with recollections of the band's formation, record sales success, and shows performed around the world, the documentary showcases historical moments in the group's trajectory, and especially Serj's, in the Armenian activist struggle, including the singer's fundamental role in the peaceful protests of the Armenian Revolution in 2018 , which overthrew the oligarchic regime of Serge Sarkissian.
At the time, Serj supported the peaceful anti-government protests led by Nikol Pashinyan, the current Prime Minister of Armenia, against Sarkissian's government. The protests focused on frustration with widespread poverty and corruption in the country, as well as Sarkissian's political maneuvering to remain indefinitely as the country's leader.
The tension between the band members is obvious, stemming from their creative and even political differences – such as John Dolmayan's choice to support Donald Trump during his US presidency, something Serj completely disagrees with. However, the band treats this naturally, avoiding mentioning individual political choices and openly discussing the difficulties they face in trying to make a new album together. In fact, the divergence of views among the band members is a recurring theme throughout the 79-minute film.
Serj Tankian has made it his life's mission to fight for the recognition of the Armenian genocide and the defense of human and environmental rights, while his colleagues dedicate their lives to music, using it only as one of the tools for these struggles. Both missions are commendable and deserve all our support, especially for showing us all the power that music has to unite the most diverse beliefs, creeds, and struggles in pursuit of something greater.
The documentary's message is clear: music has the power to change a culture, and that culture has the power to change the world. But one message that shouldn't be overlooked is that of unity. Music, and more specifically heavy metal, united four boys who dreamed of changing the world and making it a fairer place. And with Billboard , shows in every corner of the globe, and immense passion, they realized that dream.
