Harakiri by Serj Tankian

Released:  July 10, 2012
Rating:  69.09
Genre:  Hard Rock

This is the new solo album by System of a Down singer/founder.  The music here is something of a hybrid, between his previous, prog-rock, solo work and SOAD's heavy metal.  Tankian's voice is very distinctive, and either you like it or you don't (I do, obviously).  The lyrics pretty angry (the language is not for the kids) and the music is pretty heavy.

I liked it more than the average critic, but opinions were all over the place.  From Alternative Press ("a worthwhile and intriguing listen.") to PopMatters ("The most confusing, drab, inexplicable pop-punk album I've heard in years.")

Check out a couple of my favorite songs from the album and make up your mind for yourself:

• The pseudo ballad Occupied.
• The skittish Ching Chime.