Originally published on L.S. Media. July 18th 2012.

L.S. Media Rating ***

There is a moment on Serj Tankian’s new release, Harakiri, where you think, finally this is what I know he was trying to get across in the first few songs, and then just as fleetingly the moment is lost. Somewhere in between the tracks on the album it becomes sort of messy combination, a mish-mash of towering ideas that obviously started out with such creative, noble and honest intentions but may leave some fans feeling a little cold, not just with overwhelming subject matter but with the great man himself.

One of the most image ridden and therefore tasty songs on the album is Forget Me Knot, its use of the past, of times that should never be forgotten, is the absolute saving grace of the album. It gives the recording a sense of infinity, a chance to make the same overwhelming stamp on music fans as Chop Suey and Bounce did for System of a Down.  It is songs like this that bring the world’s attention to the plight of his countrymen, of humanity, something that Serj really excels in.

It is difficult to understand where the album may have gone askew, why it feels as if Serj Tankian was unfortunately not seemingly bothered with the whole effect of the album and what his fans may think of it. Though certainly noble in its outlook and possibly early part recording sessions, what the listener is left with has all the effect of an afterthought, with three other albums on the verge of coming out in the near future, perhaps Harakiri needs to listened to amongst these to get the whole idea. If that’s the case then the man is truly the musical genius that he touted as, however fans will have to wait and see.

It can only be hoped that the album title itself is not a forewarning is not what will happen to this behemoth of rock-metal music’s career.

Ian D. Hall