In a recent interview, Serj Tankian of System of a Down shared his thoughts on some of the newer bands making waves in the rock and metal scene. Tankian, known for his distinctive voice and thought-provoking lyrics, has been an influential figure in the genre for decades. So when he talks about music, people listen.
During his appearance on The Jesea Lee Show, Tankian opened up about how the media often uses subgenre labels like nu-metal to categorize bands for classification. Reflecting on System of a Down’s early days, Tankian mentioned that while their music had nu-metal elements, they never fully fit into that box. “System was totally different, I think, than most bands in L.A. at the time,” Tankian recalled, emphasizing the band’s unique place in the rock scene.
With Sleep Token being one of the most genre-defying acts in modern heavy music, host Jesea Lee was curious if Tankian had ever given them a listen. Tankian confirmed that he had, though he admitted he couldn’t remember much about their music. “Yeah I have, I can’t remember much about it, but it’s very familiar,” he shared, adding that he might need to revisit their tracks to refresh his memory.
Serj Tankian on Sleep Token and the Challenge of Labels
When discussing the challenge of fitting bands into specific genres, Tankian acknowledged the difficulties journalists face. He pointed out that while writers must categorize bands to write comfortably, the System of a Down has always been an anomaly. This sentiment rings true for Sleep Token as well, as they continue to blur the lines between various genres, making it hard to pin them down with just one label.
Sleep Token’s music is known for its atmospheric blend of metal, pop, and R&B, creating a sound that’s both unique and difficult to categorize. This makes them a perfect example of the type of band Tankian might gravitate toward—one that pushes the boundaries and challenges the norms of what rock and metal can be.
Tankian’s Current Playlist: Polyphia and Falling in Reverse
Aside from Sleep Token, Tankian mentioned that he’s recently been listening to other bands that are making waves in the scene. Polyphia and Falling in Reverse are two groups that have caught his attention.
Tankian’s openness to exploring new music, even after decades in the industry, is a testament to his passion for the art form. His willingness to listen to and appreciate newer bands like Sleep Token, Polyphia, and Falling in Reverse shows that he’s not just resting on his laurels but continues to engage with the evolving landscape of rock and metal.
Here is a biography table for Serj Tankian:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Serj Tankian |
| Date of Birth | August 21, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Beirut, Lebanon |
| Nationality | Armenian-American |
| Occupation | Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, activist |
| Instruments | Vocals, keyboards, guitar |
| Genres | Alternative metal, heavy metal, experimental rock, progressive metal |
| Years Active | 1992–present |
| Famous As | Lead vocalist of the band System of a Down |
| Solo Albums | Elect the Dead (2007), Imperfect Harmonies (2010), Harakiri (2012), Orca (2013), Jazz-Iz-Christ (2013), Elasticity (2021) |
| Bands/Groups | System of a Down, Serart |
| Notable Collaborations | Serart (with Arto Tunçboyacıyan), Axis of Justice (with Tom Morello) |
| Activism | Armenian genocide recognition, human rights, environmental issues |
| Awards | Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance (2006) with System of a Down |
| Books | Cool Gardens (2001), Glaring Through Oblivion (2011) |
| Spouse | Angela Madatyan (married in 2012) |
| Children | 1 son, Rumi Tankian Madatyan |
| Website | serjtankian.com |
