Serj Tankian

Serj Tankian
Tankian in 2017
Tankian in 2017
Background information
Born (1967-08-21) August 21, 1967 (age 57)
Beirut, Lebanon
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • musician
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • political activist
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • keyboards
  • piano
  • guitar
Years active1992–present
Labels
Member of
Formerly ofSerart
Spouse
Angela Madatyan
​
(m. 2012)​
Websiteserjtankian.com

Serj Tankian (/sɜːrdʒ ˈtɑːnkiən/ TAHN-kee-ən, Western Armenian: Սերժ Թանգյան pronounced [sɛɾʒ tʰɑŋkʰˈjɑn]; born August 21, 1967) is an Armenian-American musician and activist. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the alternative metal band System of a Down, which was formed in 1994.[1]

Tankian has released five albums with System of a Down (System of a Down, Toxicity, Steal This Album!, Mezmerize, Hypnotize) and five solo albums (Elect the Dead, Imperfect Harmonies, Harakiri, Orca, and Elasticity), as well as collaborating with musicians such as rapper Tech N9ne and folk singer Arto Tunçboyacıyan. He also released Elect the Dead Symphony, a live orchestral version of Elect the Dead featuring the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. He is the founder of the record label Serjical Strike Records, and is currently represented by Velvet Hammer Music and Management Group.

Tankian is regarded as one of the best vocalists in heavy metal, with praise given to his unusual delivery and his wide vocal range. In 2006, he was ranked No. 26 on the Hit Parader list of "Top 100 Heavy Metal Vocalists".[2] A study conducted by VVN Music found that Tankian possesses a high and diverse vocal range of 4.2 octaves.[3]

In 2002, Tankian co-founded the non-profit political activism organization Axis of Justice, alongside guitarist and fellow activist Tom Morello. In 2011, he was awarded the Armenian Prime Minister's Medal for his contributions to the recognition of the Armenian genocide and the advancement of music.[4]

  1. ^ McKenna, Dave (May 13, 2005). "System of a Down: Some Very Heavy Metal". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
  2. ^ "Rob Halford, Robert Plant, Bon Scott, Ozzy Are Among 'Heavy Metal's All-Time Top 100 Vocalists'". Blabbermouth.net. December 1, 2006. Retrieved June 29, 2020. 26. Serj Tankian
  3. ^ "Digging Deeper: Axl Rose is NOT the Singer With the Widest Range". VVN Music. May 28, 2014. Archived from the original on May 27, 2014. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  4. ^ "Tankian Awarded Prime Minister's Medal". Asbarez. August 12, 2011. Retrieved August 12, 2011.