So I haven't completely gone mainstream mp3 format, although I'm trying very hard to rip my music collection. Anyway, no matter what time of day, if I hop in my car and some grimy SOAD sounds are blasting then I know I'm ready to wind up/wind down a busy day.
No doubt that Serj Tankian is one extremely talented individual, but the question comes to mind. Which do people prefer more: SOAD or his solo stuff? I personally like SOAD because I love the musical dichotomy between the breakdowns and the melodies represented both musically and vocally. To use a quote from Flea of Rammstein “Hard riff, hard lyrics. Soft riff, soft lyrics.” Many people hate screaming in music, but that’s a subjective preference not taking away from their actual talent. Other people also feel that Daron Malakian was playing too big of a vocal role, but I disagree! Their vocals together complement each other, and paired with the music it creates a nice symbiotic relationship of which everything becomes complementary.
I am just hoping that the recently announced SOAD reunion of European tours will bring them back together for some new stuff.
edit: Well, after recently finding out that SOAD is going on a brief tour of the Americas and Europe, I also became informed that part of their tour will be with Gogol Bordello. Right after finding out, I began planning an expensive trip to their Albuquerque show, despite lack of funds and lack of companions. I was going to grab my bff on my way to New Mexico, and I was going to work every day if it meant more $$, and we would have our amazing bff trip that we kind of planned for a couple of years ago + the best show in the universe. Anyway.. my spontaneity ran into a brick wall so needless to say, I was instantly thrilled and almost as instantly disappointed by distance. :(
| SOAD | SOLO |
| Daron Malakian vox | no Daron Malakian vox |
| Screaming | No screaming |
| Hard Rock vs. Melody | Electronically Inclined Melody |
| Repetitive Lyrics | More complex lyrics |
