Tankian produced Elect The Dead himself and played most of the instruments, though the album does feature guest drummers John Dolmayan (SOAD) and Brian “Brain” Mantia (Guns n’ Roses, Primus).“The singularity of vision is strong when you work alone,” he says. “I was a bit skeptical about producing it myself, but I knew how I wanted it to sound. And as I kept going, I realized it was coming together really well so I just finished it on my own. But I had to be careful to push myself like an outside producer would until it was great. I had the same energy and enthusiasm making this album as I did making the first System record.”
The Drawn and Quartered E.P. finds Fair To Midland proving why Serj Tankian personally chose them for Serjical Strike. The EP's studio tracks - Orphan Anthem and Kyla Cries Cologne showcase FTM’s flair for combining progged-out virtuosity with lead-heavy riffs, impassioned vocals, and dynamic tidal waves. And the live songs that accompany these - the soaring, atmospheric Searfarer’s Knot and Abigail confirm FTM’s onstage virtuosity while showcasing their ability to capture a crowds attention.
Recorded with warmth and three-dimensional depth, Slow Motion Reign’s self-titled debut is hypnotic and vividly rich, brimming with lyrics and intricate chord structures as indelible as its hooks. Primarily written by vocalist/bassist Narek Pogosyan and fleshed out by keyboardist Erwin Khachikian and drummer Vigen Sayadian, the songs are largely built on piano-based arrangements rich with pictures. Although the album was recorded with guitarist Sam Babayan, the band is now joined by guitarist Rafik Oganyan. Produced by Serj Tankian and Thom Russo, highlights include “Isn’t It Time?”, “Embryonic”, “Via Satellite” and “ Habits”.
