Grammy award winning maestro of rock Serj Tankian is releasing his first live album that features a full orchestral performance of his critically-acclaimed debut solo rock album ‘Elect The Dead.’ It showcased the writing and arranging prowess of a man best known for his inimitable vocals, incisive lyrics, and unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes. He then took the stage at the majestic Auckland Town Hall in New Zealand to perform a very special orchestral interpretation of the album. With The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra at his side, Tankian’s epic songs and operatic vocals take on a whole new sense of grandeur when accompanied with a full 70 piece orchestra. This unique meshing of two very different worlds of music was a vision Tankian has long wanted to make a reality. The show also features two previously unreleased tracks in ‘Gate 21′ and ‘The Charade’. Both tracks are included on all release formats (CD/DVD, CD, and Vinyl). The CD is audio from the live performance whille the DVD is live performance with some bonus b-roll footage.

The original studio album was one of the very best rock records released in 2008, and this live orchestral version was almost inevitable, although surprisingly recorded in New Zealand (perhaps because of cost…). Serj fans will flock to it in droves and rightly so. We have already played a couple of tracks from it on our radio show and will probably play more in the coming weeks - it’s that good. It is not as polished as Metallica’s S&M but offers an immediacy and rawness that suits the songs and Serj’s distinctive voice. Incuded are two previously unreleased tracks, ‘Gate 21′ and ‘Charades’, both brilliant additions and suited to this orchesral interpretation. ‘Charades’ sounds like an operatic aria, while ‘Gate 21′ is dominated by a simple piano arrangement and features Serj’s voice travelling to rediculously high treble key levels.

My recommendation is to wait for the special edition version to appear (seems to be the only version available in the USA) which includes the live DVD in addition to the CD. This will one of 2010’s momentous live recordings and represents an essential buy for lovers of heavy rock, System Of A Down and Serj Tankian.

4.5/5

Disc: 1

1. Feed Us
2. Blue
3. Sky Is Over
4. Lie Lie Lie
5. Money
6. Baby
7. Gate 21
8. The Charade
9. Honking Antelope
10. Saving Us
11. Elect The Dead
12. Falling Stars
13. Beethoven’s Cunt
14. Empty Walls

Disc: 2

1. Intro
2. Feed Us
3. Blue
4. Sky Is Over
5. Lie Lie Lie
6. Money
7. Baby
8. Gate 21
9. The Charade
10. Honking Antelope
11. Saving Us
12. Elect The Dead
13. Falling Stars
14. Beethoven’s Cunt
15. Empty Walls
16. End Credits