“Down with the System – An autobiography (or almost)” Of Serj Tankian he arrives for the first time in Italy. Published by Il Castello in the Chinaski series, the book will be available in bookshops from 17 June.
One of the most recognizable and influential voices of world rock opens the doors of his life in a memoir intense, sincere and deeply human. Known worldwide as frontman of System of a DownTankian states: «I was an activist long before I became an artist».
More than a simple autobiography, the book is a journey through personal experiences, civil battles, artistic successes and reflections on the role of the individual in society. Tankian traces the origins of his Armenian family and growing up in the United States, telling how cultural identity, historical memory and sense of justice helped shape his vision of the world.
With one direct and engaging styleDown with the System takes the reader behind the scenes of his career, offering a privileged look at the birth and evolution of System of a Down. «The day we hit number one with our second album, Toxicity, was September 11, 2001.“, remember.
Among the formative episodes, he recounts his first concert in 1984, when his girlfriend took him to see Iron Maiden: «I never became a die-hard metal fan like the other members of the group», he later admitted.
Retracing the years of the explosion of no metalTankian writes: «There was the explosion of bands like Korn, Limp Bizkit, Incubus, Slipknot, Linkin Park, A Perfect Circle And Papa Roach. While I didn't necessarily feel in tune with all of those artists, their successes certainly paved the way for us». And he adds: «The Chop Suey video! it was the first metal song to surpass one billion views on YouTube».
Fundamental moments of his life emerge in the book: the relationship with his family, the value of his roots, the discovery of music as a tool of expression — «Making music, for me, was a form of meditation» — and the growing awareness of the importance ofactivism.
Particular attention is paid to Armenian cause and the commitment carried out over the years to raise awareness among international public opinion on the recognition of the genocide and on the protection of human rights. «The Turkish secret services kept an eye on me and followed my movements. The fuss I had raised had gotten their attention, but not in a good way».
The 2002 episode is emblematic, when Tankian threatened to leave the band if Sony did not agree to entrust Michael Moore directing the video clip for “Boom!”. Likewise, he says: «As emerging artists, we refused to open a concert for them Slayer in Istanbul as a sign of protest against Turkey, which continues to deny the Armenian genocide. Tom Araya he understood our position and didn't take it».
For Tankian, music has never been just entertainment, but a tool to ask questions, stimulate critical thinking and foster dialogue. «I know for sure that I have lost fans because of my political views and activism, probably thousands».
Among the pages there is also space for reflections on success, fame and the difficulties of public life, as well as on the inevitable tensions of every artistic journey. «“Chop Suey!” received a Grammy nomination. Fuck you! The punk rock thing to do was not go».
What emerges is a portrait of a man who tried to remain true to his values while living in the spotlight of the global music industry. Among the most curious anecdotes: «It was Rick Rubin to advise me Nancy de Herrera, theThe Beatles' meditation teacher».
Even though it often deals with dramatic themes, the book does not give up moments of lightness: Buckethead she called him at four in the morning and left fifteen minute-long guitar solos on his answering machine; Lemmy of the Motorhead he is remembered in a bathing suit and cowboy hat, on a deckchair backstage atOzzfest. Mike Pattonone of his greatest mentors, instead managed to free a tour bus by projecting a German porn film at full volume on the screens of the vehicle.
«The first time I met Tom Morello we barely spoke to each other“, tells. From that meeting, however, a human and professional partnership was born that continues today, between music and activism. The last farewell to Chris Cornellhowever, occurred a few days before his death, during the birthday of Elton John.
Tankian also retraces the projects developed outside the band and explains the reasons that led him to 2006to away from System of a Down at the height of their successpreferring to distance themselves rather than face internal tensions that are now incurable. Despite this, he continued to consider the other members as brotherly friends.
At the same time, he dedicated himself to composing for cinema and for the orchestra, experimenting with new musical languages in his own solo albums and demonstrating how his artistic identity goes far beyond the confines of the band. With his label Serjical Strike he even came close to signing i Muses and, as a composer, he was close to signing the soundtrack of “The Passion of the Christ”. Mel Gibson.
In 2023, during what was supposed to be the last concert after the 2011 reunion, Tankian had a vision: «I saw my son Rumi together with the children of the other band members, jumping, dancing and rocking out to the rhythm of our music. That's when I realized that System of a Down is not just a band, but a real family».
System of a Down will be in concert in Milan next July 6th for theonly Italian date.
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM
