BOOK REVIEW: DOWN WITH THE SYSTEM by SERJ TANKIAN

BOOK REVIEW: DOWN WITH THE SYSTEM by SERJ TANKIAN
Hachette Australia, May 2024
Paperback, rrp $34.99
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
85%

Serj Tankian is far too intellectual and philosophical to be a run of the mill, garden variety, ‘rock star’ – in fact you’re likely to learn more about the attempted genocide of the Armenian people than about backstage shenanigans with System Of A Down from this memoir.

The child of Armenian parents, he writes eloquently about the family’s struggle to get to America, and his upbringing – an America of opportunity, but also of racism and bigotry, social and legal injustice.

His was one of the biggest bands on the planet for several years, and he put his fame (and notoriety) to good use, passionately fighting the genocide of his people by the Turks – a nation with brutal, murderous form against the Cypriots as well. After 9/11 Tankian joined with Tom Morello to champion social justice, and after leaving the band he formed, explored a dizzying palette of musical forms.

His story is unique, told passionately and it’s truly interesting: despite coming for the rock n’ roll tales, I was quickly hooked by his disarming stories and found myself eagerly absorbing the historic and human tales he has to tell.

Highly recommended.

Category: Book Reviews