System of a Down’s Serj Tankian Outlines the Ten Albums that Changed His Life
System of a Down’s Serj Tankian recently did a list for Metal Hammer outlining the ten albums that changed his life. Although there are some metal albums on the list, not every recorded included is rock-related — in fact, there’s a pretty diverse collection of various artists on the list, include Miles Davis, Radiohead, and Earth Wind & Fire. There’s even an OST! Here are three of the highlights:
The album I break the speed limit to is…
Metallica – …And Justice For All [Elektra, 1988]
“Metallica’s song arrangements are so unique. They write really intense, complex songs, that are so popular. They’ve sold millions, and you’re like, ‘These are really complex songs!’”
The album I want to be remembered for is…
Serj Tankian – Orca [Reprise/Serjical Strike, 2013]
“Orca – it’s my first symphony! I’d choose that because it’s just so different. Harakiri is great, too, and Imperfect Harmonies! I’d rather not be remembered for one record, but for the scope of everything.”
A kid asks me what metal is. I hand them a copy of…
Slayer – Reign In Blood [Def Jam, 1986]
“I’d go with Slayer – Reign In Blood most likely, because I think the historical significance of Slayer as a band is very interesting. They opened up a lot for death and black metal.”
Personally, I find myself speeding whenever old tracks from As the Palaces Burn come up on shuffle, but Reign in Blood is a solid choice when it comes to metal introductions.
So, what do you think? If you had to pick an album to break the speed limit to, what would it be? What album would you choose to help get a kid into metal?
Sound off in the comments and let us know!
[via The PRP]
