Singer, songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, poet and political activist Serj Tankian announced he will be releasing two albums through his own label Serjical Strike Records in June and July.
He will release Orca, his first full symphony June 25th
Recorded in Linz, Austria in October of 2012, Orca was composed and demoed in Tankian’s home studio and fully realized after a successful Kickstarter campaign that helped fund a recording and debut performance at the regal Brucknerhaus with the “Das Karussell Ensemble”. With conductor Werner Steinmetz at the helm, the four acts of Orca mix influences from early 20th century composers with modern film compositional dynamics showing influences ranging from Ennio Morricone to Philip Glass. Listeners are met with a mingling of sounds and intertwining pieces that are both serene and bombastic at the same time, offering a fresh interpretation to the classical art.
According to Tankian, “Orca is known as the killer whale, but is really a dark dolphin, a symbolism for human dichotomy.” – Via official press release
Followed by his Jazz infused album Jazz-iz Christ
Jazz-iz Christ is Serj’s brainchild, but truly is a collaborative effort between many musicians that Tankian curated to be part of the group and self-titled album. Among others, there are considerable contributions from renowned pianist Tigran Hamasyan, flautist Valeri Tolstov, and trumpet player Tom Duprey. Additional performances from Stewart Copeland and actor/musician Davis Alpay and Vincent Pedulla make for a very unique collaboration. The 15 tracks that comprise Jazz-iz Christ, a mostly instrumental effort except for 4 tracks, are an amalgam of progressive jazz, electronic, ethnic and even rock elements, displaying a unique presentation of the genre itself.- Via official press release
You can get both albums on iTunes, Amazon, and get limited deluxe physical copies and audio previews are available through Tankians official website HERE
preorders for Orca including a 180 gram picture disc, merchandise, and a signed version of the actual score, will begin on May 1, while pre-orders for Jazz-iz Christ will commence on May 15.