Serj Tankian

Serj Tankian  ( Armenian :  Սերժ Թանգեան   [ˈsɛɾʒ tʰɑnˈkjɑn] ; born August 21, 1967) is an  Armenian-American  singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, poet, and political activist. He is best known as the lead vocalist, songwriter, keyboardist and occasional live rhythm guitarist of the metal band  System of a Down. During his musical career, Tankian has released five albums with System of a Down, one with  Arto Tunçboyacıyan  ( Serart ), as well as three solo albums  Elect the Dead ,  Imperfect Harmonies, and  Harakiri. A live orchestral version of Elect the Dead incorporating the  Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra  named  Elect the Dead Symphony  was released. In 2002, Tankian and  Rage Against the Machine / Audioslave  guitarist  Tom Morello  co-founded a non-profit political activist organization,  Axis of Justice. Tankian also founded the music label Serjical Strike Records. On August 12, 2011, Tankian was awarded the Armenian Prime Minister's Medal for his contributions to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide  and the advancement of music.