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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 3, 2008

SERJ TANKIAN:

ELECT THE DEAD

(SERJICAL STRIKE

/REPRISE) ***

The voice is unmistakable, and the socio-political slant of the lyrics is present and accounted for. But System of a Down singer Serj Tankian's solo debut is no rehash of his band's signature sound.

Neither, though, is it a wide-left departure. This is progressive metal of a sort recognizable to SOAD fans. But Tankian takes advantage of the freedom afforded by the solo setting to add lush orchestrations and operatic soprano Ani Maldjian to the mix.

Tankian's gift for wordplay - poetic, sometimes baffling and occasionally profane (he references a part of Beethoven's body you probably never even considered) - is given free rein here.

Download this: "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition"

Curtis Ross

CHRIS BROWN:

EXCLUSIVE

(JIVE) ***

Chris Brown is the Bobby Brown for new millennium kids, minus the flattop and Hammer pants, of course.

In addition to the hottie exterior, his album has something for everyone. He keeps it moving with the radio sensation "Kiss Kiss" and slows things down with "Take You Down."

Brown understands the power of collaborating, and on this 16-track album he features guests T-Pain, Will.i.am, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, The Game and Kanye West.

The slow jams coming from a cat born in the late '80s are a tad cheesy, but perfect for high-schoolers. Still, there are a few dance tracks that will even get the cool cats moving.

Let's just hope 20 years from now he doesn't have a reality TV show with a cracked-out wife.

Download this: "Hold Up"

Sarah Hoye

OPETH:

THE ROUNDHOUSE TAPES

(PEACEVILLE) ***

Swedish metal outfit Opeth was deep into a tour supporting 2005 album "Ghost Reveries" when it stopped in London to record this, the band's third live offering. And it shows.

The group is in excellent form here, highlighting its prodigious musical chops in a set that includes several long-form songs. "Blackwater Park" clocks in at 19 minutes and demonstrates what makes Opeth so appealing. The Swedes easily transition from death metal to progressive rock, and they seem to relish doing so.

Lead guitarist and singer Mikael Akerfeldt has a fine voice, but it's a pity his stilted stage banter kills the momentum of an otherwise exhilarating performance.

Download this: "Blackwater Park"

Jeremiah Hetherington

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