Headline scoops System Of A Down lead singer Tankian's memoir

Headline Publishing Group has scooped Down With the System, an "exhilarating, thoughtful, and beautifully written" memoir by Serj Tankian, the lead singer-lyricist of Grammy award-winning metal band, System Of A Down.

Senior commissioning editor Richard Roper acquired British Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Max Edwards at Aevitas Creative Management, and will publish the book in hardback, audio and e-book on 14th May 2024.

In the book, Tankian explores the influences which shaped both his music and his activism. The synopsis says: "This is a band that redefined the boundaries of music with a sound characterised by wildly aggressive metal riffs, unconventional tempo-twisting rhythms, and Armenian folk melodies. But this memoir is far more than just a rock ’n’ roll fable. It’s an immigrant’s tale, it’s an activist’s awakening, and it’s a spiritual journey from darkness toward light."

Along with guitarist and singer Tom Morello, Tankian co-founded the non-profit organisation Axis of Justice to bring together musicians, music fans, and grassroots political organisations for social justice. He has composed scores for films and television series, and is also a published poet, a painter and documentary producer.

He said: "I’ve had a blast working on this accidentally hatched philosophical memoir as it’s given me the unique opportunity to dive deep into my family history, my own motivations from a young age, and lessons I didn’t know I had learned."

Roper added: "Serj has never been a conventional rock star and this isn’t a conventional memoir. We are absolutely thrilled to be publishing this forthright, funny, and gloriously entertaining book – Serj’s fans are going to absolutely love it."