Serj Tankian, “Perplex Cities.”

System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian returns with his first collection of new solo material on Perplex Cities, the follow-up EP to 2021’s Elasticity. The five-song set shows off the vocalist’s dynamic musical range with a subdued musical subtlety that explores far beyond the hard rock realm.

While Elasticity was originally written as material intended for System of a Down, this latest work is a complete departure. Tankian is also working on visual immersion and art as a companion piece.

The opener, “Pop Imperialism,” starts feeling more like a film score as dark orchestral strings play over a choppy percussive beat. Layer by layer, the song evolves, Tankian’s distinctive voice singing melodies under a wordy, almost poetic spoken-word cadence. The track has an almost alt-pop personality, mixing a kaleidoscope of influences to create an unusual and interesting musical foundation.

“The Race” scales things back, at least to start, fusing strings and acoustic instruments as Serj Tankian sings the opening notes with an operatic cadence. As the drama builds, synths and a distorted loop fills out the percussion. The musical complexity again grows as the song develops—more synths, more guitars—until the song reaches a crescendo.

The subdued “I Spoke Up” is deceivingly complex, filled with acoustic intricacy and multipart harmonies. Lyrically, Tankian takes a political tone, with his keen cultural observations about power and control. The frontman, who is Armenian American, has been outspoken about attacks on Armenians in a disputed region of Azerbaijan.

“Justice can’t be served without the truth/ Even though my life’s at stake/ Freedom’s not an oath you break,” he sings.

Piano ballad “Rumi Loves His Cars” is simple but effective, about Tankian’s son and his love for cars and guitars. The haunting melody repeats throughout the duration of the track while the singer breaks into a spoken-word piece about the dire need for more sustainable living.

Closer “Forgive Me Father” is the most upbeat track in the collection. Though it’s mostly acoustic, the song has an energy that feels like something resembling System of a Down. The dynamics shift dramatically, with Tankian’s quieter, warmer vocal to start until the pace ramps up and he reaches a near-scream. Both intricate and dramatic, it perfectly defines Tankian as an artist.

Perplex Cities is not System of a Down, nor should it be. The EP showcases Tankian’s immense talents in ways he hasn’t in the past. Though more subdued, the lyrical messages don’t lose any weight.

Follow writer Mike DeWald at Twitter.com/mike_dewald.