Serj Tankian (Armenian: Սերժ Թանգեան, [ˈsɛɾʒ tʰɑnˈkjɑn]; born August 21, 1967) is an Armenian-American singer, musician, songwriter, record producer, and political activist. He is best known as the lead vocalist, primary lyricist, keyboardist, and occasional rhythm guitarist of heavy metal band System of a Down, which was formed in 1994.