SCREAMERS

Metal band System of a Down are screamers, both musically and in another more important sense. As defined in this documentary by former BBC World News anchorwoman Carla Garapedian, a screamer is one who cannot stand idle as the world refuses to acknowledge international genocides. Overtaken with anger, sadness, fear and frustration at man's inhumanity to man, the screamer screams with every bit of urgent energy to spread and raise awareness with hopes of prevention. Of Armenian heritage, System of a Down are descended directly from those who suffered the 1915 genocide of the Armenian people at the hands of the Turkish government. As the Turks deny the atrocities and acknowledgement has not been forthcoming by the world community, the band has made it their mission to spread the word and hold Turkey accountable. Garapedian follows the band doing such, interspersing interviews with survivors and human rights experts and intense live performance footage from various System of a Down concerts around the world. The Rock shots are no doubt included to school the fan base on the message behind the music, but the ploy is an unnecessary diversion. While the music is powerful, the truth deserves much more attention. (Phil Morehart) Grade: B