One need not know anything about System of a Down to be entertained by and find immense value in the documentary Truth to Power.

Clocking in at a lean 80 minutes, Garin Hovannisian’s film authoritatively chronicles the Armenian-American heavy metal band’s formation and rise to prominence, smartly mixing their musical accomplishments with the evolving political conscience of lead singer Serj Tankian while ensuring that neither side dominates the conversation.

These two components are inextricably linked within System of a Down’s catalog and Tankian’s solo work, and it’s thrilling to witness their music used to enact change, particularly as a means of encouraging the U.S. government to officially acknowledge the Armenian genocide and encouraging nonviolent revolution in contemporary Armenia.

Whether in sumptuously lit interviews or high-quality sourced footage, Tankian is a consistently engaging and inspirational force, and his bandmates and allies (including Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello) offer enough witty, informed commentary to keep Truth to Power from becoming a vanity project.

Instead, Hovannisian’s film serves as a playbook for artists around the world to use their influence and gifts to help improve the lives of their fellow humans, and it will be exciting to see who answers the call in the coming years. 

Grade: B-plus. Not rated, but with adult language and themes. Available to rent via truthtopower.oscilloscope.net

(Photo: Oscilloscope Laboratories)