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Serenity: Codex Atlanticus

Symphonic/Melodic/Power Metal

4.5/5.0

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Napalm Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 20.01.2016

My first encounter with Austria's Serenity was with 2008's Fallen Sanctuary. (Subsequent album reviews were handled by guest reviewers.) Back then they didn't have a permanent female lead vocalist. Subsequent albums did. But now the come full circle, sans a major female voice. Georg Neuhauser handles all the vocals with guest help from Amanda Somerville and Natascha "Tasha" Koch.

Serenity

Nothing much has changed otherwise. Serenity still plays symphonic power metal, where the riffs and orchestra make the songs sound large and verbose, bombastic and epic. After these things most arrangements are characterized by speed, sufficient amount of rock groove, attention to melody, soaring to the clouds guitar solos, and Neuhauser's pleasing clean and melodic vocals. No screamo or death vocal bullshit here. Representative, and some of the best, tracks fitting this description include Reason, Follow Me, Caught In A Myth, and the roaring Fate Of Light.

Alternatively, for pure symphonic anthem with a definite classical theme is My Final Chapter, also with a touch of folk music at the start. It sounds like a soundtrack to a fantasy tale. Neuhauser's vocals are impeccable. Additionally, there's the ballad The Perfect Woman, again in duet with a guest female vocalist. Also symphonic, it juxtaposes riffs and orchestration with some lighter moments of piano and vocals.

Bottom line? I think I like this version of Serenity best. Male vocals at the forefront, with the occasional help of female vocals, driving their epic symphonic power metal. Codex Atlanticus is simply another consistent and strong effort from Serenity.

Serenity - Follow Me

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I think I like this version of Serenity best. Male vocals at the forefront, with the occasional help of female vocals, driving their epic symphonic power metal. Codex Atlanticus is simply another consistent and strong effort from Serenity.

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Formed 23 years ago, Finland's Excalion has had a turbulent musical career. Before releasing a trio of albums between 2005 and 2010, they had personnel changes. Currently, only the drummer and keyboard ... [ Read More ]