Words Untold & Dreams Unlived, Fallen Sanctuary and Death & Legacy are three engaging metal recordings all by the impressive Austrian symphonic group Serenity. Serenity have had some change in style over these albums becoming less of the progressive power metal variety after their debut, as they set about incorporating more symphonic music with that melodic power metal. This adds to the charm of Serenity's material as each album has offered something different, though Serenity do seem more settled now. This new release has the band maintaining that style of their later symphonic material so fans will have a fair idea of what to expect. When I received this Serenity's latest recording War Of Ages I was eager to hear if the band had matched or even managed to exceed what they have recorded on those prior albums.
This time once again Serenity has chosen to take historical inspiration on board, as they have written songs for War Of Ages about past individuals including Henry VIII and Alexander the Great, giving Serenity the scope to come up with an epic album. Complementing all the great music in their arrangements are the clean vocals of lead singer Georg Neuhauser which are such a strong asset as he consistently shows once more on War Of Ages and with so much emotion, and his band mates performances are also notable.
There is ample entertaining material on offer here starting with the compelling "Wings Of Madness" and those added female vocals complement this songs many charms as they do elsewhere like on "Royal Like". That female singer is new member Clementine Delauney who has previously performed with the Serenity, and on War Of Ages Clementine gets her chance to show what a fitting choice she is. "The Art Of War" is next as Serenity give us a swifter quality number and quality songs is something this album does have plenty of. There's the wonderful vocals and music of "Shining Emotion" and the glorious song that is "The Matricide", "Symphony For The Quite" has many delightful musical twists and the very catchy mid paced "Tannenberg" is also a great metal song.
So how does War Of Ages compare to Serenity's other albums? Well over time War Of Ages may very well turn out be Serenity's strongest overall release yet, but as there is also so much great material to found on those others it's a close call. Though it doesn't really matter anyway as four winners out of four releases is an impressive achievement.
Naturally fans of Serenity will acquire a copy of War Of Ages and in doing so they won't feel let down at all. But for anyone who is yet to experience Serenity's material then you would be wise to listen to this band, especially if you enjoy the albums of one of the best symphonic metal groups namely Kamelot and the like.
Track Listing
1) Wings Of Madness
2) The Art Of War
3) Shining Oasis
4) For Freedom's Sake
5) Age Of Glory
6) The Matricide
7) Symphony For The Quiet
8) Tannenberg
9) Legacy Of Tudors
10) Royal Pain
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