With all the changes and restructuring among then arises naturally the question: Can SERENITY with "War Of Ages" keep the self-imposed high standards continue?
Now, fans can rest assured: SERENITY are still SERENITY, although "War Of Ages" has yet to have a few significant changes in the direct comparison to its predecessors.
First fall - in addition to the female newcomer - which again crystal clear and very transparent production at that time is more balanced than in the almost slightly oversteering "Death & Legacy" - get along very well especially the vocals of singer Georg Neuhauser advantage. At a second glance, one then determines (almost a bit surprising) that the bombast fraction compared to its predecessor but was scaled back significantly; Instead, you are in the "War Of Ages" to concise hooks and - endeavor reasonably linear structures - for SERENITY ratios. But this should not be misunderstood: The offered material is musically still very first grade, and leaves many a Output of established genre greats look quite old. With "Wings Of Madness" is probably the catchiest number in the entire previous back catalog at the start, and opens the album also equally brilliant. In "The Art Of War" SERENITY remember specifically in verses more than ever to the great role models KAMELOT, and "Shining Oasis" draws clear parallels to "Youngest Of Widows" of "Death & Legacy", and has in "Age Of Glory" Neo-singer Clémentine the midsection their first strong appearance.
In ballads sector there are again new food, but can if "For Freedom's Sake" in the live situation so popular "Fairy Tales" will take over, remains to be seen. An original and lively contrast effect that very reminiscent of SONATA ARCTICA "Matricide" and "Legacy Of Tudors", which can set the tone with a baroque vocal intro. A late melodic highlight for me too, "Tannenberg" there, one of the most compelling numbers of the entire album.
Conclusion: on "War Of Ages" SERENITY have recorded no failures and submit a homogeneous and coherent body album that meets the high demands of the predecessor absolutely fair. The reduced bombast factor has an extremely positive effect on the overall impression from, because at no time acts "War Of Ages" overweight, which already threatened occasionally happen with "Death & Legacy". For me personally, though still remains the second album "Fallen Sanctuary" the reference work of SERENITY, but "War Of Ages" is in the long run in any case a prime candidate for taking this course once. Fans of melodic metal have access here. One of the top albums 2013!
