Serious Black Begins

On the (short) band history and take the individual members closer, I skip here, which can be found in almost every other review. Let us therefore equal to the most important: the music! My expectations were very high and I have to admit I was a bit disappointed after the first pass, although I liked almost all the songs. But it was not the About Firecracker, I have hoped for, especially for me, the songs sounded 5 and 9-12 to similar. On the second pass more details are to me already with a few noticed and some more tunes have settled in my ear canal (they've been watching, they've been waiting, setting fire, setting fire to the earth). And with each successive pass the whole thing has more and more increased and now run all the songs up and down. I would have chosen only a different order of songs, especially for the Special Edition.

The songs are all mostly straight-to-the-point, without a lot of excess ballast, but with great attention to detail. Stylistically, I would firstly as Melodic Power Metal with a touch of hard rock, respectively. That the guys are all very good at their instruments, is anyway no question therefore probably the high expectations. Urban breed sings again outstanding and still gets the most out of each song out (eg the first and last high and looooowww the eponymous song). The drummer Thomen Stauch plays very variable, often takes on a clock the pace out and then again with the double-bass break down everything (eg My Mystic Mind). Another very positive aspect is that on the whole album just a ballad, even more than has also managed to be represented. Normally ballads me're too cheesy, but Serious Black have mastered this challenge with flying colors.

1. I Seek No Other Life - 7.5 / 10: Somehow me the song is not very convincing, especially in direct comparison with what is to follow. Nevertheless, a good opener, the desire for more power and especially the solo and the short bridge to the chorus are awesome and show the attention to detail.
2. High And Low 9.5 / 10: The first blast! A casual keyboard melody begins the song before Thomen einsteigt with the double-bass. Urban lifts the song then again to a higher level, the first and last "High and looowww" are just awesome!
3. Sealing My Fate 9.5 / 10: The third song, the first ballad? Wrong, according to calm intro, the song builds to a Groove monster with catchy riffs and brilliant melodies.
4. Temple of the Sun 10/10: Normally I rate so short instrumentals not, but this introduction to Akhenaton I've never skipped. Could not be better.
5. Akhenaton 10/10: On the first pass, I found the song just fine, but now I'm addicted to the oriental melodies and this chorus. A commonly located in mid-tempo song with an outstanding vocal and a keyboard solo to kneel down.
6. My Mind Mystic 9/10: Even the intro is something breathed mystical. The pace is increased neatly back in here, only the pre-chorus it is sent removed shortly. A decent guitar solo makes the overall impression of the song even more.
7. Trail of Murder 9/10: The theme song to Urban's other band? A short, but all the more intense song. Beautiful keyboard melodies and a chorus, which no longer wants to leave the ear canal.
8. As Daylight Breaks 9/10: The title track is the only ballad? YES! And what a. That a drummer writes a song, in which he plays along only in the last third, is interesting. And with Urban sounds ballad for me not as cheesy as with many other bands. The man is easy for any atmosphere the perfect melody and facet of his voice. Reduced to the bare essentials of the song can convince.
9. Someone Else's Life (Bonus) 8/10: A cool rock / metal song with nice tempo changes, especially Thomen stands out here.
10. Setting Fire to the Earth 10/10: From the construction and sound similar to the bonus track, only much stronger. The chorus is not as catchy as those of the previous songs and I needed a few passes to the song the song of mine but after a few passes will he loooong in the ear. The song has surprised me in this respect the most, especially the drums are again highly variable (playing Thomen at all times 2 measures the same?). Currently almost my favorite song. :)
11. Older And Wiser 8/10: Still a double bass Kracher, in which Urban shows his somewhat rougher side and Thomen equal makes clear the intro, where to go. For me not quite so compelling, but still a very strong song I would have ranked (as in the Jewel Case Edition) for the purpose of greater variety after Listen to the Storm. This song has a few runs needed with me, but now I sing every time already with (you feel older but not that wiser).
12. Listen to the Storm 9/10: A quieter song, but far from a ballad. This song I liked even better, simply because the beautiful melodies have a tremendous long-term effect with every run. Even the pace is sometimes increased and then reduced again. FYI: Urban personal favorite on the album.
13. Fly On (Bonus) 10/10: A new facet of Urban and Serious Black. A relaxed song in which the rhythm guitar and the drums rippling under his breath in a positive sense and Urban takes command, especially in the chorus. These melodies and the guitar solo gives me goose bumps! An unusual song, which falls once out of the ordinary and I totally captivating. We want more and next time not only as a bonus track!
14 No Son Of Mine (Bonus) 7/10: The song is a cover of Genesis, in which the keyboardist in January Vacik also sings. Fairly close to the original, but done properly. Above all, the emotions come across well and Jan's (emotional) voice has also surprised me positively!

Conclusion: I call the whole once Serious Black begins, there is a my favorite films Batman Begins, which was then even topped by The Dark Knight (only please remain at that level). Respect to the band that has here delivered a really strong album in a very short time in which I no longer go some songs / tunes out of my head, and yet in some places but still a little air remains upward. I personally believe (and hope) that there's a lot of strong albums will follow, which can be even better than this. Above all, I hope that Roland and Thomen their health problems get quickly and sustainably into the handle so that we can have on this band in this unbeatable still cast a long time.

9-9.5 / 10 points

Playing tips: High And Low, Trail of Murder, As Daylight Breaks and for people with a little patience Akhenaton and Setting Fire to the Earth!

PS: The Limited Box is recommended. Visually really well implemented, stable, nice gimmicks, the booklet all Lyrics incl. Bonus tracks are printed ... only the album cover itself I find now not so great, because I think that's reduced Cover inlay of Limited Box much nicer ...