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01. All Lights Reversed
02. Rust Of Coming Ages
03. Coldness Kills
04. To Stone She Turned
05. Fairytales
06. The Heartblood Symphony
07. Velatum
08. Derelict
09. Sheltered (By The Obscure)
10. Oceans Of Ruby
11. Journey's End [limited-edition bonus]
+ video "Velatum"
Current members:
2001- Mario Hirzinger - keyboards
2001- Andreas Schipflinger - drums
2004- Georg Neuhauser - vocals
2004- Thomas Buchberger - guitar
2004- Simon Holzknecht - bass
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=184319971
Impressive! Austria’s Serenity gives us a great example of symphonic power metal with their second full length album Fallen Sanctuary. Under the label of Napalm Records, Serenity performs their music professionally and delivers melodic heavy metal, even progressive at times, full of melody, strong guitar riffs and symphonic, orchestral parts.
The band’s performance is at a high level (Georg Neuhauser (vocals), Thomas Buchberger (guitars), Mario Hirzinger (keyboards), Simon Holzknecht (bass), Andreas Schlipflinger (drums)). Especially Georg in vocals performs brilliantly, with his melodic voice, full of color, emotional and powerful, gives that extra something a band needs in this kind of music.
The rhythm section is very tight and the tempo is fast at most times, slowing down at some points. Although it is obvious that Serenity is mainly based on their keyboards, symphonic parts and vocals, they do not "fear" the guitars, which are always in front, the metal riffs, solos and guitar melodies are constantly present. In some songs you will also hear some brutal vocals that give points to the final result. The album is filled with keyboards that are used as an essential part in the compositions, and play a substantial role together with the guitars in forming the Serenity sound. The result is sometimes majestic, sometimes melancholic and at all times really fulfilling.
The band has formed its own identity but if we wanted to quote some influences or at least some bands that you will bring to mind when you listen to Fallen Sanctuary, we could name groups like Kamelot, Sonata Arctica, Angra, Evergrey, Nightwish and others .
The production fulfils the requirements of the genre, brings out the details and gives a sound full of energy. The album has been recorded at Dreamscape Studios from December 2007 till April 2008, with the help of Oliver Philipps (Everon/orchestral production), Lanvall (Edenbridge/vocal recordings), Jacob Hansen (mix and mastering), Gustavo Sazes (artwork) and Jan Vacik (drum & bass recordings, arranging and editing).
I could make one comment though, about something that needs improvement. Serenity needs a bit more originality in songwriting. The album will grow in you every time you will listen to it, but you will not easily find songs that will instantly stick in your mind here, songs which are easily remembered after you remove the cd from the player, and you will sing alone for a very long time. On the other hand, this is not always necessary. Anyway, time will tell.
From all the songs I would pick out: Coldness Kills, Sheltered (by the obscure), Oceans of ruby, All lights reversed, To stone she turned, Velatum... hmm... I should stop here before I mention all of them. It was a pleasure listening to this cd. Well done!
02. Rust Of Coming Ages
03. Coldness Kills
04. To Stone She Turned
05. Fairytales
06. The Heartblood Symphony
07. Velatum
08. Derelict
09. Sheltered (By The Obscure)
10. Oceans Of Ruby
11. Journey's End [limited-edition bonus]
+ video "Velatum"
Current members:
2001- Mario Hirzinger - keyboards
2001- Andreas Schipflinger - drums
2004- Georg Neuhauser - vocals
2004- Thomas Buchberger - guitar
2004- Simon Holzknecht - bass
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=184319971
Impressive! Austria’s Serenity gives us a great example of symphonic power metal with their second full length album Fallen Sanctuary. Under the label of Napalm Records, Serenity performs their music professionally and delivers melodic heavy metal, even progressive at times, full of melody, strong guitar riffs and symphonic, orchestral parts.
The band’s performance is at a high level (Georg Neuhauser (vocals), Thomas Buchberger (guitars), Mario Hirzinger (keyboards), Simon Holzknecht (bass), Andreas Schlipflinger (drums)). Especially Georg in vocals performs brilliantly, with his melodic voice, full of color, emotional and powerful, gives that extra something a band needs in this kind of music.
The rhythm section is very tight and the tempo is fast at most times, slowing down at some points. Although it is obvious that Serenity is mainly based on their keyboards, symphonic parts and vocals, they do not "fear" the guitars, which are always in front, the metal riffs, solos and guitar melodies are constantly present. In some songs you will also hear some brutal vocals that give points to the final result. The album is filled with keyboards that are used as an essential part in the compositions, and play a substantial role together with the guitars in forming the Serenity sound. The result is sometimes majestic, sometimes melancholic and at all times really fulfilling.
The band has formed its own identity but if we wanted to quote some influences or at least some bands that you will bring to mind when you listen to Fallen Sanctuary, we could name groups like Kamelot, Sonata Arctica, Angra, Evergrey, Nightwish and others .
The production fulfils the requirements of the genre, brings out the details and gives a sound full of energy. The album has been recorded at Dreamscape Studios from December 2007 till April 2008, with the help of Oliver Philipps (Everon/orchestral production), Lanvall (Edenbridge/vocal recordings), Jacob Hansen (mix and mastering), Gustavo Sazes (artwork) and Jan Vacik (drum & bass recordings, arranging and editing).
I could make one comment though, about something that needs improvement. Serenity needs a bit more originality in songwriting. The album will grow in you every time you will listen to it, but you will not easily find songs that will instantly stick in your mind here, songs which are easily remembered after you remove the cd from the player, and you will sing alone for a very long time. On the other hand, this is not always necessary. Anyway, time will tell.
From all the songs I would pick out: Coldness Kills, Sheltered (by the obscure), Oceans of ruby, All lights reversed, To stone she turned, Velatum... hmm... I should stop here before I mention all of them. It was a pleasure listening to this cd. Well done!