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(7/10) What to say about the new album. Actually there is quite some to tell.
The first things is, that Georg Neuhauser is again fully in charge of the vocals since Clementine Delauney left in 2015. This is a major change and I think, it helps the sound of the new record.
"Codex Atlanticus" is the fifth release of the Austrian/Italian/German band and it comes with 10 new songs introduced by the 2 minutes 'title track', which isn't more than a cineastic intro.
"Follow Me" is the real starting point. A short piano sequence leads to a powerful riff. Still the melody is in forefront throughout the entire tune and with the catchy chorus the opener reflects all the trademarks of Serenity.
Serenity sticks to what they can do best, playing powerful symphonic metal. The album contains hymns like "Sprouts of Terror" or the fast "Fate of Light" (one of the highlights on the album). There are the moderate paced numbers ("Caught in a Myth") and there is the obligatory ballad ("My Final Chapter"). Also the theatrical "Iniquity" is what you can expect and Serenity delivers.
All these compostitions aren't too bad, especially since the album got a quite good production too. The longplayer lives up to expectations but it also doesn't exceed those. In the end it's the real uniqueness that I'm missing.
Between all this solid and bombastic metal you'll find a downer too. "The Perfect Woman" ,a song that is a bit too much Meat Loaf inspired and is it only me hearing Zuccheros's "Senza una donna" in the chorus?
Serenity delivered a solid symphonic metal album that fulfills all expectations, for the good and the band. If the album helps the band to catch-up with bands like Startovarius and Kamelot is what the future will tell.
(7/10)
Tracklist:
- Codex Atlanticus
- Follow Me
- Sprouts of Terror
- Iniquity
- Reason
- My Final Chapter
- Caught in a Myth
- Fast of Light
- The Perfect Woman
- The Order
Label: Napalm Records
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Release Date EU: January 29th, 2016
