Serenity – The Last Knight

Somehow I feel like these elements (guitars and vocals) play a major part in defining the sound of Serenity. And while there are bands that switched vocalists, their core sound didn’t change that much (Kamelot, Amaranthe), there are also bands whose style is dependent on the vocals, and as far as I’m concerned Serenity is one of those bands.

 The surprises start unveiling themselves later in the album and “Soul and sins” presents a more layered and elegant side of Serenity, while the use of some synthesizers adds texture to the music. On “My kingdom comes” we get to hear some growls from guitarist Chris Hermsdörfer which makes the song feel heavier, and I really enjoy how well they mix with the instrumental, while “Queen of Avalon” has a subdued folky melody in the guitar line that makes it a very enjoyable moment with another earworm chorus that reminds me of “Lionheart” (the title track of their previous release). Also, that guitar solo is magnificent. Power ballad “My farewell” has beautiful symphonic arrangements that prove Serenity’s flair not just for bombastic power metal anthems, but also for emotional epic orchestrations. The wicked riff at the beginning of “Down to Hell” as well as Georg angry delivery brings a darker edge to Serenity I don’t think I have heard before, but I like it. The Euro-power metal number “Wings of pride” again features all the trademark Serenity elements while “Call to arms” starts on a beautiful piano line before delivering a typical Warkings type of melody combined with a choir reminiscent of Epica, making it a very interesting track. The acoustic version of “Souls and sins” closes the album on a very serene and delicate note.