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""The Last Knight" is in the continuity of a symphonic and melodic power metal, without surprise, but with flawless writing and interpretation."
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4/5
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Serenity is now a band that counts in the symphonic power landscape as illustrated by their tours alongside Within Temptation or Delain during their last European Tour. "The Last Knight" is the seventh album of the Austrian quartet, famous for practicing an epic symphonic and melodic power metal in the Germanic movement and therefore close to Axxis or Blind Guardian.
As the artwork suggests, the lyrics talk about battles, knights, bravery, themes that fit perfectly with the epic music of the Austrians and the symphonic power style. So far, no surprise since this has been the band's universe since its beginnings, or almost.
The compositions of this new opus don't bring any revolution either (cf. the first single 'Set The World On Fire') but Serenity masters hymnical melodies ('Invictus', 'Down To Hell' and 'Keeper Of The Night'), epic orchestrations, a symphonic writing and very present keyboards perfectly fitting to the heroic-fantasy universe of the album (the symphonic intro 'The Last Knight' or the ballad 'My Farewell').
If this common thread creates a sound unity, the variations remain interesting since "The Last Knight" mixes very successful mid-tempo ambiences (the medieval 'Soul Of Sins') with powerful songs like 'My Kingdom Comes' or 'Wings Of Pride' on which the double pedal is very present without stifling the tracks, thanks to a very clear and well-balanced production. Special mention to the magnificent acoustic version of 'Souls Of Sins' at the end of the album.
Let's underline the versatile six-string playing of Cristian Hermsdörfer, whose contribution since 2015 enhances many of the tracks. Without being revolutionary, his riffs are efficient and his solos, often technical and clear, attract attention each time by their relevance and their perfect integration to the songs. As for Geog Neuhauser's expressive vocals, although they are sometimes a bit manhandled or even over-played, they play an important part in the epic and heroic universe of the whole Serenity's universe.
Where some will castigate a lack of risk-taking, symphonic power metal fans will be able to retort that Serenity asserts its style over the albums, mastering it a little more at every release. "The Last Knight" is part of this continuity and offers a metal that is without surprises, but with flawless writing and interpretation.
- Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. The Last Knight
02. Invictus
03. Set The World On Fire
04. Keeper Of The Knights
05. Souls And Sins
06. My Kingdom Comes
07. Queen Of Avalon
08. My Farewell
09. Down To Hell
10. Wings Of Pride
11. Call To Arms
12. Souls And Sins (acoustic version)
LINEUP:
Andreas Schipflinger: Batterie
Chris Hermsdörfer: Guitares / Growls
Fabio D'amore: Guitares / Basse
Georg Neuhauser: Chant
Herbie Langhans: Chant / Invité
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READERS
4/5 (1 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (1 view(s))
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