Serenity – Death & Legacy

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There’s something rather odd about an Austrian band singing about the history of England, and whilst Serenity are hardly alone in doing so, it’s still rather peculiar. Not that singing about famous individuals from English history is the sole subject on Death & Legacy – the album covers a range of historical figures – but it’s coverage of those from Great Britain is perhaps the most profound. This is particularly odd when taking into account singer Georg Neuhauser’s voice, otherwise perfectly decent but having a somewhat distinct Germanic flavour in his pronunciations. This can be somewhat off-putting but depending on taste, could even prove appealing. Accompanying Georg on this record are three female singers, something that has been noticeably promoted – though all three are relegated to one major appearance each. Charlotte Wessels (Delain) is competent on Serenade of Flames, but is otherwise forgettable. Amanda Somerville delivers a beautiful, soulful and emotional performance on the slow Changing Fates that really shows just what an underrated singer she is. The surprise though is Sirenia singer Ailyn doing a rather fine turn on the album’s lead single, The Chevalier, clearly a singer that is much better than her current material offers. As a band Serenity often find themselves compared to the much more popular Kamelot (not helped by the guest female singers, especially with one so strongly linked to Epica). This is perhaps a little unfair as Serenity do have a distinctly different sound, though it must be said that Kamelot’s sound is certainly and understandably more fine-tuned and developed. Death & Legacy is more overtly bombastic, but suffers from the same canned symphonic metal sound that a lot of similar artists suffer from (including recent releases from both Delain and Sirenia). This makes the album feel a bit second rate when compared to bands such as Kamelot, which is somewhat unfortunate as beyond lays a solid – albeit rather long, and occasionally wearing – symphonic metal record. As such it will likely become well loved by those who simply can’t get enough of big, loud and synthesized orchestral hits with their power metal, but those wanting something with just a bit more grace or subtlety might find themselves turned off.

Written by James Donovan
More: 2011, Albums, Power Metal, Quick.Play Reviews, Symphonic, Serenity