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Death & Legacy is the ambitious third CD from the Austrian band Serenity. The lyrics chronicle various historic figures such as Christopher Columbus, Sir Francis Drake and Queen Elizabeth I. The music is symphonic metal, meticulously arranged with crystal clear production.

After an opening interlude, “New Horizons” sets the stage. It's a bombastic and melodic track with beefy guitars and a lot of symphonic atmosphere.


Vocalist Georg Neuhauser has a powerful voice with a really nice tone. On Serenity's last album, there was one song with female vocals, which were handled by Sandra Schleret (Elis). This time around, there are three different guest female singers.

Ailyn from Sirenia duets with Neuhauser on “The Chevalier.” Her voice has a pop/rock vibe and melds well. She also speaks on the brief interlude “Prayer.” Neuhauser has the chops to carry the songs alone, which he does flawlessly on songs like “Far From Home” and “Heavenly Vision,” but the duets are a nice change of pace.

“Changing Fate” features the very talented Amanda Somerville (Avantasia, Epica). It starts out quietly, with acoustic guitars and subdued strings, builds to a moderate level of tempo and intensity, and then kicks in with the full orchestra. It's a very well arranged and performed song. Completing the trifecta of guest female vocalists is Charlotte Wessels from Delain on “Serenade Of Flames.”

When it comes to symphonic/power/progressive metal, Serenity is one of the most skilled bands in the genre.

Their musicianship and arrangements are first-rate, and they also include plenty of hooks and melodies to make things more memorable. Having guest female vocalists on three songs while allowing Neuhauser the spotlight on the rest was a good decision, and makes Death & Legacy a varied and enjoyable CD.

(released March 15, 2011 on Napalm Records)



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