Serenity Lionheart (2cd) (2017)

In recent times, I’ve gained a reputation for not liking power metal.1 This is simply inaccurate. It’s not that I don’t like power metal as a genre, it’s more that I have rather specific tastes. Serenity is an Austrian symphonic power metal band that has met my standards with 2016’s Codex Atlanticus. That record was solid, yes, but I was surprised by the band’s newest record landing in my inbox a year after its release. More concerning than surprising, however, is that the record is a concept album about Richard the Lion-Hearted. A solid record a year later is an ask for most bands, but do-able. A solid concept album in the same time is simply a reach. So, is Serenity‘s Lionheart a good album? And, more importantly, is it a good concept album?

With a full grasp of stunning emotions and superior dramatic compositions these Austrian folks are world class, already winners of the prestigious Amadeus Austrian Music Award 2017. With the title of their sixth opus SERENITY describe themselves better than anyone else: "Lionheart!" Now that's a statement! Cause their bubbly energy and joy of playing those fantastic Power Symphonic Metal-hymns can't be tamed. Heroic and heartfelt - it's almost impossible to not be carried away. Glorious melodies bind together on the likes of "United". The angelic voice of Georg Neuhauser joins heavenly guitars and tremendous hooks in "Rising High", "Eternal Victroy" and "Stand And Fight".