Serenity, the Austrian power metal outfit, delivers a commendable performance with their latest album, “Nemesis AD”. In this musical odyssey, the band traverses the familiar realms of the power metal genre, drawing clear inspiration from the likes of Kamelot, Avantasia, Sonata Arctica etc. While “Nemesis AD” is undeniably a good album, it falls just shy of claiming the title of Serenity’s best-to-date. The echoes of Kamelot are unmistakable throughout the album, and for fans of the genre, this familiarity is a welcoming embrace. From the grand orchestrations to the soaring vocals, Serenity pays homage to their influences while injecting their own distinctive style into the mix. The result is a collection of tracks that exude the epic and symphonic elements characteristic of power metal. The album’s strengths lie in its intricate compositions and the band’s technical prowess. Serenity weaves a sonic web that showcases their musical dexterity, with each member contributing to the overall richness of the sound. The guitar work, led by Chris Hermsdörfer and Marco Pastorino, is particularly noteworthy, delivering the requisite power metal riffs and harmonies that complement the album’s thematic grandeur. Vocalist Georg Neuhauser’s performance is a highlight, channeling the spirit of power metal with his dynamic range and emotive delivery. His voice, capable of both operatic heights and poignant restraint, adds a layer of authenticity to the storytelling within the album. However, “Nemesis AD” lacks the groundbreaking quality that would elevate it to the level of their best works. The album occasionally treads familiar territory without venturing into new sonic landscapes. And the echoes of Kamelot may be a double-edged sword, as they offer a sense of comfort for fans of the genre but also invite scrutiny for originality. To sum up, “Nemesis AD” is a good album, an opus by Serenity, the Austrian maters of the power metal genre. While it may not reach the heights of their best-to-date offerings, it undoubtedly has its merits. Fans of Kamelot and power metal enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in this symphonic voyage, even if it falls slightly short of pushing the boundaries of the genre.
♦ 7,5/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ScJuaMFdd8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G38B-vTBiPs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-ig6carMmk
