Majestic. That’s the perfect word to describe symphonic melodic metal powerhouse SERENITY new album ”Nemesis AD”, the first record with Marco Pastorino (Temperance) as additional guitarist and backing vocalist. Known for their thematic albums inspired by historic characters and stories of the past, on Nemesis A.D., SERENITY draw inspiration from the life and highly influential art of painter Albrecht Durer of the German renaissance.
The overall sound on ”Nemesis AD” is terrific, Produced, Mixed & Mastered by talented Sascha Paeth (Avantasia).
Grandiose intro track “Memoriae Alberti Dureri” sets the scene for the album, before legendary singer Roy Khan (Conception, ex-Kamelot) lends his impressive vocals on the mighty “The Fall of Man”. ”Ritter, Tod und Teufel / Knightfall” (named after Durer’s famous artwork) showcases SERENITY’s signature blend of orchestral arrangements, heavy guitar riffs, and soaring vocals.
Heart-wrenchingly emotional yet empowering “Reflections (of A.D.)” mesmerizes the listener with its awe-inspiring instrumentation, multifaceted vocals and brilliant changes throughout the gripping eight-minute track.
Theatrical “Sun of Justice” leads the listener to a faraway fantasy world while the vocal performance of skilled singer Georg Neuhauser ultimately unlocks the track’s hit potential. “The End of Babylon” represents one of the darker, heavier tracks on Nemesis A.D. – but at the same it’s one of the catchiest tracks on the CD, while climactic arrangements carry the dramatic storyline.
Monumental orchestral version of “The Fall of Man” closes the album on a thrilling note that is sure to send a chill up your spine.
With ”Nemesis A.D.”, SERENITY add yet another bombastic symphonic melodic metal album to their notable discography – there is no doubt that the talented unit’s standing in the scene is well deserved.
Highly Recommended
01 – Memoriae Alberti Dureri
02 – The Fall of Man (feat. Roy Khan)
03 – Ritter, Tod und Teufel (Knightfall)
04 – Soldiers Under the Cross
05 – Reflections (of AD)
06 – Sun of Justice
07 – Nemesis
08 – The End of Babylon
09 – Crowned by an Angel
10 – The Sky is our Limit
11 – The Fall of Man (Orchestral Version)
Vocals: Georg Neuhauser
Guitars & Backing Vocals: Christian Hermsdörfer
Guitars & Backing Vocals: Marco Pastorino
Bass & Backing Vocals: Fabio D’Amore
Drums & Backing Vocals: Andreas Schipflinger
Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Sascha Paeth
Serenity – Nemesis AD 2023, MP3+FLAC