Serenity- Words Untold and Dreams Unlived

Artist: Serenity
Album: Words Untold & Dreams Unlived
Label: Napalm Records

Even though they formed in 2001, this is my first time listening to Serenity from Austria. Released on Napalm Records, "Words Untold & Dreams Unlived" is the third full-length release from them, but the first one on a label. After three of the original band members walked out, Serenity now has a solid lineup. Playing a mix of power and prog-metal, this style of metal usually isn't something that keeps me very interested. Though I am a fan of power metal, it's the prog metal influences that usually would have turned me away. Serenity on the other hand had me paying attention the entire album. While there are sections of the album that didn't interest me much, overall this is a good release. Georg Neuhauser's vocals are decent with a good range, though he is definitely stronger when he sticks to mid-range. Even though Serenity is a quintet, they don't have two guitarists instead opting to go with Thomas Buchberger for both rhythm and lead guitars and Mario Hirzinger on keyboards and backing vocals. Making up the rhythm section is Simon Holznecht on bass and Andreas Schipflinger sitting at the drum kit and performing backing vocals as well. Musically and vocally Serenity are a good band and their playing is very tight. This is only made more evident by the excellent production on the album which was paid for completely by the band. "Word Untold & Dreams Unlived" is a good, solid album from these guys and would be well suited for fans of power metal who don't mind a little prog thrown into the mix.