Many bands attempt to play symphonic metal, but Austria's Serenity has mastered the art to such a degree that the mere mention of a new release spellbinds fans of the subgenre. The follow-up to ?Death & Legacy? was teased in my interview with the band at ProgPower USA just before the group brought the house down with the best performance of the festival. ?War of Ages? is Serenity's fifth album and it continues in the band's tradition of creating exquisitely and tastefully bombastic material to satisfy my symphonic sweet tooth. While it doesn't completely rise to the pristine perfection of its predecessor, ?War of Ages? comes dangerously close.
?War of Ages? brings more of the band's trademark of dignified melody cloaked in concentrated historical references from Master Neuhauser (who is currently seeking a doctorate in the subject). This time he touches on subjects that include Alexander the Great and his ?Shining Oasis,? the clash between the German and Russian Empires at the battle of ?Tannenburg,? and the aftermath of the Wars of Roses that led to the rise of a powerful family in England in ?Legacy of Tudors.? Neuhauser is as much a mastermind of history as he is vocalizing about it.