Mislead by awesome scenery on the cover, I was sure it was time for some kind of prog metal. Before all, of "Dream Theater influenced" branch. But no, Finland's Serenity's End are about melancholy.

Serenity's End's music includes familiar influences for those who love melancholic metal/rock. The heavier riffing is modern style jerky stuff. Also Charon and later Sentenced are clear inspirations, and more powerful vocals are pretty near to J-P Leppäluoto. There is a lot of "weeping" guitar, that My Dying Bride (e.g. on 'Cry of Mankind') and Anathema use(d). The calmer parts are close to Anathema's, because of melodies and the singer's voice that is similar to Vincent Cavanagh. Some okay low growls are heard, but I find metalcorey ones simply appalling. Anyway, Serenity's End have managed to knit a working, stylish and characteristic hybrid of melancholic metal and rock.

The sound is good, but misses the bass. It is just too trebly, and this takes off some power out of it all. The sounscape is refined with multiple vocal tracks etc. And the cover art is enthralling. Lyrics would have been fine, though. The performances are good throughout, but vocalist/guitarist Juha Simola is the one that truly makes the band stand out, because of his broad range.

Serenity's End 2009 sound more melancholic than on the last promo 'Another Day of Misery' (2005). Anyways, this should grant the band a record deal, so strong it is.

Reviewed by Lane
11/05/2009 18:27