SERENITY IN MURDER
Timeless Reverie
Apostasy Records
Sometimes I feel like my death metal is a little lacking. Not that it is poor quality or stale, but it leaves a void in my soul too close to the other void. The magic ingredient that always revitalizes the brutality in my belly is some good ol’ classic symphonic tomfoolery and a metric load of it. Thank Satan that I have the new album by SERENITY IN MURDER “Timeless Reverie” to review and get my fix of symphonic death metal that perfectly scratches that itch.
THE BAND
Formed in Tokyo in 2009, this Japanese symphonic outfit has served a cocktail of Bach and Morbid Angel for over a decade. When scanning the liner notes on an album of theirs, you may be surprised at the linguistic diversity in the members’ monikers, with the brutal Ayumu, Ryuji, and Yu-Ri on vocals, guitar, and bass respectively, contrasted with the equally brutal Freddy and Allen on guitar / orchestrations and drums duty.
As previously stated, this is not this outfit’s first rodeo, with a string of full-length albums to their name including my first introduction to the band, 2021’s “Reborn”. Can this new album live up to the fantastical and extraordinary record from a few years ago? Let’s take a deep dive and find out together!
THE ALBUM
To fans of symphonic death metal, a great ass-kicking and animated intro track is mandatory. Make sure to put your oversized Renaissance claymores away because this album starts with the dynamic “God Forsaken”, a track that will surely conjure thoughts of falling through a mythical hell until one hits the climactic thud of reaching their unholy maker.
Tracks such as “Matrix” and “Blue Roses Gracefully Fall” keep the spirited and vibrant energy moving, even adding in voice-overs which honestly gives the sensation of a video game cut scene. Even though the conventions of high-octane melodic metal can give off a cliched sensation of high fantasy and swords and sorcery, this album plays with those stereotypes and makes them feel modern and refreshing.
The standout track on the album is easily “The Flames Ablaze”. This 3-minute track feels like it lasts an eternity in the best possible way. The melodic hooks of Ryuji and Freddy perfectly complement each other and penetrate the listener’s ears with an incomparable shot of adrenaline that hits at a harder impact than the rest of the album.
THE VERDICT
What else can be said about this album that I haven’t already stated? It’s fast, melodic, and an easy listen. It will please those who are fans of the genre and maybe even bring in a few new ears. “Timeless Reverie” is out on Apostasy Records this Friday, February 28. Give it a listen and continue to support metal!
Matthew McCune