War of Ages (Serenity album): Difference between revisions

War of Ages
War of Ages
Studio album by Serenity
Released	22 March 2013
Genre	Symphonic metal, power metal
Length	61:08
Label	Napalm
Producer	Oliver Philipps, Jan Vacik, Thomas Buchberger and Georg Neuhauser
Serenity chronology
Singles from War of Ages
	"Wings of Madness"; Released: March 2013;

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War of Ages is the fourth full-length studio album by Austrian symphonic metal band Serenity. The album was released on March 22, 2013 in Europe and sometime in March or April in North America and Asia, via Napalm Records.

War of Ages continues to show Serenity perfecting their symphonic metal music and still keeping true to their power metal root. It also marks the first album with an additional singer, female vocalist Clémentine Delauney, formerly of Whyzdom, and as it turns out a few years later, her last. This will also mark the final album of longtime guitarist Thomas Buchberger as an official member of Serenity. Both departures were announced via their Official website on February 3, 2015.

The album itself focuses on historical figures and events, just as its predecessor Death & Legacy had done, keeping true to Serenity's historical concept. Characters stories, such as Beethoven, Napoleon, and others have their tales told through Serenity's words and melodic tone.

History

War of Ages is the first Serenity album with an additional singer. Clémentine Delauney, who joined the band officially on January 21, 2013.^[1] makes here Serenity debut with soaring vocals, adding a very melodic counterpart to longtime Serenity front man Georg Neuhauser. The band says: "While staying true to all Serenity trademarks such as symphonic orchestras, heavy rhythms, amazing melodic vocals and bombastic choirs, we also brought in some new elements in form of various new sounds in the Serenity universe and a constant implementation of female vocals supporting outstanding singer Georg Neuhauser."^[2]

Announcement for official release of the album came via the band's website, stating, "While staying true to all Serenity trademarks such as symphonic orchestras, heavy rhythms, amazing melodic vocals & bombastic choirs we also brought in some new elements in form of various new sounds in the Serenity universe and a constant implementation of female vocals supporting outstanding singer Georg Neuhauser.^[3]

The artwork cover for War of Ages was created by Spiros Antoniou,^[4] who previously worked with Serenity on their debut album Words Untold & Dreams Unlived. The release was mixed and mastered by Jan Vacik at Dreamsound Studios in München, Germany, with orchestrations and music arrangements done by Oliver Philipps. Both are veterans of previous Serenity albums.

Concept

War of Ages can be considered a concept album of sorts as its tracks are based on historical figures and events in history,^[5] coinciding with Serenity's previous album Death & Legacy.

'Wings of Madness' - Elizabeth Báthory, "The Blood Countess" and her atrocities.
'The Art of War' - Napoleon Bonaparte and his mastery of warfare.
'Shining Oasis' - The ancient and lost city of Petra.
'For Freedom's Sake' - The suffering of the 30 Years War through the eyes of a man and woman.
'Age of Glory' - Alexander the Great and his need for conquest while watching his life fade away.
'The Matricide' - Nero and the murder of his mother that he supposedly ordered.
'Symphony For The Quiet' - Ludwig van Beethoven and the sorrow he felt when he lost his hearing.
'Tannenberg' - Ulrich von Jungingen and Battle of Tannenberg that erupted in Poland.
'Legacy of Tudors' - Henry VIII and his reign under the crown.
'Royal Pain' - House of Habsburg and its reign and demise in the Austrian territory.

Music Video and Singles

A music video was shot for the lead off single "Wings of Madness" and released on March 28, 2013. The music video shows Clementine in the role of Elizabeth Bathory, and shows her torment of others, alleged throughout history. "Wings of Madness" is War of Ages only single up to this point.

Reception

The album came out to outstanding reviews both across Europe and North America. From Metal Underground, the review states "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," and "Serenity takes the symphonic metal world by storm with its 'War of Ages.'"^[6]

Angry Metal Guy states, "To Serenity's credit, there isn't a weak track in the bunch. Although everything sounds like it was lifted from better known contemporaries, it's all high quality, memorable and very easy to like," and "This is by far Serenity's best release and a very enjoyable dose of symphonic power."^[7]

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Angry Metal Guy	^[8]
About.com
Sputnik Music
Metalstorm.net
The Metal Crypt	^[9]

Track listing

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Wings of Madness"	6:01
2.	"The Art of War"	5:15
3.	"Shining Oasis"	5:15
4.	"For Freedom's Sake"	4:42
5.	"Age of Glory"	6:50
6.	"The Matricide"	5:03
7.	"Symphony for the Quiet"	5:06
8.	"Tannenberg"	5:59
9.	"Legacy of Tudors"	5:09
10.	"Royal Pain"	4:51

Limited & Japanese Editions
No.	Title	Length
11.	"Fairytales (piano version)"	4:29
12.	"Love of My Life (Queen Cover)"	3:50

Personnel

The Band

Georg Neuhauser – lead and backing vocals
Clémentine Delauney – female and backing vocals
Thomas Buchberger – lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Fabio D'Amore – bass guitar and backing vocals
Andreas Schipflinger – drums

Guest Musicians

Franz-Josef Hauser – piano (on Limited Edition Bonus Track #11 and #12)
Oliver Philipps – keyboards & pianos; effect guitar on #08; backing vocals; orchestration

Production

Produced by Oliver Philipps, Jan Vacik, and Serenity.
All songs written by Thomas Buchberger, Mario Hirzinger, Georg Neuhauser, and Clémentine Delauney except "Love of My Life".
"Love of My Life" lyrics (Limited Edition only) written by Freddie Mercury of Queen
Choir arrangements and recordings by Oliver Philipps
Orchestration, keyboards and pianos arrangements & by Oliver Philipps
All rhythm, lead, acoustic & classical guitars performed by Thomas Buchberger (except effect guitar on "Tannenberg" by Oliver Philipps)
Guitar & bass recordings, drum editing, additional piano recordings, additional editing & preproduction by Thomas Buchberger
Bass guitar recordings by Fabio D'Amore & Ivan Moni Bidin, assisted by Simone Zoldan

References

^ "New Singer Clementine Delauney". 2013-01-21.
^ "War of Ages 2012 Review". Metal Epic Site.
^ "War of Ages Release Information". Serenity. 2013-01-14.
^ "Death & Legacy Release Information". Serenity.
^ "ECover.to - Song Information from album covers". ecover.to. 2013-05-04.
^ "Serenity: "War of Ages" Review". 2013-03-17.
^ "Angry Metal Guy Review". Steel Druhm. 2013-03-18.
^ "Angry Metal Guy Review". Steel Druhm. 2013-03-18.
^ "The Metal Crypt Review". 2013-02-20.

External links

Official website

[1] "New Singer Clementine Delauney". 2013-01-21.

[2] "War of Ages 2012 Review". Metal Epic Site.

[3] "War of Ages Release Information". Serenity. 2013-01-14.

[4] "Death & Legacy Release Information". Serenity.

[5] "ECover.to - Song Information from album covers". ecover.to. 2013-05-04.

[6] "Serenity: "War of Ages" Review". 2013-03-17.

[7] "Angry Metal Guy Review". Steel Druhm. 2013-03-18.

[8] "Angry Metal Guy Review". Steel Druhm. 2013-03-18.

[9] "The Metal Crypt Review". 2013-02-20.

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[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Infobox album| <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums -->
+{{Infobox album
-| Name        = War of Ages
+| name       = War of Ages
-| Type        = studio
+| type       = studio
-| Artist      = [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]]
+| artist     = [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]]
-| Cover       = Serenity war of ages.jpg
+| cover      = Serenity war of ages.jpg
-| Released    = 22 March 2013
+| alt        =
-| Recorded    =
+| released   = 22 March 2013
+| recorded   =
-| Genre       = [[Symphonic Metal]]<br>[[Power Metal|Symphonic Power Metal]]<br>[[Power Metal]]
-| Length      = 61:08
+| venue      =
+| studio     =
-| Label       = [[Napalm Records|Napalm]]
+| genre      = [[Symphonic metal]], [[power metal]]
-| Producer    = Oliver Philipps, Jan Vacik, Thomas Buchberger and Georg Neuhauser
-| Reviews     =
+| length     = 61:08
+| label      = [[Napalm Records|Napalm]]
-| Last album  = ''[[Death & Legacy]]'' <br /> (2011)
+| producer   = Oliver Philipps, Jan Vacik, Thomas Buchberger and Georg Neuhauser
-| This album  = '''''War of Ages''''' <br /> (2013)
+| prev_title = [[Death & Legacy]]
-| Next album  =
+| prev_year  = 2011
-{{Singles
+| next_title = [[Codex Atlanticus (album)|Codex Atlanticus]]
-  | Name        = War of Ages
-  | Type        = Studio
+| next_year  = 2016
-  | Single 1    = Wings of Madness
+| misc       = {{Singles
-  | Single 1 date = March 2013
+ | name        = War of Ages
+ | type        = Studio
-  }}
+ | single1     = Wings of Madness
+ | single1date = March 2013
+}}
 }}
 '''''War of Ages''''' is the fourth full-length studio [[album]] by Austrian [[symphonic metal]] band [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]]. The album was released on March 22, 2013 in Europe and sometime in March or April in North America and Asia, via [[Napalm Records]].
-''War of Ages'' continues to show [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] perfecting their symphonic metal music and still keeping true to their power metal root. It also marks the first album with an additional singer, [[Clémentine Delauney]]. The album itself focuses on historical figures and events, just as it's predecessor [[Death & Legacy]] had done, keeping true to [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]]'s historical concept. Characters stories, such as [[Beethoven]], [[Napoleon]], and others have their tales told through [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]]'s words and melodic tone.
+''War of Ages'' continues to show [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] perfecting their symphonic metal music and still keeping true to their power metal root. It also marks the first album with an additional singer, female vocalist [[Clémentine Delauney]], formerly of Whyzdom, and as it turns out a few years later, her last. This will also mark the final album of longtime guitarist Thomas Buchberger as an official member of [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]]. Both departures were announced via their {{Official website|http://www.serenity-band.com}} on February 3, 2015.
-The artwork cover for ''War of Ages'' was created by Seth Siro Anton and band pictures were shot by Francesco Sogaro, based on a concept by [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]].
+The album itself focuses on historical figures and events, just as its predecessor [[Death & Legacy]] had done, keeping true to [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]]'s historical concept. Characters stories, such as [[Beethoven]], [[Napoleon]], and others have their tales told through [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]]'s words and melodic tone.
 ==History==
-''War of Ages'' is the first [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] album with an additional singer. [[Clémentine Delauney]], who joined the band officially on January 21, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.serenity-band.com/index.php/newsarticle/items/new-singer-clementine-delauney.html |title=New Singer Clementine Delauney |date=2013-01-21}}</ref> makes here [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] debut with soaring vocals, adding a very melodic counterpart to long time [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] front man [[Georg Neuhauser]]. The band says: "While staying true to all [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] trademarks such as symphonic orchestras, heavy rhythms, amazing melodic vocals and bombastic choirs, we also brought in some new elements in form of various new sounds in the [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] universe and a constant implementation of female vocals supporting outstanding singer [[Georg Neuhauser]]."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metal-epic-site.blogspot.com/2013/01/serenity-war-of-ages-2013.html |title="War of Ages" 2012 Review}}</ref>
+''War of Ages'' is the first [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] album with an additional singer. [[Clémentine Delauney]], who joined the band officially on January 21, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.serenity-band.com/index.php/newsarticle/items/new-singer-clementine-delauney.html |title=New Singer Clementine Delauney |date=2013-01-21}}</ref> makes here [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] debut with soaring vocals, adding a very melodic counterpart to longtime [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] front man [[Georg Neuhauser]]. The band says: "While staying true to all [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] trademarks such as symphonic orchestras, heavy rhythms, amazing melodic vocals and bombastic choirs, we also brought in some new elements in form of various new sounds in the [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] universe and a constant implementation of female vocals supporting outstanding singer [[Georg Neuhauser]]."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metal-epic-site.blogspot.com/2013/01/serenity-war-of-ages-2013.html |title=War of Ages 2012 Review |publisher=Metal Epic Site}}</ref>
 Announcement for official release of the album came via the band's website, stating, "While staying true to all [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] trademarks such as symphonic orchestras, heavy rhythms, amazing melodic vocals & bombastic choirs we also brought in some new elements in form of various new sounds in the [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] universe and a constant implementation of female vocals supporting outstanding singer [[Georg Neuhauser]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.serenity-band.com/index.php/newsarticle/items/serenity-war-of-ages.html |title=War of Ages Release Information |publisher=Serenity |date=2013-01-14}}</ref>
-The artwork cover for ''War of Ages'' was created by Seth Siro Anton, who previously worked with [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] on their debut album [[Words Untold & Dreams Unlived]]. The release was mixed and mastered by Jan Vacik at Dreamsound Studios in München, [[Germany]], with orchestrations and music arrangements done by Oliver Philipps. Both are veterans of previous [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] albums.
+The artwork cover for ''War of Ages'' was created by [[Spiros Antoniou]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.serenity-band.com/index.php/war-of-ages.html |title=Death & Legacy Release Information |publisher=Serenity}}</ref> who previously worked with [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] on their debut album [[Words Untold & Dreams Unlived]]. The release was mixed and mastered by Jan Vacik at Dreamsound Studios in München, [[Germany]], with orchestrations and music arrangements done by Oliver Philipps. Both are veterans of previous [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] albums.
 === Concept ===
-''War of Ages'' can be considered a concept album of sorts as it's tracks are based on historical figures and events in history, coinciding with [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]]'s previous album [[Death & Legacy]].
+''War of Ages'' can be considered a concept album of sorts as its tracks are based on historical figures and events in history,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ecover.to/Cover/Serenity-War_Of_Ages.html |title=ECover.to - Song Information from album covers |date=2013-05-04 |publisher=ecover.to}}</ref> coinciding with [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]]'s previous album [[Death & Legacy]].
 * ''''Wings of Madness'''' - [[Elizabeth Báthory]], "The Blood Countess" and her atrocities.
@@ Line 46: / Line 48: @@
 * ''''For Freedom's Sake'''' - The suffering of the [[30 Years War]] through the eyes of a man and woman.
 * ''''Age of Glory'''' - [[Alexander the Great]] and his need for conquest while watching his life fade away.
-* ''''The Matricide'''' - [[Nero]] and the murder of his mother that he supposably ordered.
+* ''''The Matricide'''' - [[Nero]] and the murder of his mother that he supposedly ordered.
 * ''''Symphony For The Quiet'''' - [[Beethoven|Ludwig van Beethoven]] and the sorrow he felt when he lost his hearing.
 * ''''Tannenberg'''' - [[Ulrich von Jungingen]] and [[Battle of Grunwald|Battle of Tannenberg]] that erupted in [[Poland]].
 * ''''Legacy of Tudors'''' - [[Henry VIII of England|Henry VIII]] and his reign under the crown.
-* ''''Royal Pain'''' - [[House of Habsburg]] and it's reign and demise in the Austrian territory.
+* ''''Royal Pain'''' - [[House of Habsburg]] and its reign and demise in the Austrian territory.
 ===Music Video and Singles===
-A music video was shot for the lead off single "Wings of Madness" and released on March 28, 2013. The music video shows Clementine in the role of Elizabeth Bathory, and shows her torment of others, alleged through out history. "Wings of Madness" is ''War of Ages'' only single up to this point.
+A music video was shot for the lead off single "Wings of Madness" and released on March 28, 2013. The music video shows Clementine in the role of Elizabeth Bathory, and shows her torment of others, alleged throughout history. "Wings of Madness" is ''War of Ages'' only single up to this point.
 ==Reception==
-The album came out to outstanding reviews both across Europe and North America. From Metal Underground, the review states "Many bands attempt to play symphonic metal, but Austria’s [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] has mastered the art to such a degree that the mere mention of a new release spellbinds fans of the subgenre," and "[[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] takes the symphonic metal world by storm with its 'War of Ages.'"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/reviews/details.cfm?releaseid=9990 |title=Serenity: "War of Ages" Review |date=2013-03-17}}</ref>
+The album came out to outstanding reviews both across Europe and North America. From Metal Underground, the review states "Many bands attempt to play symphonic metal, but Austria's [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] has mastered the art to such a degree that the mere mention of a new release spellbinds fans of the subgenre," and "[[Serenity (band)|Serenity]] takes the symphonic metal world by storm with its 'War of Ages.'"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/reviews/details.cfm?releaseid=9990 |title=Serenity: "War of Ages" Review |date=2013-03-17}}</ref>
-Angry Metal Guy states, "To [[Serenity (band)|Serenity's]] credit, there isn’t a weak track in the bunch. Although everything sounds like it was lifted from better known contemporaries, it’s all high quality, memorable and very easy to like," and "This is by far [[Serenity (band)|Serenity's]] best release and a very enjoyable dose of symphonic power."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.angrymetalguy.com/serenity-war-of-ages-review/ |title = Angry Metal Guy Review |date=2013-03-18 |publisher=Steel Druhm}}</ref>
+Angry Metal Guy states, "To [[Serenity (band)|Serenity's]] credit, there isn't a weak track in the bunch. Although everything sounds like it was lifted from better known contemporaries, it's all high quality, memorable and very easy to like," and "This is by far [[Serenity (band)|Serenity's]] best release and a very enjoyable dose of symphonic power."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.angrymetalguy.com/serenity-war-of-ages-review/ |title = Angry Metal Guy Review |date=2013-03-18 |publisher=Steel Druhm}}</ref>
-{{Album ratings
+{{Music ratings
 | rev1 = [[Angry Metal Guy]]
-| rev1Score = {{rating|4.0|5}}<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.angrymetalguy.com/serenity-war-of-ages-review/| title = Angry Metal Guy Review |date=2013-03-18 |publisher=Steel Druhm}}</ref>
+| rev1Score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.angrymetalguy.com/serenity-war-of-ages-review/| title = Angry Metal Guy Review |date=2013-03-18 |publisher=Steel Druhm}}</ref>
-| rev2 = ''[[About|About.com]]''
+| rev2 = ''[[About.com]]''
 | rev2Score =  {{rating|3.5|5}}
-| rev3 = ''[[Sputnik Music]]''
+| rev3 = ''Sputnik Music''
-| rev3Score = {{rating|3.4|5}}
+| rev3Score = {{rating|3.5|5|score=3.4 stars on a 5 point scale}}
-| rev4 = ''[[Metal Storm|Metalstorm.net]]''
+| rev4 = ''[[Metal Storm (webzine)|Metalstorm.net]]''
-| rev4Score =  {{rating|7.8|10}}
+| rev4Score =  {{rating|8|10|score=7.8 stars on a 10 point scale}}
 | rev5 = ''[[The Metal Crypt]]''
-| rev5Score =  {{rating|4.38|5}}<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/review.php?revid=8049
+| rev5Score =  {{rating|4.5|5|score=4.38 stars on a 5 point scale}}<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/review.php?revid=8049
 | title = The Metal Crypt Review |date=2013-02-20
 }}</ref>
@@ Line 80: / Line 82: @@
 ==Track listing==
 {{track listing
-| collapsed = no
 | title1 = Wings of Madness
 | length1 = 6:01
@@ Line 93: / Line 94: @@
 | title6 = The Matricide
 | length6 = 5:03
-| title7 = Symphony For The Quiet
+| title7 = Symphony for the Quiet
 | length7 = 5:06
 | title8 = Tannenberg
@@ Line 104: / Line 105: @@
 {{Track listing
+| headline = Limited & Japanese Editions
-| collapsed = yes
+| title11 = Fairytales (piano version)
-| headline = Limited Edition Bonus Tracks
-| title11 = Fairytales (Ballad Version)
 | length11 = 4:29
-| title12 = Love Of My Life (Queen Cover)
+| title12 = Love of My Life (Queen Cover)
 | length12 = 3:50
 }}
@@ Line 115: / Line 115: @@
 {{col-begin}}
 {{col-3}}
 === The Band ===
 * [[Georg Neuhauser]] – lead and backing vocals
@@ Line 125: / Line 126: @@
 === Guest Musicians ===
 * Franz-Josef Hauser – piano (on Limited Edition Bonus Track #11 and #12)
-* Oliver Philipps – keyboards and piano
+* Oliver Philipps – keyboards & pianos; effect guitar on #08; backing vocals; orchestration
 {{col-end}}
@@ Line 131: / Line 132: @@
 ==Production==
 * Produced by Oliver Philipps, Jan Vacik, and [[Serenity (band)|Serenity]].
-* All songs written by Thomas Buchberger, Mario Hirzinger, [[Georg Neuhauser]], and [[Clémentine Delauney]] except “Love of My Life”.
+* All songs written by Thomas Buchberger, Mario Hirzinger, [[Georg Neuhauser]], and [[Clémentine Delauney]] except "Love of My Life".
-* “Love of My Life” lyrics (Limited Edition only) written by Freddie Mercury of [[Queen]]
+* "Love of My Life" lyrics (Limited Edition only) written by Freddie Mercury of [[Queen (band)|Queen]]
 * Choir arrangements and recordings by Oliver Philipps
 * Orchestration, keyboards and pianos arrangements & by Oliver Philipps
@@ Line 144: / Line 145: @@
 === External links ===
 * {{Official website|http://www.serenity-band.com}}
-* {{facebook|serenityaustria|Serenity}}
-* {{myspace|serenitybandtyrol|Serenity}}
-* {{musicbrainz artist|id=a084c1b9-cab4-473b-baa8-63aba8cb2e52|name=Serenity}}
-* {{discogs artist|artist=Serenity (2)}}
-* [http://www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=24516 Serenity] at [[Encyclopaedia Metallum]]
-* [http://www.metalstorm.ee/bands/band.php?band_id=3107&bandname=Serenity Serenity] at Metal Storm
 {{commons|Serenity (band)|Serenity}}
 {{Serenity (band) }}
+{{Authority control}}
 [[Category:Serenity (band) albums]]
 [[Category:2013 albums]]
 [[Category:Napalm Records albums]]
-[[Category:Concept albums]]
+[[Category:2010s concept albums]]
+[[Category:Albums with cover art by Spiros Antoniou]]

v t e Serenity
Georg Neuhauser Clémentine Delauney Thomas Delauney Fabio D’Amore Andreas Schipflinger Mario Hirzinger Simon Holzknecht
Studio albums	Words Untold & Dreams Unlived (2007) Fallen Sanctuary (2008) Death & Legacy (2011) War of Ages (2013) Codex Atlanticus (2016)
Demos	Engraved Within (2005)