I had presented the light side of 'Serious Black' with 'First Light' which was an acoustic album containing compositions from their previous albums (see here) and 2020 saw the release of a new studio recording 'Suite 226'. So we find the Germans with their electric instruments which distill us a melodic power metal starting with an energetic 'Let Me Go' with a remarkable first vocal performance of 'Urban Breed' and a first chorus that never leaves you, then, 'When The Stars Are Right' continues in this power with a energetic rhythmic section. Follows ‘Solitude Etude’ with a new very effective chorus and ‘Fate of All Humanity’ changes its register because it is closer to AOR. As for 'Castiel', after an introduction which could make think of a ballad, the tempo then accelerates for a new catchy title and a new beautiful performance of 'Urban Breed' in a rather high register, and 'Heaven Shall Burn' continues with a more classical title and aggressive guitar riffs, then, 'Way Back Home', on a fast tempo is less powerful and closer to melodic rock, like the following title 'We Still Stand Tall'. The album ends with 'Come Home' which is a magnificent ballad and finally, my favorite of the album, 'Suite 226', which takes us for almost 9 minutes in a title in several parts, alternating energy and appeasement with a last admirable vocal performance by 'Urban Breed'.
In summary, the Germans from 'Serious Black' released a very successful melodic power metal album with compositions offering great diversity and 'Suite 226' is intended to please a fairly large audience who liked a powerful and melodic metal... | |
