History

SERENITY’s professional history has its beginning in 2004 in Tyrol/Austria when a stable lineup was found which consisted of Georg Neuhauser (lead vocals), Thomas Buchberger (lead & rhythm guitars – left the band in 2016), Simon Holzknecht (bass), Mario Hirzinger (keys, vocals – left the band in 2012) and Andreas Schipflinger (drums, vocals). This line up brought some subtle musical changes. Besides introducing a new lead voice the songs were now based on a more ‘metal’ riffing, yet a high demand on melodies, orchestral parts and arrangements for several voices surely remained. In 2012 female vocalist Clementine Delauney joined the band as female counterpart to Georg.

THE DEMO EP

In the meantime they had begun to produce the new demo ‘Engraved Within’ on their own. After being mixed by Jan Vacik at Dreamscape Studios in Munich/Germany ‘Engraved Within’ was released in spring 2005 and received outstanding reviews all over Europe, among them ‘Demo of the month’ in german Rock Hard and Metal Hammer magazines.

WORDS UNTOLD & DREAMS UNLIVED

Although some labels were interested to work with the band, they decided to produce a self-financed full-length album which would increase the chances for a more valuable deal including touring activities. ‘Words Untold & Dreams Unlived’ can be called an all-over european project, for it was recorded at Dreamscape Studios/Munich as well as at home in Austria, mixed and mastered at Finnvox Studios/Helsinki, orchestral parts were produced by Hans Valter in Czech Republic and the whole artwork was done by Seth-Design in Athens/Greece. This token of self-confidence and a strong will caught the attention of Austrian based Napalm Records. After fruitful negotiations a deal was signed on December 1st, 2006. The album was finally released on April 27th in Europe and on May 8th in North America, followed by releases in Russia, Japan and south-eastern Asia.

FIRST TOURING ACTIVITIES

In 2007 the band had been on the road with MORGANA LEFAY and SACRED STEEL (March), THRESHOLD, MACHINE MEN and COMMUNIC (September) and KAMELOT and ADAGIO (September/October). On these tours SERENITY travelled ten european countries and gained a bunch of new fans and friends all over Europe. Expectations concerning the follow-up album increased.

FALLEN SANCTUARY

Once again the band gathered a strong team around them, including Oliver Philipps (EVERON/orchestral production), Lanvall (EDENBRIDGE/vocal recordings), Jacob Hansen (mix and mastering), Gustavo Sazes (artwork) and Jan Vacik (drum & bass recordings, arranging and editing) who in the meantime has become some kind of ‘mentor’ for SERENITY. Guitars, keys & some backing vocals were recorded by Thomas & Mario in their home studios. The production started in December 2007 at Dreamscape Studios and was finished in April 2008, the album was entitled ‘Fallen Sanctuary’ and hit stores on the 29th of August in Europe and on the 9th of September in the USA/Canada. It also got released in Japan by Soundholic records.

ALL OVER EUROPE

In spring 2009 SERENITY supported KAMELOT at their ‘Rule The World Tour 2009’. In same year’s autumn the band was on tour again with long time friends EDENBRIDGE from Austria and some weeks later as a special guest on THRESHOLD’s “Essence Of Progression”-tour 2009.

DEATH & LEGACY

After these live shows the band concentrated on a new release entitled “Death & Legacy” scheduled to be out on the 25th of February 2011. Again they chose Oliver Philipps to do the orchestra production, album mix was done by Jan Vacik this time.

CHANGING FATE

Sad news in the end of August 2010 said that bass player Simon Holzknecht would leave the band due to several personal reasons. Only a short time later SERENITY could welcome Fabio D’Amore (PATHOSRAY, FAIRYLAND, SYRAYDE) as the new guy in this position.

WAR OF AGES

In 2013 SERENITY released their 4th full length album called “War Of Ages” all over the world. Again praised by fans and magazines the album release was accompanied by several live headlining shows across Europe. This time with new female vocalist Clementine Delauney (FRA) who joined the band in late 2012 after intensive touring activities with the rest of the guys. Clementine adds as female counterpart to Georg to broaden SERENITY’s sound even more!

BACK TO THE ROOTS

SERENITY parts way with Clementine as the band wishes to go back to their roots having no female vocalist in their ranks. The writing process of the new record has begun….

CODEX ATLANTICUS

The band released their 5th album “Codex Atlanticus” all over the world in January/February 2016. Chris Hermsdörfer premiers on this record as new solo guitarist after Tom Buchberger decided to leave the band in 2014 to focus on his job and his family. Also Clementine Delauney parted ways with the band. The new record focuses on strong melodies supported by huge orchestras, more male vocals (also Fabio D’Amore has his lead part nowadays) but also shines with some female guest appearances (Amanda Somerville – Avantasia, Natascha “Tasha” Koch,…). The new album will be followed by extensive touring activities from February 2016 onwards.

LIONHEART

After winning the prestigious Amadeus Austrian Music Award 2017, the band release their sixth opus called “Lionheart!” Their energy and joy of playing those fantastic Power Symphonic Metal-hymns can’t be tamed. Heroic and hearKelt – it’s almost impossible to not be carried away. Glorious melodies bind together on the likes of “United”. The angelic voice of Georg Neuhauser joins heavenly guitars and tremendous hooks in “Rising High”, “Eternal Victroy” and “Stand And Fight”. Pure symphonic joy!

THE LAST  KNIGHT

Serenity has been around for nearly twenty years and they’re not planning on retiring any time soon! Their new album The Last Knight, inspired by the life of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I., hit the stores on 31st January 2020 and it’s an absolute must-have for every metal fan. With The Last Knight, SERENITY sets the world on fire – stories about times long gone, catchy melodies and an unprecedented sound spectrum makes you never want to stop the music. For years, the band has been a prime example for epic symphonic and melodic metal with both, certain hardness and a lot of heart. SERENITY has redefined themselves without forgetting their roots – be part of their grand journey!