FALL OF SERENITY

HEAVEN SHALL BURN, FEAR MY THOUGHTS (one group that has upped the ante with each successive release) and the rest of that German pack of modern melo-death/thrash rippers have put out some worthy releases over the years. Nowadays it is feeling like the style has been done to death, or maybe I can only take so much of it. Count FALL OF SERENITY as one of those acts that does justice to the style, if not expanding it or necessarily even standing apart from the pack. "The Crossfire" is at least a consistent effort that continues the legacy without breaking any new ground.

If you've experienced any of the above-mentioned bands, then you pretty much know what to expect with "The Crossfire". It is impeccably produced with a sound heavy on the scathing, yet melodic, riffs, searing leads, hoarse semi-growls that seemingly every vocalist in the genre delivers, and those all important guitar harmonies. The songs are fairly well written, if a little samey at times, a few in particular quite good, openers "Immortal Kingdom" and the cleverly titled "Knife to Meet You" among the best of the bunch. Aside from the occasional, understated clean backing vocals (HOLY MOSES and TEMPLE OF THE ABSURD vocalist Sabine Classen makes an appearance) on a couple of tracks and an arrangement twist here and there, "The Crossfire" never really disappoints, but doesn't overly impress either.

Maybe it's a style that only a handful of groups pulls off in a convincing manner, and I wouldn't say that FALL OF SERENITY is one of them. "The Crossfire" is a respectable effort with plenty of melo-death/thrash bombast, but ultimately wears a little thin to these ears. If you are already a fan of Teutonic death/thrash, then you'll find no reason to dislike "The Crossfire". Most casual fans will not be inclined to turn their noses up at it, but may opt to look a little longer before making a purchase decision.