Serenity

Serenity - Symphonic Metal from Austria.
The Beginning
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), Simon Holzknecht (bass), Mario Hirzinger (keys, vocals) 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. 'New' SERENITY's crucial test took place on 2nd of August 2004 when they successfully supported Ronnie James DIO facing an unbelievable raging crowd. This first proof of the band's good work was followed by other strong gigs which finally granted SERENITY the approving respect by the local metal scene.
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.
Make it or break it
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.
The new album "Death & Legacy" will be released on February 25th 2011!!! New touring activities including headlining shows in Austria and support shows to DELAIN all over Europe will take place in 2011.