It’s time for some power metal pomp, this time courtesy of international stars Serious Black, who will release their sixth full-length ‘Rise Of Akhenaton’ on September 27th via the venerable AFM Records. Their journey is an interesting one, with their origins tracing back to a supergroup concept by ex-Helloween shredder Roland Grapow, ex-Blind Guardian drum killer Thomen Stauch, and former Tad Morose/Bloodbound singer Urban Breed. Their 2015 debut ‘As Daylight Breaks’ was one of the niftiest power metal albums of the 2010s, while the following ‘Mirrorworld’ and ‘Magic’ were no slouches either. Although lineup problems have plagued them since day one, with Breed being the last of the core crew to leave following 2020’s underrated ‘Suite 226’, the band tried their hand at a more rocking sound with 2022’s ‘Vengeance Is Mine’ to mixed results. Hence ‘Rise Of Akhenaton’, their second with former Eden’s Curse wailer Nikola Mijic, and a stunning return to their melodic power metal roots.
All of the eleven tracks on their new album showcase that Serious Black stylistically went back in time, but by the same token, due to the modern production by Mario Lochert und Bob Katsionis, ‘Rise Of Akhenaton’ sounds more diversified than ever. The interim focus on progressive directives has now changed to more catchy arrangements. Anno 2024, straight, classic power metal – the style the band once got to be known for – reigns again. In support of the album, the band will tour throughout Europe with Sonata Arctica and Firewind.
“The return to what characterized us once, was already indicated on ‘Vengeance Is Mine’“, Lochert recently said about the natural evolution of the band and adds: “Since his joining three years ago, our singer Nikola Mijic has turned out to be a real jewel for us. Because of his expressive voice and his intuitive feeling for great melodies, the songs got more clarity and a more direct pace.“
Check out the video for new track ‘Silent Angel’ right here, and feel the steel!