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Codex Atlanticus is the fifth full-length from Austria's Serenity and follows after the magnificent Death & Legacy in 2011 and the somewhat disappointing War of Ages in 2013. The music on Codex Atlanticus is what you want and expect; majestic Symphonic Power Metal with huge choruses, beautiful keyboard melodies and crunchy guitars. The songwriting is more in line with Death & Legacy in that they are actual songs with all the parts working in unison to make for some wonderful listening experiences (whereas the songs on War of Ages sounded more like window dressing for singer Georg Neuhauser to show off). There's a lot of variation from speedy rockers like "Follow Me" and "Fate of Light" to heartfelt ballads such as "Iniquity" and "My Final Chapter", the latter featuring pipes that bring to mind Nightwish's "The Islander." There's even a Meat Loaf-esque melody on "The Perfect Woman" much like "Mystery of a Blood Red Rose" from Avantasia's Ghostlights. I guess it shouldn't come a shock that the next song, "Spirit in the Flesh," features a guest vocal from Avantasia frontman Tobias Sammet.

Codex Atlanticus doesn't match the heights of Death & Legacy as the songs aren't quite as infectious but it is a much smoother and more pleasant experience than War of Ages so Serenity fans can rest assured they are back.