SERPENTINE – Living and Dying in High Definition (2011)

Released last year SERPENTINE’s debut album ‘A Touch Of Heaven’ received many accolades culminating with an astonishing 92% review in the Japanese metal bible BURRN Magazine and an HMV chart album in the land of the rising sun.

Described by the press as ‘one of the most impressive new names on the melodic rock radar’ this British quintet fronted by current TNT vocalist Tony Mills are riding a resurgence in melodic rock.
Originally founded in Wales around the talents of keyboard player Gareth David Noon, guitarist Christopher Gould and bassist Gareth Vanstone, the band were keen to capitalize on their burgeoning reputation and returned to the studio late last year to begin recording their follow up “Living and Dying in High Definition” at M2 Studios, Wolverhampton, England.

Keyboard flourishes, lush harmonies and breathless vocals provide the opening of “Deep Down (There’s A Price For Love)” before the main riff kicks in aided by some surging guitars and Serpentine make an immediate impact.
“Philadelphia” is one of the highlights, a keyboard driven melodic rocker with a catchy chorus and heavenly harmonies.
“Dreamer” will delight fans of JOURNEY, an anthemic, sweeping epic track with galloping guitars and great vocals by Tony Mills.

On the moody midtempo “Where Do We Go From Here?” the band sounds very british reminding you the best HEARTLAND and the ballad “Love Is Blue” both sounds natural and from the heart.
Emotional is the word to describe “Best Days Of Our Lives”, while “Cry is like a summer AOR breeze to your ears.
The band offers something different on the rocking “Nuremberg” featuring interesting lyrics.
The album ends on a high note with the long and melodic epic “Forgotten Heroes”, a track with fantastic variations and instrumentation.

With “Living and Dying in High Definition” Serpentine has improved on all aspects; better songwriting, catchy choruses and more hooky arrangements.
One of the most welcomed things to my ears on this new album is the absolutely perfect crystal clear production (a little weak on the predecessor in my opinion), again on charge of Sheena Sear (Magnum), this time they have captured the muscle and melody at full fire.
Playing an unashamedly keyboard led, yet guitar infused brand of melodic hard rock, Serpentine has delivered a terrific recording.
Tony Mills shines on his best performance in years, and although he’s no longer the band’s vocalist (replaced by Matt Black), will be contributing to the band on way or another in the future.
In support of their new album the goal now is to win new fans by playing to as many people as possible in the coming months. To augment live dates in the UK, the band will be supporting their Serpentine Over Europe tour this Autumn with Festival dates booked for Germany and Spain and culminating with a slot in England alongside former Survivor legend Jimi Jamison at the prestigious Firefest 2011 event in October.
“Living and Dying in High Definition” is one of albums of the year without a doubt.
Highly Recommended.

01 – Deep Down (There’s A Price For Love)
02 – Philadelphia
03 – Dreamer
04 – Love Is Blue
05 – Where Do We Go From Here?
06 – Cry
07 – Best Days Of Our Lives
08 – Heartbreak Town
09 – Nuremberg
10 – Forgotten Heroes

Tony Mills – Vocals
Gareth David Noon – Keyboards, Vocals
Christopher Gould – Guitars
Gareth Vanstone – Bass, Vocals
Roy Millward – Drums

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Pre-order here:
http://tinyurl.com/serpentine-2011