War of Ages cover

War of Ages

Serenity · 2013

61 min · 12 tracks · progressive metal

Ethereal melodies intertwine with powerful riffs, creating a dramatic narrative that transcends traditional metal boundaries.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Art of War — This track encapsulates the album's central theme of conflict and strategy, blending aggressive instrumentation with thought-provoking lyrics about warfare and its consequences.
  • →
    Wings of Madness — Opening the album with a soaring melody and complex arrangements, this track sets the tone for the epic journey that unfolds throughout the record.
  • →
    Tannenberg — Drawing from historical events, this song combines heavy guitar riffs with orchestral elements, effectively portraying the chaos and bravery of battle.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features strong compositions and production but lacks significant impact beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a high-energy pace with intricate guitar work and soaring vocals, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective tone.
  • Several tracks feature orchestral elements that enhance the dramatic narrative, particularly in 'Symphony for the Quiet' which incorporates strings prominently.
  • The album's final two tracks shift to softer arrangements, with 'Fairytales (Piano Version)' providing a stark contrast to the preceding heavier material.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • epic soundscapes for reflection
  • introspective moments of calm
  • powerful crescendos for motivation
  • emotional depth in every track

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of quick gratification
  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced listening

Where this album fits

Career context
When 'War of Ages' was released in 2013, Serenity was already established as a notable band in the progressive metal scene, following their previous album 'Death & Legacy.' This release marked a continuation of their thematic exploration of historical and literary subjects, showcasing their evolving sound as they built upon the foundation laid by earlier works.
Stylistic neighbors
Evergrey· Nightwish· Kamelot

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Wings of Madness 5:51
  • 2 The Art of War 5:08
  • 3 Shining Oasis 5:08
  • 4 For Freedom’s Sake 4:35
  • 5 Age of Glory 6:38
  • 6 The Matricide 4:56
  • 7 Symphony for the Quiet 4:57
  • 8 Tannenberg 5:49
  • 9 Legacy of Tudors 5:01
  • 10 Royal Pain 4:46
  • 11 Fairytales (Piano Version) 4:29
  • 12 Love of My Life 3:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata