I've noticed on the band's site that they mention this EP as a demo work. Yeah, right! And I am Santa Claus! If they call this a demo I'm afraid to see what they will release as an official album! So don't be fooled: this is melodic Power Metal at its finest, able to make dozens of company-promoted releases run for cover!
Serenity started back in January 2001. After several lineup changes they solidified their form with the following members: Mario Hirzinger (lead vocals, keys), Stefan Schipflinger (lead guitar), Matthias Anker (rhythm guitar, vocals), Stefan Wanker (bass) and Andreas Schipflinger (drums, vocals). With this lineup they released their first demo called Starseed V.R that was released in 2002. Though things went well, several lineup changes again occurred. So the new lineup was established in early 2004. This lineup recorded the second demo attempt entitled Engraved Within.
In this seven-track EP the band shows two faces. The one is manifested in songs like Forever and Guiding Light. Melodic Power Metal that brings in mind a lighter version of Kamelot, around the Karma era. The other face is the one in songs like Thriven where the extensive use of keyboards gives a progressive approach to their sound. Something like Vanden Plas in their Far Off Grace era. The band handles flawlessly both sides of their music. Driven by the wonderful performance of vocalist Georg Neuhauser and the colorful guitar interpretation by Thomas Buchberger the band delivers a bombastic package.
I think it is also worthy to mention that the CD contains a multimedia part (with a video that includes fragments from live performances, studio sessions, funny outtakes etc) a biography and pictures. In conclusion I can say that this was a professional release by a most promising young act. Fans of melodic Power Metal must check them out.