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SERIOUS BLACK
Magic
2017 AFM Records

AFM Records has just released Magic, SERIOUS BLACK’s third album in three years. This album features the same lineup as last year’s Mirrorworld, with: Urban Breed (TAD MOROSE, BLOODBOUND) on vocals, Bob Katsionis (OUTLOUD, FIREWIND) on guitar, Dominik Sebastian (EDENBRIDGE) on guitar, Mario Lochert (VISIONS OF ATLANTIS) on bass, Jan Vicik (DREAMSCAPE) on keys, and Alex Holzwarth (RHAPSODY OF FIRE) on drums.

Magic is a concept album that tells the story of Mr. Nightmist, a figure who is “shrouded in mystery and legend”. The album begins with a short intro called “With The Tip Of A Hat”, featuring Urban Breed, who portrays Mr. Nightmist. In “Binary Magic”, Mr. Nightmist receives a letter that summons him to his birthplace, Caldwell Town. Once there, he discovers that the former love of his life, Maria Merian, has been singled out for being a witch and bringing ruin upon Caldwell Town. He can only watch in horror as the town folk burn her alive in “Burn! Witches Burn!”. Mr. Nightmist wants retribution, but is eventually persuaded not to seek it by Maria’s mother in “Lone Gunman Rule”. “Now You’ll Never Know” finds Mr. Nightmist reminiscing and describing Maria to a stranger he meets. This is a poignant moment in the album, revealing his true love for Maria.

“I Can Do Magic” takes place years later when Caldwell Town starts to return to normal. Some children, assisted by Maria’s ghostly return, discover how to use magic. This song features one of the biggest choruses and symphonic moments on the album. “Serious Black Magic” describes the children learning to use magic – and wreak havoc on Caldwell Town. This song was the first to get a proper video treatment, which can be viewed on KNAC.COM right HERE. “Skeletons On Parade” describes the apparitions that are seen during the havoc. “Mr. Nightmist” arrives with fanfare to help drive the witch away, and he attempts to do so in crossing the realm between life and death in “The Witch Of Caldwell Town”. This is one of the more high-powered songs on the album, featuring some double bass drumming from Holzwarth and speedy riffing from the guitarists. On “True Love Is Blind”, Mr. Nightmist realizes he cannot resist Maria. In “Just Kill Me”, he finally gives up and concludes that Maria’s curse must be broken, which he does in “Newfound Freedom”. The story ends with “One Final Song”, where Mr. Nightmist leaves to continue his journey.

The tone may seem dark and foreboding, but it’s presented in a moderate style that isn’t too over the top at any point. SERIOUS BLACK isn’t the kind of band to try to shock you with graphic descriptions of violence. This album is more in the vein of AVANTASIA as far as storytelling goes, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Surprisingly, there aren’t any real ballads on this album. I think this album is very similar to Mirrorworld, and I think it’s a rival as far as writing and performance. If you liked any of the band’s material so far, you will like Magic.

There are 14 tracks total, clocking in at nearly an hour. Magic is available now from AFM Records.

4.0 Out Of 5.0

Grab your copy of Magic in the KNAC.COM More Store right HERE.