WRITTEN INTERVIEW: FABIO D'AMORE OF SERENITY

Serenity has been alive and kicking since 2001, opening the doors for so much of what is possible in Symphonic Metal. With the band's upcoming 6th album, Lionheart, I had the opportunity to ask bassist, Fabio D'Amore, a few questions about everything going on in the world of Serenity. Check it out and enjoy!

Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview!
Thank you for giving us this space, and your readers for the attention!

The brand new album from Serenity, Lionheart, is coming out October 27th through Napalm Records. What went into the writing process for Lionheart?
The creative process already started during our Codex Atlanticus tour, in 2016, and in that summer we already had a few pre-productions recorded and quite defined. We went on and on all over the year, although being on tour, and we gathered quite some songs within the first months of the new year. We then selected, together with our producer Jan Vacik and Napalm Records the songs that would have been part of the new Lionheart album. The team once again worked good and there was much input from all parts, especially lots of ideas from our guitarist Chris, and for the first time in Serenity, also a complete song written by myself.

What was the recording experience like this time around? Easier? More challenging?
It was definitely more challenging, as every new upcoming album has to be more challenging than the previous, otherwise the flame would get really weak, you know what I mean. I don’t think any recording process could be considered easy, so I must say in the end we got the result we wanted, and that’s the most important thing. But definitely hard work from all people involved. We wanted to evolve our sound once again, and I think we made it!

The songs Lionheart and United are two great examples of what this album has in store. Is that why they were chosen as singles to represent the album?
Yes exactly, around 20 days ago Lionheart was out as first single and video, and United followed last week as second single, and yesterday as new video! I think these 2 songs are quite representative for the album!

Of course Serenity is much deeper than it’s singles on an album. What should people expect from Lionheart as a whole?
Lionheart is a “journey”, if we could define like that. If you carefully listen to the album in its entirety, you are able to find yourself between epic battles, never-ending travels and legacies of King Richard. The album is quite heavy, but yet super melodic and there are mixed moments and feelings. I must say it’s definitely a good mixture, sound wise as well.

You recently just got to play ProgPower USA back in September. What was that experience like for you? What were some bands you enjoyed seeing live at ProgPower USA?
It was a great experience, once more, like back in 2012 and we had so much feedback and warmth from the crowd. PPUSA is always an unforgettable journey for us! Unfortunately, we’ve been effected by the hurricane issue, although just partially, and we didn’t have much time to spend like we liked, so we had to reschedule our flights and this was a bit complicated. But we can’t wait to be back, and perhaps touring the USA, too!

How was the crowd in Atlanta for ProgPower compared to the rest of the world you play?
The crowd is really warm and welcoming and personally, as the 3rd time for me as a musician (twice with Serenity and once with Pathosray) is always like the first time! It’s not possible to compare the PPUSA crowd, I guess that’s something special!

What is next for Serenity after the release of Lionheart and coming up in 2018?
We’re finally on the road with the new album upcoming week, as special guests of Delain’s tour, feat. Marco Hietala (Nightwish) and we’ll start the official Lionheart tour, 6 shows throughout Europe, and 4 are already sold-out! Later on in February, our headlining tour will take place, which will also bring us around Europe! Vision of Atlantis will be our special guests, and we’ve got talented band to open, such as Sleeping Romance, Evenmore, Secret Rule and more…!
What are you currently listening to?
The brand new Threshold double album, AMAZING!
What do you like to do when you are not focused on Serenity?
I’m loving teaching my vocal and bass students, and record / produce bands and artists!
Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. As a long time fan of the band, it was an honor to be able to talk to you and help promote Lionheart coming out October 27thy through Napalm Records. Before we wrap things up, is there anything else you would like to mention that I didn’t bring up up yet?
Thanks a lot for your support and I hope the readers like the new album, and if they don’t know us yet, will check us out! Please keep an eye on our social medias! Some interesting surprises and events will follow!


Serenity- Lionheart will be out October 27th through Napalm Records