Japan has a style unto itself when it comes to metal, and ultimately the number of bands from the East that find success overseas are small in number. While true, that does not reflect the quality of music coming from Japan, and Serenity In Murder are a perfect example of what more bands in the symphonic side of the genre should be accomplishing. With The Eclipse, the band’s third album shows them fine-tuning their sound, and in a quick 40 minutes accomplish what many bands take twice as long to do across two discs.

Blending symphonic metal with melodic death and black metal influences, the band avoids sectioning their influences off and throws them in all together. Impressive guitar work courtesy of Freddy and Ryuji are featured prominently, and in an exceptionally tasty and melodic manner on “The Sea Is…” but it’s the orchestrations and synthesizer arrangements by Shuntaro that accelerate The Eclipse to being so monumental. Vocalist Emi is also a force to be reckoned with, seeing as her delivery is consistent and on point, echoing an Ensiferum-inspired delivery but more emotional, as well.

The Eclipse surely is a hidden gem that I never thought I’d stumble upon so early in the year. With a no-bullshit attitude and no room for filler tracks, Serenity In Murder truly have captured some great moments that will impress everyone so patiently waiting for the new Wintersun album and beyond. But comparisons to other bands feel almost unnecessary at this point: Serenity In Murder have their own identity and accomplish so much is a short amount of time.

The Eclipse is available for purchase on the band’s Bandcamp page. You can stream “Land of the Rising Sun” on YouTube below.