One of the new songs on SERIOUS BLACK’s upcoming studio album ‘Vengeance Is Mine’ is called ‘Album Of Our Life’ and hits the nail on the head in several respects. On the one hand, the international power metal band surrounding bassist and founder Mario Lochert has succeeded in creating what is probably the most powerful and imaginative work of its career so far, with loads of great guitar riffs, grooving rhythms and anthemic melodies. On the other hand, the album’s lyrics venture into territories previously uncharted by the band. Lochert: “This time, I have allowed more insights into my emotions and private life than ever before, i.e. into how I think, how I feel, how I am, and how difficult it can be to keep a band going when you yourself aren’t well. The lyrics on ‘Vengeance Is Mine’ reflect the past four or five years. This, of course, has had an impact on the songwriting, which has become even more intense and emotional.”
 
SERIOUS BLACK’s mastermind is referring to an album that is scheduled for release on 25 Febuary 2022, but will provide plenty of appetisers beforehand in the shape of four lead singles. 17 September 2021 saw the arrival of ‘The Story’, including an official lyric video, followed just under a month later in October 2021 by the second single including the official music video for “Rock With Us Tonight”.
 
Listen to the song and watch the new videoclip below.

Lochert`s assessment that his band has succeeded in creating a masterpiece in ‘Vengeance Is Mine’ is based on the band’s latest addition: Nikola Mijic, a powerful singer from Serbia who, after a successful guest appearance with British act Eden`s Curse, has become SERIOUS BLACK’s new frontman. Mijić has replaced the group’s former vocalist Urban Breed, who had announced his departure in spring 2021. Lochert: “To be honest, we were pretty stunned when Urban left during the songwriting for ‘Vengeance Is Mine’, but of course, we wish him all the best for the future. Since we didn’t want to lose any time due to Urban’s departure, we immediately set about looking for a new singer while continuing to work on the new material.” Fortunately, help was at hand: SERIOUS BLACK`s vocalist friend Henning Basse (ex-Metalium, -Firewind) stepped in to help work out the vocal melodies and vocal phrasing of five songs, and Greek multi-instrumentalist Bob Katsionis(Firewind, Outloud) supported the writing of the new material. Lochert: “We have been close friends with Henning and Bob for years, so we were of course very happy that they helped out.”
 
And so what belongs together has at last come together in SERIOUS BLACK: Thanks to Nikola Mijić’s expressive timbre, guitarist Dominik Sebastian’s rapid riffs and hooks, drummer Ramy Ali’s driving grooves and bassist and bandleader Mario Lochert’s diverse songwriting, ‘Vengeance Is Mine’ has turned into a prime example of a deeply melodic and at the same time exudingly dynamic power metal album.

The international power metal formation SERIOUS BLACK return with their fastest and most imaginative work so far.

One of the new songs on Serious Black’s upcoming studio album ‘Vengeance Is Mine’ is called ‘Album Of Our Life’ and hits the nail on the head in several aspects. On the one hand, the international power metal band surrounding bassist and founder Mario Lochert has succeeded in creating what is probably the most powerful and imaginative work of its career so far, with loads of great guitar riffs, grooving rhythms and anthemic melodies. On the other hand, the album’s lyrics venture into territories previously uncharted by the band. Lochert: “This time, I have allowed more insights into my emotions and private life than ever before, i.e. into how I think, how I feel, how I am, and how difficult it can be to keep a band going when you aren’t well yourself. The lyrics on ‘Vengeance Is Mine’ reflect the past four or five years. This, of course, had an impact on the songwriting, which has become even more intense and emotional.”

In addition to the private insight of the band’s soul, another new aspect came into play: Nikola Mijić, a powerful vocalist from Serbia, has recently become the front man of the band. Mijić is the successor to Urban Breed, who separated from the band in spring 2021. “Nikola is a very talented and experienced singer,” Lochert reports proudly.

And so has at last come together what belongs together – in Serious Black: Nikola Mijić’s expressive timbre, the rapid riffs and hooks of the guitarists Dominik Sebastian and Bob Katsionis, the driving grooves of drummer Ramy Ali with bassist and producer Mario Lochert. Due to these elements and on top the collective diverse songwriting, ‘Vengeance Is Mine’ has turned into a prime example of a deeply melodic and at the same time powerfully dynamic power metal album.

“Vengenance Is Mine” was produced and mixed by Lochert at his Serious Black Studio in Kirchseeon. The guitars were recorded by Dominik Sebastian at his own studio and all orchestral arrangements and keyboards were done by Bob Katsionis in Greece.

Furthermore, the band has unveiled a Lyric Video ‘The Story’.

The ballad was originally written by folk rock singer Brandi Carlile. It is a calm and yet powerful track. The new song shows off a new side of SERIOUS BLACK, that has rarely seen before. The song is the start for the most emotional and imaginative work of the power metal band yet. Nikola Mijić, the newest member of the group, crowns the song to completion with his powerful voices.

The lyric video of “The Story” creates intimacy supported by private photos and insights into the studio recordings – and gets fans in the mood for the upcoming album.

Be one of the first and save yourself this masterpiece of 13 tracks, today. 
In addition to the CD, you could also call the limited box set your own. In addition to the CD digipak it contains a microfiber towel (160x80cm), the bonus CD “Rock With Us Tonight”, a sticker, an original signed autograph card and the certificate of authenticity.

You also have the chance to get a vinyl in Clear Red, Purple or the limited orange / black splatter vinyl, which is exclusively available at the AFM shop. The choice is yours: Get ‘Vengeance Is Mine’ now at: https://shop.afm-records.de/serious-black/

The international power metal formation SERIOUS BLACK presenting their newest band member: Nikola. „The serb“, also known as singer of metal band Eden’s Curse, is new lead singer of SERIOUS BLACK. 

Mario Lochert, the band’s founder and bassist, is enthusiastic about his new front singer: “Nikola is a very talented, outstanding and much experienced singer.“ 

The anticipation for tons of great guitar riffs, groovy rhythms and epic melodies is increasing! 

In the photo Nikola “The serb” on the right.