Released by Steamhammer/SPV
Release Date: August 23rd, 2019
Genre : Happy Metal, Power Metal
Line Up:
Chris Bay – Vocals, Guitars
Francesco Ferraro – Bass
Timi Breideband – Drums
Lars Rettkowitz – Guitars
Tracklist:
1. 111
2. Spirit Of Daedalus
3. M.E.T.A.L
4. The Ace Of The Unicorn
5. Sail Away
6. Fly With Us
7. One Step Into Wonderland
8. Days Of Glory
9. Wheel Of Time
10. Ronin
11. Sole Survivor
This summer marks the twentieth anniversary of southern German band Freedom Call and it seems they want to celebrate in the best way by releasing their tenth studio album via Steamhammer/SPV. The band is known for their melodic compositions and their optimistic lyrics, a genre called “Happy Metal”. The new material can’t do differently but follow the tradition that has been created through the years by the German act. The final result is a good vibes record with a variety of musical elements, another proof of their ability to keep their trademark through time.
The German team has recently renewed their lineup, with the addition of drummer Timi Breideband and Italian bassist Francesco Ferraro, but the album was recorded with their previous one. The intro track “111” gives the first notes of light and joy to the listener, it symbolizes the number of angels in the Western esotericism. The epic pace of “Spirit Of Daedalus”, “The Ace Of The Unicorn” and “One Step Into Wonderland” keep up the Freedom Call fingerprint bringing the enthusiasm and optimism by the positive lyrics and the fresh melodies. There can be observed some diversities at the title track where the double drumming and the groove style brings up a more original sound in combination with the catchy chorus. Even if the listener could at first have the impression of dealing with the usual happy stuff that is used to by Chris Bay and company, some high-speed power metal songs show that this team is consisted by musicians with technical and performing abilities that can’t be ignored. “Days Of Glory”, “Fly With Us” and “Ronin” are some examples of fast-paced tunes. Moreover, the songs “Wheel Of Time” and “Sole Survivor” give an epic and fantasy style to the record. The most impressive track of “M.E.T.A.L.” can’t be other than the atmospheric “Sail Away” where the powerful melodies in combination with the major vocal abilities of Chris Bay take the whole album to the next level. Although this new record from the German act will not change the history of heavy metal, their mission to create positive energy melodies and to diffuse happiness among the crowd is accomplished. The lyrics of the songs are simple and catchy and this recipe seems to be effective in the last twenty years.
Freedom Call is not a band that gets out of common standards of epic power metal, but for sure they are not a group of musicians that should be taken for granted. Every fan of their studio recordings or anyone who has been to a concert of the Germans has noticed that the very first to have fun by playing their music are the band members themselves. The musicians that surround the charismatic frontman Chris Bay show their technical and performing abilities through the eleven new songs of “M.E.T.A.L.”. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend one of their shows, entertainment is guaranteed!
Ratings: 7/10
Written by: Katerina Paisoglou
My Global Mind – Staff Writer