FREEDOM CALL Silver Romance (SPV/Steamhammer)
German power metal band Freedom Call formed in the late 90s, releasing their debut in 1999, and this new album is their 11th studio offering. Fronted by vocalist / guitarist (and occasional keyboard player) Chris Bay, who is heavily influenced by his opera singer grandfather, the band’s sound is very vocal harmony oriented.
My intro to the band was their 2001 Crystal Empire, which is as close as to a Magnum Opus, and I found the album just so uplifting, and this album has a similar effect. If you’re ever unfortunate enough to encounter the black dog, music like Freedom Call is the perfect companion. I once called them Operatic Melodic Power Metal, although I have heard them called Happy Warrior Metal. Indeed, at one show I witnessed a number of (plastic) swords, shields and Viking helmets amongst the audience.
Freedom Call have had a number of line-up changes, Chris Bay the only constat. Alongside him here are guitarist Lars Rettkowitz, bassist Francesco Ferraro and drummer Ramy Ali.
Silver Romance appears to be themed, firstly with this year being the band’s 25th anniversary, but also the depictions of band as light travelling the universe to fight evil. And however you feel about that, from the outset it le nds itself to the uplifting ‘happy’ feel of the album.
The title track kicks off the album, with an instant and memorable melody, driven by machine-gun bass and drums. Big vocals as is their trademark, lots of vocal and guitar harmonies in the chorus, and a hint of keyboards in the background. A solid and catchy start.
Symphony Of Avalon has some good touches, but the reference to themselves (“We Are Freedom Call”) and melody both try to make it more anthemic yet it doesn’t come off as intended. The keyboard intro to Supernova adds an 80s power pop feel, which does work better than that sounds.
Infinity picks up the pace, high tempo keys and guitar. Throughout the album there are moments of more prominent keyboards which add a Magnum like pomp, but obviously the songs are much faster paced. The minor chords on Distant Horizon add a gothic hint.
Throughout the album there is some wonderful guitar work to match the vocal leaning of the metal. Not an album you can pull out a highlight (to say it’s not the band’s most consistent or varied may be a little harsh, but I have been a fan for a long time), but the overall feel is fantastic and largely as uplifting as ever. One to play beginning to end. I understand not everyone ‘gets’ Freedom Call, but if you do, you’ll come out smiling.
And closing track Metal Generation, a clear attempt at a party highlighting / closing singalong, if you don’t take it too seriously you’ll be tapping your foot for sure.
Joe Geesin | Now Spinning Magazine
