Band : Freedom Call
Album title : Legend Of The Shadowking
Label : Steamhammer/ SPV
Distributor : CNR
Release Date : 9/01/2010
Release : CD

After 5 studio and 1 live albums Freedom Call release their newest effort.  I admit I haven't followed the band before, so I couldn't tell if this album is an improvement on their previous works.  So I'll give the album a very neutral review.

What immediately strikes me is the variaton between the songs, not to mention the styles.  Once pure metal, once more bombastic even theatrical.  They hark up memories to a multitude of bands, e.g. Edguy, Helloween, even Rhapsody at some point. The strength of the numbers lies partly in that the choruses seem to inspire you to sing along.  Now although Chris Bay's voice may have it's limits, he's perfect for the job in this case.  Backed up by a wall of sound, this is good stuff. You could call this a concept album if you like, or some kind of rock opera, as the inspiration came from the life (and death...) of King Ludwig II, king of Bavaria.  Now this name might not ring a bell, but King Ludwig II gave orders to build a very famous almost fairy-like castle, Schloss Neuschannstein.  Sadly he died in mysterious circumstances - he either drowned, or was murdered - we'll never know - before the caste was completed.  All songs are based upon his life, his projects, his dreams and finally his death.

To sum it up : a very fine album.  I'll be following these guys more shortly in the future.

85/100

Erik Morren.