Daedalus pure moods11/3/2023 Whatever shape the songs take, this is still unmistakably Freedom Call. The others range from fist-pumping rockers ("Sole Survivor") through jaunty singalongs ("One Step Into Wonderland") right down to Def Leppard stadium rock tempos (the title-track). This new record definitely showcases their more Helloween-influenced side, containing 6 tracks of galloping German speed metal laden with luscious melodies and unforgettable choruses. are capable of churning out some seriously balls-to-the-wall melodic power metal chock full of urgency and attitude. I may have done the band a disservice by saying that because, when it comes down to it, Chris Bay and co. Does it stand for anything? Does it reflect a change in musical style? Who fucking cares?! Just enjoy the corniness and don't take Freedom Call too seriously! It's just the kind of ridiculous, cheesy shit this quartet are more than happy to pull off. It's safe to say I facepalmed with loving affection. So what do they decide to title such a landmark record? M.E.T.A.L. . Twenty years on from their phenomenal debut Stairway To Fairyland (which remains one of my top 5 albums of all time), the German power metallers have reached album number 10 - an admirable feat for any act of this particular sub-genre. As a result, no other band can make me smile half as much as Freedom Call. I really can't quite explain why, but their combination of ultra-bright saccharine melodies, fantasy-based imagery, goofy sense of humour and occasional heaviness just hits me right in my musical G-spot. Originally written for Metalegion #6 - I run the risk of this review becoming over-zealous because I absolutely fucking adore this band. can barely claim to be what its title claims. Despite Freedom Call showing their mastery of hooks and pacing, M.E.T.A.L. Even the song topics prove nauseatingly good - look no further than opener ‘111 - The Number of the Angels’ for proof. If you’re big on positivity yourself that might not be much of a problem, though regular metal listeners may find their gag reflex tested by such overwhelming melody and lightweight fare. Concluding every song between 3 and a half and 4 and a half minutes is also a dead giveaway that M.E.T.A.L. You’d better believe that the choruses are catchy like coronavirus, while group vocals are absolutely everywhere. Massive hooks and jubilant keyboards power these 11 songs much more than guitar riffs, though fleet-footed double-bass verses crop up several times, such as on ‘Days of Glory’, ‘Spirit of Daedalus’, and ‘Ronin’. feels like sunshine is raining on your ears. Skip forward 20 years and listening to M.E.T.A.L. How did the Germans become like this? Essentially, they took the formula of big German power metal bands like Helloween and Gamma Ray (from whence frontman Chris Bay and original drummer Dan Zimmerman sprang), then brightened up the energetic formula at just the time when albums like The Dark Ride and No World Order! were starting to gather shadows over power metal. Freedom Call are not just positive, they are manically sunny. would be the dinner date where you told them you never wanted to see them again. If that friend were a band, they would be Freedom Call, and M.E.T.A.L. However, everyone knows that hanging out with that permanently optimistic friend could be exhausting, because there are times when it’s better to be pissed off and punch the sofa before you try to shrug it off. Everyone likes their friends to look on the bright side of life, right? People who smile and laugh regularly, who don’t get bummed out by setbacks, who know what it means to think positive.
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