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Freedom Call: Land of the Crimson Dawn

Melodic/Power Metal

3.5/5.0

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SPV/Steamhammer
by Craig Hartranft,  02.06.2012

With Freedom Call's seventh full-length album, Land of the Crimson Dawn, long time fans might either scratch their heads in confusion or whine in disappointment. Really, that's not as bad as it sounds. Here's thing: this work is not the strict melodic power metal we expect from this band, at least not throughout.

Above, Freedom Call: vocalist Chris Bay helps hold up the wall, or he's really, really tired of this photo shoot.

Okay, yes, there's power metal here: epic, speedy, and bombastic as Freedom Call knows how to deliver. Crimson Dawn, 66 Warriors, Back in to the Land of Light, and Terra Liberty are some the best. Age of the Phoenix and Space Legend, not so much. There are some odes to all things rock and metal with Rockin' Radio and Power & Glory, including a smack down on rap, hip-hop, and techno on the former. Both offer all the bully and bravado, excess and exaggeration, we can expect from a self homage to the genre.

Overall, all these songs lean towards melodic power metal, but there's also a greater groove and an audible attempt at more accessibility. Then, of course, there's the huge harmonious vocal arrangements, that set Freedom Call above their many peers.

But then Freedom Call throws a few curve balls. Sun in the Dark, Hero on Video, and Killer Gear provide more of that accessibility and strong rock groove, all in and 'outside-the-power-metal-box' formula. This not the Freedom Call that gave us Legend of the Shadowking. It's different and, frankly, a rather refreshing slant from the band.

With Land of the Crimson Dawn, Freedom Call still reminds us that they are power metal kings. But they have a few new, and quite entertaining, tricks up their sleeves. Recommended.

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With Land of the Crimson Dawn, Freedom Call still reminds us that they are power metal kings. But they have a few new, and quite entertaining, tricks up their sleeves.

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eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]