Freedom call-Chrystal Empire


Crystal Empire is the second release from Freedom Call, one of the more recent power metal bands to come out of Germany. The band consists of: Chris Bay on vocals and guitars, Dan Zimmerman (Gamma Ray, Iron Savior) on drums, Ilker Ersin on bass, and Sascha Gerstner on guitars. Freedom Call is melodic, energetic and dynamic.

The majority of the tracks on Crystal Empire are upbeat and fast tempoed, with the exception of a few tracks such as Pharao, and The Wanderer, which have a slower tempo but are still dynamic and powerful. The band also makes us of keyboards and a few outside musicians on the album to increase the dynamics and intensity of the music. Chris Bay may not have the range or straight of vocalist such as Kai Hansen, or Eric Adams, but his voice is unique and servers the band well. Some listeners may find that the epic-fantasy tone, and upbeat sing-along verses and chorus to be a little much or even a little corny; but fans of bands such as Rhapsody, Luca Turilli, and Blind Guardian should really enjoy Freedom Call.

My only real complaint about the album is the lyrics. Like many other power metal bands, the lyrics are based on fantasy. The album is a concept album that is meant to tell a story; however, while reading the lyrics I had a hard time figuring out what the story was all about in detail. It wasn’t until after I read the lyrics and went to the description at the front of the sleeve was I able to determine the whole concept of the albums. When I listen to a concept album such as this one, I like to get the whole story from the lyrics while listening to the album. A listener should not have to resort to the album sleeve to decipher what the lyrics mean. When you go to an opera do they give you some handout that provides a bases for the show before the show starts? No, you watch the show and you take in the whole story from the music in the program. That’s the way an album like this should be.

All in all, Crystal Empire was a good album.

Travis “Firedragon” Boylls – August 19, 2002