Legend of the Shadowking

Freedom Call | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 15, 2010)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Steamhammer Us
• ASIN: B002ZDOYHA
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #136,599 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

14 brand new Freedom Call tracks based around the story of King Ludwig II. It is a fantasy ride into 19th century Bavaria, where he reigned over his people with a love of art and music. With Legend Of The Shadowking the band returns to their successful melodic metal style. Produced by Tommy Newton (Helloween, UFO, Victory) and features drummer Dan Zimmermann (Gamma Ray). - 2010

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!!, March 11, 2010

By 

Valance (Whangarei, New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Legend of the Shadowking (Audio CD)

Oh boy, I've been waiting for this one!

Freedom Call are my all time favourite metal band and they have conjured up another winner with this beauty, jam packed with the type of catchy melodies that Freedom Call are renowned for.

It's one of the more diverse Freedom Call albums and it's all the stronger for it. To quote William Cowper, "Variety's the very spice of life. That gives it all its flavour".

LOTSK goes down a real treat. There're happy songs, melancholic songs, fast songs, mid-tempo songs, slower songs, trademark Freedom Call songs, and newer prog-tinged songs... and they sound awesome.

The band have incorporated some cool new 'darker' elements into their already amazing sound as can be heard on the likes of `Under The Spell of the Moon', `Dark Obsession' and `The Darkness' - different to Freedom Call's trademark style, but they quickly grow on you. They're compelling tracks that really do get under the skin.

The clear, powerful production kicks ass and Chris' voice has never sounded better. LOTSK showcases a new versatility and maturity to his vocals.

The album simply ROCKS.

Awesome album, guys - just awesome. Well worth the wait.

More of the same please...

New to the band? If you're a power metal fan who's nostalgic for the glory days of Helloween when they were riding high with Michael Kiske at the helm, then be sure to check out Freedom Call's catalogue. You're in for a treat.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Freedom Call" integrate epic and goth elements to their Power metal identity on this 14 track release!!, February 10, 2010

By 

Nikiforos V. Skoumas (Athens Greece, Cambridge UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Legend of the Shadowking (Audio CD)

Released in Europe on the same day as "Gamma Ray"- "To the metal", "Legend of the Shadow King" is the 6th studio album of "Freedom call". As most are aware, the band is led by Dan Zimmermann (D) of "Gamma Ray" plus Chris Bay (V), Samy Saemann (B) and Lars Rettkowitz (G).This particular release sees "Freedom call" combine a handful of diverse influences for the first time in their career.

First of all the album, as the title suggests, is based on medieval themes, therefore their traditional power metal sound is integrated at parts with elements of epic metal. However the real surprise comes on the songs "Under the spell of the moon" and "Dark obsession" where the tempo falls considerably, some very smooth backing vocals kick in, while Chris Bay takes a rather bass yet melodic approach to his vocals, in a very gothic metal fashion (!). In addition the German powerhouse also makes direct reference to classic heavy metal with the inclusion of "Kingdom of Madness" and the majestic "Thunder God".

To say I was surprised by these inclusions would be an understatement, not to mention how well they complement the faster material on "...Shadowking".

Of course you also get a good amount of tracks in the traditional Power metal vein, namely "Out of the ruins" and "Remember".

Naturally, all this became possible due to versatility and technical proficiency of C. Bay who at parts reminds one of Andy Deris, as well as Kai Hansen (on the more epic tracks); he switches from high pitched power metal tones, to a bass/melodic gothic approach, to the swagger of traditional heavy metal (a style he used mainly during his "Moon Doc" years).

Whether this is the best "Freedom Call" album to date, it is up to you to decide; though it is undoubtedly their most complete studio release featuring 14 tracks, allowing the band space to explore the novel musical elements mentioned previously.

Personal favourites include all previously mentioned songs plus the dramatic "Merlin". Overall, a very surprising and lengthy release from the renowned power metal act which will probably reward its numerous fans.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Their Best One Yet, October 5, 2010

By 

the writer (Glen Burine, Md) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Legend of the Shadowking (Audio CD)

This is the sixth album for this band,and I must say that they get better with each one. I also noticed a few diferentials on the lead vocals on this one as well as variety among the songs. If you don't get this one, you are missing out!