Customer Reviews

Legend of the Shadowking

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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.

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.

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!

I have recently become a fan of Freedom Call and have a couple of their CD's. Eternity and LOTSK. This CD is phenomenal! It has the power metal elements and a diversity that doesn't lose their approach but is just plain fun to listen to. Merlin is such a classic. The whole CD is a perfect listen. Get it and enjoy!

Hello what a great album superb and very talented group this is even better than the circle of life cd. I love every song some are superb rest are very good favourite songs being out of the ruins, thunder god, tears of babylon and under the spirit of the moon thanks matty take care enjoy.

Strongest of 3 recent German power metal releases, surpassing Gamma Ray-To The Metal and Helloween-Unarmed. Great melodies, powerful drumming, and crunching riffs. While technically a concept album, the quality of the individual songs surpass the storyline. Recommend "Out of the Ruins", "Merlin-Legend of the Past" and "Kingdom of Madness".