I am about to review another mini-CD. But, be careful, the word "mini" here should not be misleading; this record is anything but "mini." Mini CD, because it's a collection of 6 tracks, with one unreleased, remixed versions plus a cover, for a duration of about 30 minutes, that's fine. But as for the contents, I'll say right away that we are facing one of the most beautiful chapters in Angra's history, released undoubtedly at the peak of their career, a few months after the release of "Holy Land".
Angra in general, in my opinion, are one of the best bands metal has ever had, not so much for their undisputed technical/compositional abilities, but especially for their characteristic of bringing a color to the genre that isn't the dark one we're used to, but much more sunny. This "Freedom Call" reflects what I've just said: undisputed capabilities and color in music.
It starts with the eponymous title track (the only unreleased one present) which gradually builds up to an excellent guitar work. Then come some classics from the group, such as "Queen Of The Night" (from the demo "Reaching Horizon") where beautiful vocal parts echo and a guitar solo that goes beyond the usual metal schemes but is very well done and of rare beauty. It is followed by the same "Reaching Horizon" with its calmness and "Stand Away" in an orchestral version. The last track is the hit "Deep Blue" from the previous work.
I leave for last (but in the tracklist, it is the penultimate) the cover "Painkiller," which certainly needs no introduction.
Well, what can I say, compared to what Angra has always offered, this is certainly a significant test for them (but it would be for any band...) and I must admit that they pass the exam with flying colors. Angra demonstrates flawless technique, excellent solo, almost better than the original by Glenn Tipton, and Matos who does not make you miss Halford's vocal deliriums at all. Needless to say, the rest of the rhythmic section also performs (without being rhetorical) perfectly, starting with the famous drum intro. If you are an Angra fan, you absolutely must not miss this cover!
In conclusion, I say that we are facing a taste of excellent music and an excellent band. I recommend it to everyone, metalhead or not, especially to those who have prejudices against the genre labeled "Metal".
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 Freedom Call (05:06)
Freedom Call
Slavery kings run free again
From their wounds a giant stands
Four hundred years of glory
Animals who speak and cry
Destiny of craving sights
Inside the dance of white domain
Wheels turning round will feed the ground
And women carry by their children with no life
To future days belong the past
But change the times
Now millions cry out
From away it comes...
Freedom call
Freedom overall to last forever
No disgrace
No more separate race
We'll keep together 'till the end
03 Reaching Horizons (05:09)
Rainy clouds covered up the sunny sky
Now I know I'll sleep alone tonight
Tears and prayers will be taken by the rain
Fear and loneliness in my dreams
And I know I'll never be the same
Living this tragedy insane
All I wanna be is to be free with you, with me
I don't blame the fate but it's still hard to face
The truth
It was all just like paradise
Just like we wanted it to be
Far beyond the reason rest our lives
Eternity denies the guilt of reality senselessness
Fly high reaching skies
Two eagles flying to be free
Moments of madness will be left behind
The same horizons but in different lands
05 Painkiller (remixed version) (06:05)
Faster than a bullet
Terrifying scream
Enraged and full of anger
He's half man and half machine
Rides the Metal Monster
Breathing smoke and fire
Closing in with vengeance soaring high
He is the Painkiller
This is the Painkiller
Planets devastated
Mankind's on its knees
A saviour comes from out the skies
In answer to their pleas
Through boiling clouds of thunder
Blasting bolts of steel
Evils going under deadly wheels
He is the Painkiller
This is the Painkiller
Faster than a lazer bullet
Louder than an atom bomb
Chromium plated boiling metal
Brighter than a thousand suns
Flying high on rapture
Stronger free and brave
Nevermore encaptured
They've been brought back from the grave
With mankind ressurrected
Forever to survive
Returns from Armageddon to the skies
He is the Painkiller
This is the Painkiller
Wings of steel Painkiller
Deadly wheels Painkiller
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