Freedom Call
Legend Of The Shadowking

Over the years, a large portion of fans have come to love them, captivated by their carefree demeanor and cheerful style. Years in which the German band has nevertheless managed to demonstrate the validity of their music in the market: in this sense, albums like Eternity, Crystal Empire, and Dimensions confirm this. Three years after the last chapter, here comes the sixth studio album from the German power band. An album that has disappointed most fans.

The central issue of the album is the sound: since the debut CD "Stairway to Fairyland," the German band has played the same exact tune almost (or almost) all the time. Several times they managed to hit the mark thanks to well-orchestrated and catchy choruses, carriers of that happy charge unmistakable in the band's music. All this is largely lost in "Legend of the Shadowking", which, in my opinion, represents their worst work. The departure of bassist Armin Donderer, replaced by Samy Saemann, has contributed to making this record release a misstep.

The album contains several engaging episodes such as "Out of the Ruins," "Under the Spell of the Moon," "Ludwig II - Prologue", and "Merlin - Requiem". For the rest, despite an interesting concept centered on the figure of Ludwig II of Bavaria, the remaining songs feel like déjà vu: the usual riffs, with the usual easy choruses and Zimmermann's double bass dictating the rhythm.

Lack of inventiveness, ideas recycled from the past. Perhaps Freedom Call has run out of desire to represent something new and fresh in the European metal scene, or they have simply settled into the wave of success they have had and are having in their country. However, Legend of the Shadowking is an album insufficient.

1. "Out Of The Ruins" (4:21)
2. "Thunder God" (3:31)
3. "Tears Of Babylon" (3:38)
4. "Merlin - Legend Of The Past" (4:17)
5. "Resurrection Day" (3:34)
6. "Under The Spell Of The Moon" (5:08)
7. "Dark Obsession" (4:45)
8. "The Darkness" (5:06)
9. "Remember" (4:22)
10. "Ludwig II - Prologue" (2:19)
11. "The Shadowking" (5:13)
12. "Merlin - Requiem" (2:34)
13. "Kingdom Of Madness" (3:59)
14. "A Perfect Day" (3:58)