There is not really any point to cherry-picking tracks from this release as they all are quite good. While maybe not having anything that stuns the listener with brilliance, this is a solid release. Freedom Call is about as accessible as power metal gets and I would recommend this to anyone interested in dipping into the genre. Rare is a band that has been as consistent as this lot. Well worth seeking out for your epic metal needs.
DVD Reviews
Annihilator: Live at Masters of Rock
Recorded live in the Czech Republic in the summer of 2008 in front of an enthusiastic crowd, this is a band in its element. It's a greatest hits package featuring songs from their entire career, from their seminal release “Alice in Hell” right through music from their 2007 release called “Metal”, back to their thrash beginnings. Despite the obvious name, it was a return to form for a band that set the standard for Canadian heavy metal at their peak.
Jeff Waters the constant in the band, delivers the goods on this release. This is a DVD/CD set that demonstrates just how good this band can be when they are firing on all cylinders. The release is good enough to serve as an introduction for those who are not yet fans of this great Canadian band. Don’t be fooled by the death metal like name, this lot play straight ahead thrash metal very well.
The line-ups may be hard to keep track of, with the exception of Jeff Waters, but they continue to deliver whomever is involved. Like Megadeth Annihilator is Jeff Waters band and his vision is what drives this lot. The band have several live albums released to date. This is probably the best of the lot.
Well, that is your lot for this week. There is enough metal to keep you busy for a while. Stay warm, safe, and keep rocking as much as you can muster.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Yea...The new Fear Factory is a great album and a definite return but with Gene Hoglan on drums & Byron Stroud on Bass, it seems they have taken quite a bit from the Strapping Young Lad playbook which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Still, like you said, this release might get lost in the sea of current trends.
If you're looking for something just a tad bit different but still heavy as f*ck, you might wanna try out The Epillanic Choragi from No Made Sense. It delves in an industrial / atmospheric landscape while laying down some complex & psychedelic grooves that are quite heavy.
Plus, the vocals are very much influenced by the crossover/progressive/thrash scene of the early to late 80's(Believer,Ironchrist, Angkor Watt).
2 - Marty Dodge
Well people too you to realise that FF actually developed that sound will wonder why its anything special.
I will keep the recommendation in mind, though I think I have quite a bit of heavy as f*** stuff in the review pipeline.