German metal band, playing German metal. Been around since 1998. The fact that the band includes drummer Dan Zimmermann from Gamma Ray, is probably what gave the band much attention from the start. Reminiscent of Gamma Ray, Helloween, Blind Guardian and Edguy.

STAIRWAY TO FAIRYLAND (1999) SPV/STEAMHAMMER

  1. Over The Rainbow
  2. Tears Falling
  3. Fairyland
  4. Shine On
  5. We Are One
  6. Hymn To The Brave
  7. Tears Of Taragon
  8. Graceland
  9. Holy Knight
  10. Another Day

Line-up:

Chris Bay - Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards

Dan Zimmermann - Drums

Ilker Ersin - Bass

Sascha Gerstner - Guitars

'Stairway To Fairyland' is a decent debut album. The music is by no means groundbreaking, but I think Freedom Call have managed to create their own sound. They are still firmly planted in their German power meal roots. Chris has a high-pitched voice, and a German accent. I must admit that while I found much joy in listening to this album at first, the excitement kind of wore off with repeated listens. 2 of the tracks are still top notch though. I think the problem is that some albums just have to drown in the crowd, when there are so many great albums around in this genre. 'Stairway To Fairyland' is a concept story, but I've not yet bothered to find out what it is all about.

Killer tracks: We Are One, Graceland

ETERNITY (2002) SPV/STEAMHAMMER

  1. Metal Invasion
  2. Flying High
  3. Ages Of Power
  4. The Spell - instrumental
  5. Bleeding Heart
  6. Warriors
  7. The Eyes Of The World
  8. Flame In The Night
  9. Land Of Light
  10. Island Of Dreams
  11. Turn Back Time

Line-up:

Chris Bay - Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards

Dan Zimmermann - Drums

Ilker "The Ersin" Ersin - Bass

Cedric Dupont - Guitars

Guest musicians:

Jamie Dixon, Mitch Schmitt, Tobias Sammet, Oli Hartmann - The Eternal Choir Crew

Freedom Call's second album have so far managed to escape me. But here's the third one. And I must say that I'm not that pleased with it. It's filled with all the clichés imaginable, and I found myself quite bored at times. 'Eternity' might be like wine, and improve over time. But my first reactions were pretty lukewarm. I just don't see the point of having a second rate Gamma Ray meets Hammerfall, when the original bands are still around. The album is not all bad, but I suspect it will collect some dust over the years. Kudos on the anthem "Metal Invasion" though! Oh, and this is yet another concept I didn't really read into.

Having listened to the CD more extensively, I've come to the conclusion that I like 'Eternity' more than their debut. The sing-a-long factor is ever present, almost forcing you to like the songs, just because you become very quickly familiar with them.

Killer tracks: Metal Invasion, Ages Of Power

Related artists:

Gamma Ray, Symphorce, Helloween