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Crystal Empire Freedom Call Steamhammer (085-72122) While most power metal bands are content with using historical imagery such as knights and castles in their songs, some bands prefer to create their own world, filled with their own mythology and concepts. Freedom Call is just such a band, and Crystal Empire tells the story of good and evil and the epic quest for eternal freedom. Every song on this CD is a welcomed change from their lukewarm debut album, with instant classics such as "The Quest" and "Rise Up." Drummer Daniel Zimmerman, who also plays with Gamma Ray and Iron Savior, is phenomenal, turning out one of his best performances ever. Of particular note is the song "Ocean," which offers daring keyboard work and a mesmerzing chorus. Finally, the first track, "Freedom Call," highlights the quartet's trademark sound of soaring, multi-layered choruses and Chris Bay's "elfish" vocal. Freedom Call invokes imagery of fantasy worlds reminiscent of The Never Ending Story or Lord of The Rings. The music is not overly heavy, but instead focuses on strong choruses and catchy guitar melodies. This CD also marks a more symphonic approach to the band's music, incorporating more synthesizers with atmospheric classical undertones than in their previous albums. If you enjoy fast metal with fantasy-tinged lyrics, Crystal Empire is for you. --Daniel Dees

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