Let's face it - power metal is a subgenre with a pretty poor rep these days. Aside from those who don't appreciate the concept of "happy metal", even the fans of the style are forced to wade through a sea of HELLOWEEN clones. And while there's no replacing the original, Deutschland's FREEDOM CALL isn't much more than a splash in that sea. On the positive side, "Dimensions" reproduces every single stereotype of the genre flawlessly, from the gang choruses to the bouncy rhythms to the fantasy-themed lyrics. And to be fair, there are a few straight-forward tracks like the explosive opener "Innocent World" and anthem "United Alliance" that are quite effective. Unfortunately, every problem that plagues the current HELLOWEEN carries over here by default, especially their failed attempt at humor. Tracks like "Mr. Hell" and the cheesy folk of "Far Away" aren't witty - they're just annoying. And if such a thing can actually exist, there's a ballad on this album, "Worlds of Endeavor", without any emotion whatsoever!

Thankfully, there is so much more happening in the power metal scene than this, and what FREEDOM CALL lack when it comes to innovation, fun and emotion can be more than made up for with NOCTURNAL RITES, DREAM EVIL and SONATA ARCTICA respectively. These guys are way too comfortable with the primary blueprint. The only demographic I can recommend this album for is those who absolutely, positively HAVE to have every piece of German power metal ever recorded. Otherwise, this is by no means a must-buy.

- Cardona

OFFICIAL SITE: www.freedom-call.net

RELATED ITEMS: No related articles at this time.