So-so live album, Excellent bonus disc
Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 07/21/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I really don't care for live albums. They typically feature the same songs you've already heard with people clapping and screaming between songs, and none of the studio polishing that makes regular albums sound so good. I'd much rather see a live DVD so I can see as well as hear the band's performance. That said; Live Invasion, the first live release from German power metal band Freedom Call, is absolutely worth buying, especially at such a low price.
The reason is that Live Invasion comes with a bonus second disc of studio material. This excellent bonus disc features their hard-to-find Taragon EP plus some killer cover songs. Here's what you get:
1. Warriors of Light - This song is reason enough to buy the album. It is the perfect Freedom Call song, a bright and shiny, ultra-melodic power metal anthem that will have you raising your fist and singing along from the very first note.
2. Dancing With Tears In My Eyes - That's right, a power metal band doing an Ultravox cover. I'm surprised at just how well this pop tune works with Freedom Call's style of power metal.
3. Heart of the Brave - Another Freedom Call original, this was previously exclusive to the Taragon EP.
4. Kingdom Come (EP Version) - I've actually never heard any version other than this one. Is there an LP version?
5. Tears of Taragon (Story Version) - This is an extended version with Rhapsody-style story narration. Fortunately for Freedom Call they managed to find a far less cheesy narrator.
6. Hiroshima - This is a cover of the song "Hiroshima" by the band of the same name. I've never heard the original, so I don't know how Freedom Call's version measures up.
7. Dr. Stein - Honestly, I'd have paid full price for "Warriors of Light" and this Helloween cover. Freedom Call's sound is directly linked to Helloween's, so it's great to see the band paying tribute. It's also just a fun song.
Between the perfectly decent live album and the essential rarities EP, Live Invasion is a must-have for Freedom Call fans. Those of you who actually enjoy live albums will be twice as happy, but it is still well worth the price for the second disc alone."
Highly Impressive Album from one of Power Metals best Bands
Mr. S. J. Shuttlewood | England | 07/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Freedom Call are a Power Metal band from Germany formed in the last '90s by Chris Bay ( singer, guitarist ) and Dan Zimmermann ( Drummer, also drums in Gamma Ray ).The style they play is extremely melodic metal with very catchy hooks and choruses. The quality of the musicianship is excellent and I think Freedom Call are definately in the top league for Power Metal bands. They play 'happy metal' but I find that the sound of their music is also mournful in a way. Onto this live album, its a double cd containing the taragon ep and 3 cover songs. The production of the album is excellent for a live album and sometimes I forget it is one. Songs from the first and second albums as well as the new one are all aired here. Highlights are Freedom Call, The Quest, Metal Invasion and Rise Up.I would highly recommend this album to anyone who is into Power Metal and definately if you are a Freedom Call fan!!"
Awesome!
S. Rumora | Ohio | 09/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Okay, Freedom Call is already my top band. But the live album just gave me goosebumps, it is so awesome! I reccomend it to any fan of freedom call. The first CD is all live stuff, the second CD is studio stuff and unreleased stuff. All of em are good. I especially like "Hiroshima". I cant wait for the next freedom call album to come out...which will most likely be early to mid 05'"