Freedom Call - Ages of Light

Power metalheads will probably love this compilation CD, but the real treat are the alternate versions of Freedom Call's best songs...I have always had somewhat mixed feelings with power metal. Largely a European thing, it always seemed a little too hard to give in to it completely. It just has an air of being a little too self-serious, even if I otherwise love the thundering beats and fiery riffage that tell my brain "cool, it's metal!" At least with melodic metal - admittedly similar in a lot of ways - you get sweet solos instead of the rote, neo-classical sorta stuff we've been hearing for nearly 30 years.

Still, for every band that does it right, there are hundreds of them that sound plain bad. Luckily, this isn't the case with Freedom Call, founded by buddies Chris Bay and Dan Zimmerman (Gamma Ray) over 15 years ago. Even those unfamiliar with the band may appreciate their excellent representation of the genre over the course of their career so far as heard on their new best of compilation, Ages of Light.

Possibly the best part of this 24-track 2 CD compilation are the extras included on the second disc that include unusual versions of their songs that show a lighter side of the band in a way that really gave me a new respect for them. I always appreciate people's willingness and ability to not take themselves too seriously. And hearing a "speed ska" version of Hero On Video or the "melodic reggae" version of Mr. Evil is much cooler than the usual acoustic versions usually offered as alternate offerings - though the "camp fire" version of Freedom Call is pretty good too.

The Bottom Line: If your'e a fan of the genre, Freedom Call delivers with all of their biggest hits along with some nice extras beyond the usual stuff you find on these sorts of compilations.

- Genghis really liked those alternate versions and thinks more bands should follow suit...

Lalu - Atomic Ark

Frenchman Vivien Lalu has cranked out an even more impressive album than his debut with more guest talent than you can shake a baton at.Merde alors! If you don't know about Vivien Lalu, the French prog wizard, you're missing out on some amazing music. Yeah, yeah, everyone knows about progressive metal music - and, to be honest, it's not like there's a lot of new stuff to be discovered in the genre. But when someone comes along with an album of this kind of depth, fully realized (and backed by some of the best genre specialists in the business) you can't dismiss it as just another also-ran.

And such is the case with Lalu's second album Atomic Ark. This is progressive music of some of the highest quality, showcasing much of the genre's breadth in terms of mood as well as musicianship - all composed by one guy. No stranger to colloborations or even film and TV work, Lalu knows how to make a record. But for every pensive or brooding piece of music, there is at least an equal amount of heavy, dynamic, progmetal bombast that reminds you this dude can rock some ears, man. And the work of artists Martin LeMar (Mekong Delta), Mike LePond (Symphony X), Simone Mularoni (DGM), Virgil Donati (Planet X), in addition to countless guest contributions from people like Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment) and Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie) really give this CD the sound of a seasoned, well-oiled metal machine. I can hardly imagine what Lalu could do to top this.

The Bottom Line: If you like the progmetals with more of a European flair, Lalu has delivered in fine form. With the help of some of his buddies (themselves some of the best in the genre) handling some the instrumental chores, this French master gets to concentrate on some really great arrangements. Check it out!

Tracks to Make You Excited About the New Wave of European Progmetal: Greed, War on Animals, Deep Blue, Bast, and Momento

- Genghis was wide-eyed at many points listening to this album...

The Quill - Tiger Blood

Swedish rockers The Quill aren't another retro band, they're the real deal, bro. Winning!No doubt many are guilty of pigeon-holing Swedish hard rockers The Quill as being another band riding the retro craze - as am I. But as it turns out, The Quill have been doing their thing since the 90s. And their sound is really more accurately compared to classic bands of that era like The Cult. "But those bands are still basically doing a Black Sabbath/Led Zeppelin thing!" Right, I know, but there's a big difference between the retro thing and being basically a band from that era. Like reviewing The Sabs' 13 album with a phrase like "they really capture that old Sabbath-y retro sound", it would be redundant to judge The Quill as such.

The selling point of Tiger Blood, the band's 7th studio album, is its musical depth. Rather than a simple, classic rock romp from start to finish, there are mellower tracks like Land of Gold and Honey with it's Embryonic Journey-esque acoustic riff and simple, effective harmonized vocals, and the use of strings on Purgatory Hill provide an almost Kashmir-ish energy that implies a more thoughtful and mature approach to the songwriting you don't find on simple, coattail-riding, retro bands. These guys are simply the real deal.

The Bottom Line: Not to be dismissed as just another retro band, The Quill has been making music for over 20 years, and their latest effort shows the kind of refinement and maturity that lesser bands riding the retro craze normally lack.

Tracks To Make You Consider Getting Your Bell Bottoms Out Of The Back Of The Closet: Death Valley, Land of Gold And Honey, Darkest Moon

- Genghis may have to grow some big-ass sideburns to go with his 'stache...

Sofy Major - Idolize

Yeah, Sofy Major is billed as a doom metal band, but this sounds more to me like classic proto-grunge - and it's great.There's been no shortage of late in the realm of bottom heavy retro rockers (i.e. sludge/doom metal). Sounding like the modern analogue of iconic metal forefathers Black Sabbath, French doom riffers Sofy Major has been slogging through countless countries leaving their pummeled, satisfied audiences wanting more. And their latest playlists will undoubtedly include tracks off their sophomore effort, Idolize.

While those that don't go for the swollen, fuzz-heavy riffs of the genre may find such music slow and plodding, there's no denying that there's an energy here. In fact, tunes like Bbbbreak get downright punky, giving a lift out of the muddy din like an exhilarating breeze on a hot evening. And that's where Sofy Major sets itself apart from other similar bands. While some songs sound like a car crash in progress, there are others that sound like classic Soundgarden in the early stages of grunge; power and melody delivered in dirty jeans and tees rather than leather and pirate shirts. And anyone who grew up with that cathartic punky break from the machined razor of metal in the late 80s/early 90s will likely enjoy the earnestly manic music these Gallic rockers are putting out.

The Bottom Line: Sofy Major is a French band that sounds like it's stepped through time, from 60s' England, to 90s' Seattle, to modern Brooklyn, to rock, drink beer, "and chew bubblegum..."

Tracks To Make You Wanna Smash a Guitar Over an Amp: Bbbreak, UMPPK pt. 2, Slow and Painful, and Platini

- Genghis never really had a grudge against grunge like Ragman...

Havok - Unnatural Selection

"The more things change...", amirite? Havok's latest record kicks ass as it makes you long for the 80s.Colorado thrashers Havok have been riding the new wave of American thrash since 2004 thanks largely to the musical vision of frontman David Sanchez. Like a modern version of a young Dave Mustaine, Sanchez is angry about dirty politics, the erosion of civil rights, and the ever-present threat of annihilation. And he lets his guitar do the talking on the band's latest release, Unnatural Selection.

Decrying the modern evils in our society (sadly, pretty much the same ones we had in the 80s), Havok fashions thrash metal that sounds familiar but authentic. Lead guitarist Reece Scruggs lays some tasty shred over Sanchez's crunchy riffage and defiant sneer, while Pete (Webber, Drums) and Mike (Leon, Bass) hold down the bottom end like champs.

The Bottom Line: This is straight ahead thrash metal that sounds like it came out of a time capsule from 1982 - and it is glorious. Like the cheeseburger, let's hope Havok's brand of music is around for a long time to come for an authentic, tried and true, American pleasure.

Tracks To Make You Want To Give Congress The Finger: I Am The State, Give Me Liberty...Or Give Me Death, Is It True, Under The Gun - shit, the whole album kicks ass!

- Genghis can't stop moshing and air guitaring all over the damn office...