To be released next weekend, “Call Of The North” is the fourth studio album by Italian band FROZEN CROWN. This five-piece loves Winter. Frozen landscapes. Yes, they are heavily influenced by the Game Of Thrones saga. And of course, they play power metal. If all these things are not of your interest, let me tell you FROZEN CROWN’s technical musicianship is second to none, and they write very good songs, catchy.
By combining a speaker busting mix of modern catchy power metal, classic melodic metal and awesome powerful female vocals, Frozen Crown have created a really accomplished album here.
This is undeniably the band’s most technical, heaviest and complex album to date and although you can never be sure quite how much their second guitarist actually plays in the studio, the music is written for an intricate twin guitar approach, plus multi-layered female harmony vocals.
Title track and opening gambit Call of the North is a stunning introduction to the passion and craft Frozen Crown put into their music. The twin guitars are played with total speed and absolute precision, although there is still time for a beautiful acoustic interlude to lighten the moment.
Fire in the Sky does just that, as Frederico Mondelli’s guitar blazes a trail through the cosmos. The male, female vocal combination and harmonies work well to create a super special track.
Black Heart is a proper old school offering, with Francesco “Ikki” Zof delivering a super cool heavy bass riff to compliment the magical hard rock sound of the supercharged performance from Fabiola “Sheena” Bellomo’s lead guitar.
A lovely acoustic opening to Victorious exposes us to the beautiful crystal clear and emotional vocals of Giada “Jade” Etro before things heat up and the tempo increases to a sharp finish.
In a Moment has a traditional melodic Metal edge to it whilst maintaining Frozen Crowns unique delivery method. Niso Tomasini hammers out an enthralling performance at an incredible energy sapping pace.
Then Legion is a battle cry anthem and call to arms that is guaranteed to lift your mood and get your blood pumping ready for action.
Just as you think the pressure is letting up slightly with the soft and gentle opening to Until the End, it cranks up again and just flows along, never letting up to the end. Now or never is pure Power Metal that will either have you singing along or looking under the bed for your air guitar, so you can join the band.
Penultimate track One for All drifts away from a super sweet acoustic beginning to a completely wicked guitar fest and a movie soundtrack feel by the ending. Far Away closes the show superbly with more than a nod to the past by way of an epic, tight and balanced band performance showing great diversity and proof that Frozen Crown are progressing into a very tight unit.
”Call of the North” is a fabulous album regarding this genre, with every song more than worthy of a place on your playlist. Frozen Crown always tray to add something extra to the tracks, these are not the typical full speed up / sounding the same songs.
These guys & gals know their art form, how to deliver it, and most of all they know what the fans like.
1. Call of the North
2. Fire in the Sky
3. Black Heart
4. Victorious
5. In a Moment
6. Legion
7. Until the End
8. Now or Never
9. One for All
10. Far Away
Frozen Crown – Call Of The North 2023
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