What is it about Germany, bands feeling compelled to write concept albums: Helloween’s “Keeper”, Iron Savior’s ongoing space odyssey, Avantasia, etc.? Sixth studio effort from Gamma Ray/ex-Iron Savior drummer Daniel Zimmerman’s likeminded Freedom Call sees the Germans dealing with local historical hero, King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was closely connected to composer Richard Wagner, who basically used the monarch’s wealth to further his own cause, without affinity for Ludwig as a person or official.

The band claims to have been motivated by Ludwig's extravagance and passion for musical theater. A reluctant ruler, hampered by unification of the German empire in 1871, Ludwig spent freely and led Bavaria into financial ruin. Despite the skinsman’s pedigree, Freedom Call come off closest to countrymen Edguy, especially the more modern era, with contemporary rock tracks like ‘Under The Spell Of The Moon’ and the ‘A Perfect Day’ closer (which has absolutely nothing to do with the storyline). On the other hand, there’s the old-school ‘Kingdom Of Madness’, that’s something of a cross between 80s Savatage and Lizzy Borden catchy commercialism. The high pitched, galloping power metal presumed is up early, but dissipates once the plot gets going. Try the ‘Out Of The Ruins’ opener, ‘Thunder God’, a regal sounding ‘Tears Of Babylon’, ‘Resurrection Day’ or the multi-voiced Weenies inspired ‘Merlin – Legend Of The Past’.

The 14 tracks last 56:46.