So here we have the second live installment from Germany's most ludicrous purveyors of happy-go-lucky Power Metal, and it's a corker. I'm usually skeptical of live albums; I believe most of what you hear is either the result of backstage tinkering or studio additions, but having had the pleasure of seeing Freedom Call in a live capacity, I'm qualified to tell you what you're hearing on Live In Hellvetia is the real deal. Blessed with a clear but not over-polished sound, Chris Bay and co sound great here, blasting through their greatest hits in front of a huge crowd at Z7 Pratteln during the latter half of the biggest tour they've done (in support of their last record, Legend Of The Shadowking). With Klaus Sperling of Primal Fear fame behind the kit instead of Dan Zimmerman, the band hit up all their best tunes, including "We Are One", "Out Of The Ruins", "United Alliance", "Warriors", "Land Of Light", "Metal Invasion", "Freedom Call" and a whole lot more.
Chris Bay has come a long way since the band appeared with Stairway To Fairyland, and his vocals here are note-perfect. If anything, the band sound more energized, and at times rather humorous, especially when they try their hand at nailing those huge choir vocals. This being a live album, it's probably not going to fly off the shelves, and only fans will want a piece of the pie. Therefore I can't score it higher, but if you're in need of a quick Power Metal fix, this will do the trick.
