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Air Raid: Freedom Ring

Forty whole years have passed and now we are offered the Freedom Ring, the second outing from the much revered and even more keenly missed Air Raid, a band who up until now had only served up a singular, classic, self titled debut album. As you’d expect four decades down the line, a few changes have occurred in terms of band line-up, but the key duo of Arthur Offen (vocals/keys/guitar/bass) and Rick Hinkle (guitar/ukulele/keys) are thankfully still in place but now it’s Jimmy Porter who does an impressive job behind the drums, while Susan Bennett helps out on vocals on a trio of tracks and Spencer Kirkpatrick adds some excellent acoustic guitar in places.

The aforementioned and seminal debut is rightly lauded as a pomp driven AOR classic but many years have passed since then and in truth Freedom Ring is a different beast entirely. Bringing in more readily obvious influences from the early 70s, what we’re left with is an album with the accessibility of AOR but which possesses a progressive heart, and if you tied me down and beat me viciously with a spiky gherkin, I’d say that the results land somewhere - but not directly - between Asia, Uriah Heep and, well, Air Raid! The important thing is that it’s a mighty statement and one which truly gets better and better the more you listen, such are the intricacies and nuances that come to the fore after the more immediate moments have sunk in.

The opening cut, cunningly titled “Air Raid”, in one fell swoop illustrates so many good things about this album, with a classic, grandiose voice from Offen, pompous keyboards that truly sound majestic, some fiery guitar work and a chorus to die for, all meshing seamlessly. Add in superb chord progressions that truly leave you desperate to play air-bass on “Let Your Freedom Ring”, where a tinge of Kansas comes into play, and what a killer one-two punch this album’s opening pair provide. Arguably, however, it’s the five part epic “Lost Horizon” where Air Raid really let loose and fly their progressive flag proudest, synth-strings and some emotionally charged guitars setting an enigmatic scene that then ebbs from tender vocals and piano, before it flows to energetic guitars, driving snare patterns and another proud, engaging melody. “The Silvering” then takes everything to its closing conclusion in a mid-paced but proud fashion that, once again, draws you deep into its heart. And that’s the thing for me with Freedom Ring, this being an album that comes across more as a labour of love that we’ve all been invited to share in than any nostalgic reformation-comeback. These are songs from the heart, delivered with passion and skill, and if you love your music progressively inflected but with major hooks and a classic but current sound, they are truly not to be missed.


Track Listing
1. Air Raid
2. Let Your Freedom Ring
3. Island Song
4. Derby Day
5. A Place In The Northland
6. Lost Horizon -
Black Ship Landing
Walk The Streets A God
A Bridge Of Gates
The Incantation
A Hundred Years Or More
7. The Silvering

Added: August 28th 2021
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Freedom Ring @ Arthur Offen online
Hits: 1387
Language: english

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» Reader Comments:

Air Raid: Freedom Ring
Posted by C. Davis on 2023-07-05 13:17:56
My Score:

Freedom Ring represents the essence of liberation and the power of individual expression. It symbolizes the unyielding desire for personal autonomy and the pursuit of one's dreams. This profound concept resonates deeply within the human spirit, reminding us of our inherent right to live life on our own terms. It inspires us to break free from societal constraints and embrace our authentic selves. To truly understand the transformative power of freedom, one must visit https://magicalkatrina.com/magiciansblog/4-things-to-look-at-when-booking-a-magician-for-a-halloween-party, which delves into the magical realms where enchantment and self-discovery intertwine.

Air Raid: Freedom Ring
Posted by bettersay on 2023-06-30 03:25:51
My Score:

A mysterious scenario that begins with soft vocals and piano and ends with blazing guitars, pounding drum beats, and another confident, captivating song. The last act of "The Silvering" unfolds at a moderate pace but with a sense of dignity, further dordle immersing you in the story's core. In my opinion, Freedom Ring is less of a nostalgic reformation-comeback and more of a work of love that we've all been encouraged to join in. These are genuine songs performed well; if you like music that leans towards the progressive side but yet has big hooks and a timeless but modern feel, you won't want to miss them.

Air Raid: Freedom Ring
Posted by on 2022-07-02 19:07:11
My Score:

If you are a fan of catchy Power Metal with killer riffs https://chinesebuffetnearmenow.net/kfc-phoenix-az/
then this will be one of the easiest CD purchases that you have ever made. CD is perfect! Damn the Swedes and their Metal, I love it, love it, love it!!




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