In my review for Force Majeure's last demo 'Gatecrusher' (2004), I predicted that the next release from these guys would be a full length album and so my clairvoyant skills are proved: 'Frozen Chambers', the debut album is here!

'Frozen Chambers' presents a young, enthusiastic melodic metal band. A band, who are already good in what they do, but who don't have too much originality in their makings. In my ears I hear Force Majeure's metal as a mixture of heavy metal and power metal, mainly sounding pretty German, but also Finnish, of course (to give you some kind of direction, let's throw names such as newer Edguy, Kotipelto [especially the good debut 'Waiting For The Dawn' from 2002, not the newer ones] and Freedom Call). There are Force Majeure's best abilities: They way they throw hooks at a listener is admirable, and there really is no expendable material on this album, and energy-filled performances are always pleasurable to listen to. Vocalist Ricky Tournee sounds quite a bit like Tobias Sammet, at times entering Michael Kiske and Timo Kotipelto style high notes. Sadly, bad Kotipelto articulation is also there... Okay, not as strong as Kotipelto's, but still disturbing. But overally the vocals performance is good, and Tournee handles his voice pretty well.

'Gatecrusher' crushes from the speakers with such style that a listener is simply forced to continue listening of the album onto more melody-weaving 'Wings of the Fallen'. Triplets are complete with "the title track" 'Chambers', which owes something to Gamma Ray (Kai Hansen bits in vocals). But the goodies don't end here, because good-time rocker 'Dr. Daydream' is here to give you an injection of fun. More solemn 'I Hear Voices' is another old song, and this updated version kicks ass, no less. The band's melodies and choruses are something to hum to, let me tell you. Hell, we have a five of a kind now! But... Time to calm down, take out your lighter and cry to ballad 'Winter's Tale'. Oh why must there be a ballad / a slow song on every bloody album of this ilk?! Okay, this one ain't too bad, but still it cuts the good flow that was going on for the first five songs. 'Endure the Cold's opening riff is a bit lame, but when a red thread is found a minute or so into the song, it's time to howl the chorus again, and that heavy solo part is just a kick to the balls! 'The Lightbringer Returns' is a Middle Eastern-ish piece, distantly reminding about the majesty of Kotipelto's debut. Nicely rocking 'Secret Moment' begin with Steve Harris style bass line. Wicked guitar riff-laden 'Dead Times Awaken' is a bit forgettable as a closer, sounding Force Majeure lite.

I don't find the worse song material to be the largest stumbling stone of 'Frozen Chambers'. No, I think the production misses angularity. It's just too "nice", especially guitars. Drums and bass, on the other hand, sound well ballsy. All the elements are audible, but there's no adventurism in the production field. Not a single bit.

So the first half of 'Frozen Chambers' is pretty killer, but the second one is just okay for a big part. However, that doesn't mean the last half is needless, because there's some good music heard on it, too. I think this platter is a pretty safe pick for the fans of melodic metal. This definitely stir up expectations towards the band's next effort. Check out this energetic band, that's my simple advice. It's not as cold as the cover picture gives to understand, not even close.

Rating: 7+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
04/30/2008 23:13