Warchants & Fairytales
Review by Ron

Freternia are a new (formed in 1998) power metal band from Sweden, and their first full length "Warchants & Fairytales" proves that the flame of power metal is burning brightly and that new bands are ready to carry the torch.  Freternia's power metal influences are clear (the lead singer can be seen wearing a Gamma Ray shirt in the CD booklet) and on first listen, an unavoidable comparison can be drawn to Blind Guardian.  Freternia utilizes a similair combination of heavy, fast melodies, powerful choral elements, and fantasy lyrics.  Elves, dragons and warriors populate the world of Warchants & Fairytailes, and there is even one song (Friends in Enemy Land) based on The Lord of the Rings (although to be fair, Tolkien and metal have gone hand in hand since Cirith Ungol in the 80s.)  The vocals are somewhat raw, and comparing once again to BG, come across as sort of a thrash-influenced version of Hansi Kursch, this is not to say they are bad.  Lead singer Pasi Humppi does an excellent job and his vocals convey a raw energy and feeling that balances well with the epic choruses.  Getting past the superficial BG similarities, the musical influences lean towards bands like Helloween and the aforementioned Gamma Ray, and the band can definitely play their instruments.  The rhythm section is suitably driving, providing heavy back up to the technical and melodic leads, while the keyboards keep a fairly low profile, mainly providing intros and segues.  This is a solid album, and will be a welcome addition to the collection of any power metal fan.