Freeroad slam onto to the rock and metal scene with their superb debut album, Do What You Feel!
As their name and album title (and indeed album cover) suggest, Freeroad are all about living the best life and creating music the way they want to do, with few boundaries. The only parameter they acknowledge is keeping to the great traditions of rock and metal.
Their sound is rooted deep in the classic sounds of the 70s and 80s, plus the greatest period of all, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
Formed in Monterrey, Mexico in 2018 Freeroad are made up of Eli Arrieta on bass, Danny “Fish” Carranza on drums, Ranzig Mendoza on guitar and Alejandro Velazco on guitar and vocals.
When the album’s opener “Do What You Feel!” hits its straps, you know you’re in for one helluva cool ride. An extended guitar break welcomes us to the album and from then on it is just pure class. The over-riding feeling is one of groove; an infectious, driving, powerful groove.
Whilst there are familiar classic rock and metal tropes going on, they are no way formulaic.
Take the opening to “Rock Chaser”, delicate guitar work into solid riff into solo action, and that’s before the vocals!
Velazco’s vocals have a very NWOBHM feel to them, being slightly lower in the mix without a sharp edge but still getting the point across very forcefully. Occasionally he has the sound of Sean Harris-era Diamond Head, which in my book is praise indeed. A perfect fit and a pleasure to listen to.
If you fancy a good old toe-tapping, fist-pumping winner, then look no further than “Pray for the King”. A live staple I’m sure.
The final track, “Twilight Row” is a superb way to finish. It’s got the groove, the feel, the melody and the beautiful guitaring. Fabulous.
The whole album is an abject lesson to all bands in producing classic rock and metal with all the stuff we love without sounding like many acts that have gone before. This sounds like a stupid thing to say but it’s true and I’m sticking by it, Freeroad are uniquely familiar.
The album is out now via Dying Victims Productions and is well worth your time and hard-earned cash.
Check out my other articles and reviews here. Sparky.
