Time Signature
Born free...
Genre: power-thrash / heavy metal
CroMagnum are back with another release in the form of the EP "Born Free" which contains five tracks. While a bit difficult to pinpoint in terms of genre, it is fair to say that the EP probably falls somewhere in the neighborhood of power-thrash.
The EP opens with a short sweet doom-laden instrumental in the form of 'End Your Slavery', which is followed up by the power-thrashing title track. 'Born Free' treats the listener to uptempo thrashy parts combined with guitar melodies and a couple of tempo changes as well. 'Waterval Boven' is more or a heavy affair. The following track 'Tunguska' is more of a thrasher as is the closing track 'Congregation' although the latter is way more melodic and complex than the former.
The songs are well-written. They are straightforward without being simplistic or boring. The musicianship and the production are impeccable as well. The only thing that might be grating to some ears are Maximus Rex's rough vocals which, interestingly, do manage to integrate angry and harsh yelling with melody. Personally, I don't mind his singing style, and I think it actually works really well in 'Tunguska' and 'Congregation', but some listeners might find it an acquired taste.
Overall, this is a short and sweet release which should definitely appeal to fans of thrash metal, US power metal and perhaps even traditional heavy metal.