Devin Townsend is the lead singer and guitarist for Strapping Young Lad. While SYL is Townsend's heavy, angry side, his solo work portrays a much more soft, thoughtful side, showcasing some of the best progressive metal around. Townsend's vocal abilities have been showcased by many, including Steve Vai. This is his fourth (and, in my opinion, best) solo album, Terria. Notable tracks include Earth Day, Canada, and Tiny Tears.
Freedom Call is a Symphonic Power Metal band from Germany. The group formed during an off-period for drummer Dan Zimmermann's main band, Gamma Ray. The group recorded their first album, Stairway to Fairyland, in 1999, and made their official debut in France as a support band for the touring Edguy and Angra. Overall, Freedom Call is Symphonic Power Metal at some of its best - the synth is an integral part, but the lack of a high soprano keeps them seperate from Visions of Atlantis or Nightwish and puts them in the ranks with some of Power Metal's greatest. This is their first album, Stairway to Fairyland.