PRIME TIME – Free The Dream [Frontiers Music / Japan release] Out Of Print

This is a nice request, the criminally forgotten “Free The Dream“, third and final album from Denmark melodic hard rockers PRIME TIME. Formed by members of talented bands ROYAL HUNT, ELEGY & NARITA, PRIME TIME’s previous records were a bit heavy and progressive, in the musical vein of these bands.
However, they decided to go for a more commercial orientation for “Free The Dream”, so it’s not strange that Frontiers Music signed them for a global release. This is the Japanese edition – identical track list but better sound quality / CD press in our opinion.
Described as mix between ZENO, ’90s TREAT, TNT, FAIR WARNING, TEN, and ROYAL HUNT, we think this is an accurate representation of the sound & style for “Free The Dream”.

The members of Prime Time come from the melodic progressive metal scene; ROYAL HUNT, ELEGY & NARITA. However, keyboardist / guitarist Henrik Poulsen previously worked with Melodic Rock bands like OneTwo, and being one of the songwriters here you can feel that musical background.
The keyboard-heavy music of Prime Time reminds me of the more AOR-type of songs of TNT, ZENO, FAIR WARNING or a slightly more rocking version of STREET TALK

“Hanging On” is the opener, and perhaps the more rocking tune on the album with its uptempo ROYAL HUNT-like flurries. The really melodic side of the band appears with the two following numbers; “I’m Coming Home” and “Until Tonight”, polished and smooth.
“The New You” is a bit heavier again, with a lot of widdly-widdly keyboard parts. What’s interesting is that the song could pass for a PETRA song. It sounds almost uncannily like a tune from the masters of Christian AOR.

Title track “Free The Dream” is one of the highlights, with a strong chorus and a catchy melody, while “You Still Belong” is in the same vein, more midtempo layered. “Forever You And I” is a guitar-oriented song for a change, although the chorus does feature a keyboard part in the spotlight.
“Spanish Fly” is a nice instrumental, then “Garden Of Eden” is an impressive song in structure, kind of a mixture of Royal Hunt-like verses and an AORish chorus.
The album’s closing number “Scorned” is a good one too, solid melodic line with a catchy rhythm.

“Free The Dream” has all the ingredients to appeal fans of Scandinavian smooth melodic rock / AOR to melodic hard, always with melody & harmonies as main focus.
A really enjoyable album that deserved more airplay from a band of talented musicians delivering strong songs and pinpoint musicianship.
Highly Recommended

 

01 – Hanging On
02 – I’m Coming Home
03 – Until Tonight
04 – The New You
05 – Free The Dream
06 – You Still Belong
07 – Forever Yoy And I
08 – Spanish Fly
09 – Garden Of Eden
10 – Scorned

Eduard Hovinga – vocals
Tonni Rahm – guitars
Henrik Poulsen – guitars, keyboards, programming
Karsten Lagermann – bass
Flemming Olsen – drums

 

Out Of Print