I’m listening to Der Weg einer Freheit’s Live In Berlin (Season of Mist) and, while it is a masterful showcase for the band’s far encompassing sound and overall chops, I find myself questioning the nature of live albums as a concept. Again, there’s nothing wrong per se with this October 14, 2017 recording. Fans will be pleased with this ten-song package with tunes ranging from their self-titled LP all the way to 2017’s Finisterre (Season of Mist).

My beef is that I don’t quite understand the purpose of the live album. More often then not these albums will never reach a broader audience outside of the established hardcore fanbase (Kiss’ Alive being one notable exception). Why would Johnny off the street want to check out Live In Berlin as their point of entry into the world of Der Weg einer Freheit when they can go with Finisterre and get the big picture in half the run time. And it’s not like Der Weg einer Freheit can launch future tours off Live in Berlin.

I guess the purpose of the live album boils down to what they mean to you. If I had to pick what my favorite live records are, they’re probably Soda Stereo’s Gira Me Veras Volver, Heroes Del Silencio’s Tour 2007 and Killswitch Engage’s (Set This) World Ablaze. The former two are triumphant reunion sets for long dormant bands and the latter rules because it was recorded at one of my favorite local venues, the Palladium in Worcester and has a bitchin live DVD. They’re the ultimate definition of the all too common “this one’s for the fans” mantra.

And the fans will get a kick out of Live in Berlin. Der Weg einer Freheit are torque wrench tight and the acoustics at Lido Berlin work wonders. I was concerned about the mix heading into this one seeing that it was live Black Metal recording and all, but the sound is dangerously close to studio quality.

For the fans this is a smash and for everybody else, it’s not going to move the needle. And that’s OK as it never was designed for them.

7 / 10

HANS LOPEZ