If any good came from the shutdown caused by the world-wide pandemic, other than me binge watching episodes of Leave it to Beaver and re-lacing all my sneakers, it's that bands were able to spend extra time in the studio and produce new and exciting music. Armed with this opportunity, FREEDOM HAWK channeled all their creative energy into "Take All You Can", their sixth full length studio album, is a nine track, strong and heartfelt album released on September 23, 2022. Hailing from the sunny shores of Virginia Beach, the songs are inspired by their experiences that could only come from living close to the ocean, which speaks to that lifestyle and conjuries images of the warm sun, riding waves, cruising with the top down and partying on the beach. Says the band: "The world was and is in the need of love and the lyrics on this album convey this thought in a dark way. "Take All You Can" really expands into newer territory of tasty bluesy melodies, driving harmonies, and killer song structures that have hooks for days... We feel like it is our best stuff to date, and we can't wait for people to hear it worldwide!" Wow sounds like I'm about to review the very first heavy metal BEACH BOYS band, ok, surfs up headbangers, lets hit the waves.

Leading off with battle ready drumming beats "Age of the Idiot" vaults into clean, crisp vocals with a classic rocking riff backed by a simplistic, romping chorus and a fairly standard guitar solo accompanying, nothing to get excited about yet. The title track "Take all you can" drives a little heavier with high pitched vocals and a steady riff throughout that slows midway to a galloping, uneven tempo and beat. This song started out with potential but never hits the mark. On to "Seize the Day" with a slow, somber opening with a soft drum beat as the backdrop, hazy vocals captivating with fuzzy guitar riffs, this has a 60's stoner rock vibe. My favorite song on this album is "Never to Return" because it's also the heaviest, with a solid, biting rock riff, complemented by taunting backing drums, the vocals throughout the album are reminiscent of OZZY OSBOURNE, especially true on this one.

This is a good, solid album, with some very nice riffs and melodies, but for my taste, it wasn't strong or powerful enough, I never felt a surge. There were throw backs to the 60's, there were bluesy bits, there were even a few hardcore punches, just not fully packaged together.