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Falconer are a swedish three-piece with only two albums behind them. The first self-titled is a great metal album with some folk influences where they already proved being very good at what they do. This, their second album, takes them further down the road towards folk metal. There are obvious comparisons with groups like Skyclad but IMO Falconer has the edge with great mixture of metal and folk and unique vocals by Matthias Blad. Blad sounds unlike your typical power metal singer, no high pitched screaming or growling. Basically just clean notes. At first, it might seem a bit strange but after giving it some time I started to like his approach. It cerntainly fits the music very well. Falconer have their own sound prety much nailed down which to me always is a good thing, and gives them a solid ground to stand on. And given the steps they have taken since the first album, i find myself already looking forward to the next one. This record begins with a more typical power metal sounds but already by the second track, excellent ”Enter The Glade” the folk influences are clear and in front. My favourite track of all might be ”The Clarion Call” which is an adaption from a traditional folk song. Falconer do a brilliant work here, and the song has a haunting melody guaranteed to remain in your head for days after listening. Another song worth mentioning is ”Stand In Veneration,” which has some tasteful guitar melodies and is among my favourites as well. Catchy melodies and are present throughout the whole album and they have also payed extra attention to arrangements, which keeps it refreshing. Some songs reminded me of Ritchie Blackmore’s latest Blackmore’s Night project (with more metal spice of course) and some were in more traditional power metal vein. Great combination overall. On a side-note this album (as their debut) is co-produced by King Diamond guitarist Andy LaRocque who also appears on one track. While not as instantly heavy or ”in your face” as their debut, CFAVF is still a very, very good album!
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Troubleshooter / June 2003 |
