| CD REVIEW Falconer |
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Band : Falconer Following the release of their previous album, 2006's Nortwinds (review posted 01/10/2006, and together with that of 2005's Grime Vs Grandeur providing enough info to give you a history-of-the-band, which I therefore don't need to repeat all over again), which was the first since the return of singer Matthias Blad (who'd worked with the band on their first two albums but was unable to join 'em on the road due to too busy job-related stuff; he re-joined in November 2005), Sweden's Folk/ Epic Metal act Falconer decided to keep things on a low profile as far as concerts were decided (as this was the first reason why Blad had had to leave in the past), and concentrated on some festivals (including the prestigiuous German Wacken Open Air and Norway's MetalHeart during the Summer of 2007 in stead. Summer past, the guys went right back into a writing session (done by mid October, with just some fine-tunung finishing touches to be added) for a new album, and eventually returned (in December) for the 6th time to Andy LaRocque's Sonic Train Studio to record it (the mixing planned for May '08). With lyrics conceptually focussed on the dire situations (poverty, misery and hard times) in Midieval Sweden, the band has again succeeded in bringing a very nice Folk/ Epic Metal album, which also sees a contribution from a non-descript female singer donating his un-credited vocals to a total of three songs (I'mnot sure, but I even think there's some additional male singer here and there as well...or at least on album closer "Dreams And Pyres"). Just like on its predecessor (and things would've been somewhat disappointing if facts were NOT so), you'll find some songs (three, actually) sung in the band's native language. During a cold day in April of last, the band set up camp at the Medieval castle of Vadstena to record a video for the song "Carnival Of Disgust", made available at YouTube in August. A link for that video can be found in the blogs at myspace.com/falconermusic, which is where you'll also find some explanations about the lyrics on the new album, also for the two bonus songs which will be included in the limited first edition (which will also have the video) of the album. At MySpace, you'll only find audio for the one track ("Man Of The Hour") off the new album (next to 4 older songs, all featuring Blad as singer). More material mày (or not) be available at the band's own website falconermusic.com, so check that out (sorry, I failed to do that for you). Overall, you might say that the pace on this album is somewhat higher than usual...but not without the frequent balladesque passages as well, and the songs with the additional female singer get a truly quaint touch which is certainly not without attractive qualities. When it comes to rating this album, I have to say that in retrospect I might've done its predecessor some injustice (but then I was fàr to enthousiast about the one before...that subjective part of my reviews has a lot to do with the kind of music which is prevalent at the time I'm doing any given review, I'm afraid). Anyway, be notified that except for the album's release, the band is taking time off for the rest of this year, hoping to come back on the life front as soon as possible next year! 90/100 Tony. |