[an error occurred while processing this directive]
July 2001 Vol. 5 No. 8
 
Home Home
Feature Artist Feature
New, Unclassified Misc Releases
Brand New Bands! Debuts
Regular Ol' Rock-n-Roll! Alt/Mainstream
Punk and Hard Rock Punk/Hard Rock
Headbangers Apply Here! Metal
Just Mellow Out! NewAge/Classical
R&B, Hip Hop and Rap R&B/Hip Hop/Rap
Readers' mail Country
Back issues Jazz/Blues
The Music Magazine Concerts
The Music Magazine Interviews
The Music Magazine Editorial
The Music Magazine Back Issues
The Music Magazine Win Cool Stuff!

 

Wanna Write for AMZ?

Wanna Submit Music?

Wanna Contact us?



 

 
Artist Falconer
Title Falconer
Label Metal Blade Records
Reviewer Vinnie Apicella
Rating
From the ashes of Mithotyn rises the mighty Falconer, a powerfully constructed project from its former members and one that offers a decidedly more majestic surrounding. Built strongly on traditionally Nordic principles, the difference between the two are clear from the onset-and as a good a place to begin as any, the recording is nearly flawless. The lead vocals of Mathias Blad are right out of the history books with a fine narrative quality and perfect clarity, while the music retains much of the intensity of the prior work, but in a much more polished condition.

"Upon the Grave of Guilt" is a soaring classic in the making with several instrumental explorations and interesting forays within its outer-lying boundaries while subjectively recalling dark memories of the past. "Heresy in Disguise" is simply a perfect compliment to the opening track and just fits as the second song on the album. No less powerful, yet extremely catchy, it employs an excellent use of rhythmic contrast ranging well between the slower patterns during the verse and cutting loose during the chorus while maintaining a graceful charm all throughout -- this could well be the crowning achievement of this project, if not from among the instrumentally superior of the bunch.

Falconer is the product of Stefan Weinerhall's vision. The guitarist at the forefront of what was a then up-and-coming Swedish dark Metal powerhouse, sought to create a more introspective and imaginative musical journey without boundaries and in Falconer, the expanse is broad, and the band have done well to make their vision reach fruition. Blended richly in a mix of power, speed, melody and authoritative instrumentation, other songs such as "Wings of Serenity," "A Quest for the Crown," and "Mind Traveller," all embody a sense of freedom, destiny, and eternity in an enchanting mythological setting for a new album that somehow manages to sound fresh considering how many others have tripped through the oft-explored kingdom.

 


© 2001 AMZ/music-reviewer.com
Robert R. Lewis


[Aaddzz Advertisement]