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Artist |
Falconer |
| Title |
Falconer |
| Label |
Metal Blade Records |
| Reviewer |
Vinnie Apicella |
| Rating |
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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.
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© 2001 AMZ/music-reviewer.com Robert R. Lewis
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