By Jeff Metcalf Aug 29, 2005, 3:20 GMT
The band has been well known for it's medieval-oozing Power Metal which gained for them huge success in the beginning of their career mostly because of Stefan’s (Weinerhall) exceptional way of handling a guitar and a pen, and because of Mathias’ (Blad, ex-singer) incredible voice.
But times have changed and Mathias has left the band because of his inability to travel and do live shows. So a new singer was brought to the band, Kristoffer Göbel, who debuted on Falconer’s third creation “Sceptre of Deception”.
After “Sceptre of Deception” Falconer once again lost some members and this time it was the second guitarist and the bassist that left. Forging ahead, Falconer replaced them with some very talented musicians and a new album was in the making, “Grime Vs. Grandeur”, which is Falconer’s highly anticipated fourth album.
But Falconer isn’t just doing another album in the veins of there first three. With “Grime vs. Grandeur” they are leaving their medieval themes behind and have chosen to focus on more traditional power metal. “Grime vs. Grandeur” is also their heaviest and most musically proficient album to date. Stefan has this time left all the lyrics up to Kristoffer and also taken Kristoffer's help for about 25 % of the musical material, resulting in a very different Falconer!
The first track, 'Emotional Skies', which carries you away from the negative mental pollution of the world to the magical land of Falconer. The song is a classic Falconer tune, full of power, energy, and heavy guitars, all of which makes this song an instant anthem. The chorus alone is one of the most memorable in the arena of metal music right now. The song contains a rousing gang style vocal chorus that will undoubtedly inspire much pumping of fists and hefting of horns amongst those of us who appreciate a good epic vocal line.
Although you'll never hear Falconer on American Radio much less any power metal (which may be a good thing), the music is completely different and pretty diverse in fact. The second track “Purgatory Time” is fast and upbeat with a great Viking riff and all in all a good staightforward no nonsense metal track. It is essentially straight-up Maiden worship, and its galloping verses, soaring chorus and armonized solo will please the many metal fans weaned on Killers and Number of the Beast!
The next track, 'Power', is temperate yet critical view of America and its use of its military power without regard to other nations of the world. "The road to your success/is paved with your shameless lies" and "You've got power, power to devour/use it with sense and the glory is yours." Don't let the political themes scare you away, the songs are highly listenable and enjoyable enough to sing along. 'Falconer' happens to be one of the few bands to pull off this kind of songwriting since 'Black Sabbath' gave us 'War Pigs'.
'No Tears for Strangers' is a bleak opus about Humanity's ability to look the other way when it comes to the suffering of others, from the first-person point of view of the ignorant ones, the singer tells us why the pain of empathy isn't worthwhile to them. It's fast and dark, but a tune that will move your mind while banging your head. You'll also sing along with the complimentary chorus.
'The Return' is Falconer's advice, with a positive, encouraging vibe, against drug abuse. This track, much like Iced Earth's 'Stand Alone' is a feel good anthem with a similar message to KISS' 'I' (from The Elder 1981). It also shows a completely new face of Falconer; a slow and heavy track with distorted vocals and a great chorus that just forces you to sing along; easily the best song.
'Jack the Knife' a song completely written by singer Kristoffer Göbel, is a re-telling of that age old story of Jack the Ripper and is reminiscent of Judas Priest's 'The Ripper'. On an interesting note this album is produced, and quite well I might add, by KD stalwart and Andy LaRoque. There's even a feel of a Deep Purple with the organs here. The guitar solo rides along with the rhythm section background and gives the song a real classic Heavy Metal vibe.
The last track is done in the majestic tradition of Falconer, their beloved power metal anthem. Repleat with staccato guitars, vocals with great majesty, and keyboard-backed choruses. We get the medieval influenced guitar bridges combined with very dramatic drum fills. And to put the icing on the cake, the lyrics of 'Child of the Wild' is a passionate warning to stop destroying nature and its creatures.
All in all, this is a masterful album, and one that pushes Falconer's music career to even higher levels. How they've made it through four albums and so many lineup changes and yet kept their sound fresh and explorative in a genre that tends to be traditional restrictive is absolutely amazing. Clearly this is the mark of consummate, soulful musicianship and supreme dedication.
This power metal band has grown away from its idiosyncrasies rather than deeper into them and its a rarety in the genre. Falconer has long been a driving force in the metal world. In their early years, they produced a heavy metal Medieval brand that may have drove away some potential fans with its overwhelming cliche lyrics but still clicked with enough listeners to build a sizeable and dedicated fan base. 2003’s 'Scepter of Deception' saw Falconer toning down its focus on prancing minstrels slightly in favor of a more traditional heavy metal sound, rendering the band more appealing to the casual fan. Those who have followed Falconer’s career through their previous three albums should not be surprised by their fourth album, 'Grime Vs. Grandeur'. Falconer are obviously progressing musically, by heading toward their newly chosen style of eighties power metal. Falconer is a force to be reckoned with! Grime Vs. Grandeur contains many impressive moments to satisfy!
The album is available via Amazon.
You can view a fullt track listing in our database.
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