FALCONER
"Grime
Vs. Grandeur"
(Metal Blade; 2005)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Once again my musical tastes have been expanded and this time it's by Falconer and their new CD, "Grime vs. Grandeur."
The music on this new CD could be called anything from power metal to progressive metal to good ol' stadium rock from the 80s. It doesn't matter what you call it, however, because "Grime Vs. Grandeur" just rocks hard.
"Grime vs. Grandeur" transports me just like a good novel would, to strange places full of life and conflict, strife and goodness. If a musical release can do that, that is something to behold.
Falconer: Mangus Linhardt - bass; Kristoffer Góbell - vocals; Satfan Weinerhall - guitar; Jimmy Hedlund - guitar; Karten Larson - drums.
For more information and for downloadable music, check out www.falconermusic.com.
"The
Sceptre of Deception"
(Metal Blade; 2003)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Despite a line-up change that saw vocalist Kristoffer Gobel replace Mathias Blad at the mike and added a second guitarist and a new bassist, "The Sceptre of Deception" is really just more of the same from the Falconer: power metal in the classic form. Epic guitars, majestic vocals, bigger-than-life songwriting and a medieval storyline. And that's a good thing if you're a fan of this band. That's what you've come to expect from them.
The songs seem more measured and sometimes just plain slower and the double-bass drums are occasionally way out of place - once or twice, in fact, they're just plain silly in their placement. Overall, however, anybody who likes the band's previous efforts will probably find this one to their liking as well, even when Gobel hits that Paul Stanley falsetto.
Interestingly, former vocalist makes an appearance as the voice of Valdemar and on backing vocals.
"The Scepter of Deception" Kristoffer Gobel - lead vocals; Stefan Weinerhall - guitars; Peder Johansson - bass; Anders Johansson - guitars; Karsten Larsson - drums.
For more information and for downloadable music, check out www.falconermusic.com.
"Falconer"
(Metal Blade; 2001)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
It's probably not a coincidence that Falconer is on the same label as Manowar. Both bands excel in delivering solid, testosterone-laden metal, complete with lyrics about epic battles, kings and queens and knights of old.
Falconer stays at King Arthur's Round Table more often than Manowar does (as one might guess from the band's artwork and moniker), but the attitude and delivery are similar. Heavy, crunching guitars, soaring leads, a deep-throated lead vocalists (who, here, sounds just a little like Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson). There's also a bit more of a progressive sound to Falconer's music which gives it more depth than the simple, table-pounding fury of Manowar.
Fans of power metal and true metal will really like Falconer.
Falconer: Mathias Blad - lead vocals, keyboards, backing vocals; Stefan Weinerhall - guitars, bass; Karsten Larsson - drums.
For more information and for downloadable music, check out www.falconermusic.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 26 Feb 2024 13:06:29 -0500.
