Since the beginning of this century
Falconer have carved their own niche in the power metal realm. Now, six albums down the road, including a two album detour with a different singer, the band sounds fresh and inspired on "Among Beggars and Thieves".
Falconer's music has matured. Fast paced and charging straight ahead on several occasions, but ever so often twisting and turning through slower, intriguing passages the music keeps my interest peaked throughout. The band understands the pleasure in slowing down and adding atmosphere, emotion and surprise to their songs and they have managed to make "Among Beggars and Thieves" an evolving experience, which grows with each listen.
Lead singer Mattias Blad is the most obvious element that makes the band stand out as his voice is unlike any others in this style of music. His deep full-bodied voice fits the music perfectly. He soars without going high and brings it just the right feel. I want to sit down and sing these songs around a camp fire, which
is a compliment, though it wouldn't sound like it.
The trademark guitar playing and overall sound of Stefan Weinerhall is another element that makes the music instantly recognizable. In the past this aspect has sometimes brought a certain monotone feel to the music. It has not been a huge problem for me, but enough to notice. The easily recognizable sound does not so much impress as it comforts. Fortunately this is one area where it sounds like the band is taking small steps forward without ruining their very essence. The songwriting on this album is inventive and slices through any monotony that might be perceived.
The addition of female vocals in a few songs works very well.
The songs have a common theme of poverty and survival in the medieval times. The theme fits the music like a mastercard fits the wallet (I must apologize right away for that quite bad comparison) and it brings a certain atmosphere which runs through the album and makes it feel more complete.
Unfortunately the three Swedish songs turn me off. It's not that they are bad, they just interrupt the flow of the album for me and I find them much less interesting than the rest. Best of the Swedish entries is
Viddernas Men where sweet singing and a good melody creates a special atmosphere.
Among the rest every song is a highlight. I have been humming the chorus or a specific passage of each song at some point over the past two weeks.
The 8 minutes closer
Dreams and Pyres mixes high speed and slow atmospheric sections very well. It is an adrenaline inducing ending to the album and ends it on a high note. A craving for more is soon provided for by the ease of pressing play again.
Among Beggars and thieves is a great album that evolves and grows with many listens. Highly recommended.
Written by
Steen Saturday, September 6, 2008
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