Label Number: 3984-14397-2
© 2002 Metal Blade Records
Review by MetalReviews.com
Falconer have returned with their second and strongest effort so far,
Chapters From a Vale Forlorn. First off, I must commend the band for
their superb artwork on this album! If there is one thing that can be said about
Falconer, I would say that
they certainly have a sound all their own. With a great number of power metal
bands out today singing about warriors off to battle, kings, dragons, and other
fantasy topics,
Falconer maintain a darker, more serious medieval theme.
The bass guitar has a strong presence throughout and is played with great authority
which results in a dark, ominous feel to the album. And of course, there is
Mathias’ unique vocal style which can be best described as close to that of
Ten’s Gary Hughes, very warm and melodic. Mathias has certainly improved his vocal delivery on this album
compared to
the first. I think he is adapting quite well to life in a metal band
as compared to theatrical singing. Mathias seems much more comfortable
as part of this band than he did on the debut which makes for a very
pleasurable
listen. Instead of some uncomfortable moments of sorts on the first
album, Mathias’ voice is
now a great asset to the band. At times he sounds as if he would like
to reach
into the higher octaves, but he takes the safe route and opts not to
most of
the time. However, he does extend his range upward a bit on
The Clarion Call
and pulls it off very well. If this track is any indication of Mathias’
capabilities, I see only good things in the band’s future. This is only Mathias’
second power metal album he has performed on. Like I said earlier, he was in the theater scene before
his call of duty to
Falconer, but he is quickly getting used to fronting a metal band and his notable
improvement on this album only has me wondering what he has in store for us
with the band’s third album. After hearing the band’s first album, I thought
Mathias might be the one factor holding the band back, but this second album
has me convinced that he will only continue to improve and adapt to the style
of the band and help them achieve great things in the future. At first, I was a bit surprised at the diminished power of this album when
compared to the first. In fact, only three tracks,
Decadence of Dignity,
For Life and Liberty, and
The Clarion Call featuring the galloping
double bass. But after a few spins of this CD, the medieval atmosphere of this
album will engulf you and you will be able picture yourself in a room similar
to that on the front cover.
Portal of Light is emotion and wonderful
ballad featuring some nicely done dual guitar licks, and a masterful vocal performance.
Lament of a Minstrel is another slower tempo track with a flute used
in the background, but is one of the most successful in terms of providing a
medieval feel for the listener. The remaining four tracks are of the mid tempo
variety. So, while this album has its powerful moments, it is also a more mature
album that lets its unique medieval atmosphere work its magic on the listener.
There is not much, if any background shredding and the solos are well done and
intricate, but not overdone. Again, I do enjoy shredding and wild solos, but
that type of guitar work simply would not fit the atmosphere generated on this
album. With their second album,
Falconer have demonstrated that they are a
band on the upswing. With much improved vocals and a unique atmosphere all
their own, there is no justice in trying to compare these guys to another band.
Falconer sound like
Falconer, end of sentence. While I enjoyed
the power of the debut, I think the improved vocals and the atmosphere generated
by this album more than make up for the slightly less powerful delivery of this
album. Great job, guys!
tags: falconer, chapters from a forlorn, 2002, flac,