Falkenbach

25.01.2006

Heathen Foray
Of Forest Unknown
Havamal
Roman Land
Heralder
Laekmishendr
Walkiesjar
Skirnir
Gjallar Bonus Track

VratyasVakyas

guest musicians during the recording process:

Bolthorn (Drums)

Hagalaz (additional acoustic Guitars)

Tyrann (additional vocals)

FALKENBACH: "Heralding - The Fireblade" falkenbach

Recorded at Tidal Wave Studio under the direction of Patrick Damiani.

review by Steve "The Rev. Istvan" Rautner ___

What a great epic album . Most of Falkenbach's lyrics were written in English, but some were written in Old Norse, Latin, and Old German

What a great epic album, I have enjoyed this since I first listened to it! Previously to reviewing this album I had heard as long as the wind will blow, off the last CD - Ok Nefna Tysvar Ty (2003), and really liked it but could not find it anywhere in the States at the time. From numerous reviews online Falkenback has had a string of CD's that have really done well. The band is now comprised of only one member, VratyasVakyas originally from Iceland now residing in Germany. The name means "the searching wander" symbolizing two levels of Vatan, a philosophy of life based on Asatru. All former members are listed as guests on the CD. Apparently, this is a trend that is gaining popularity in the metal world, whether it is just more convenient or difficult to keep a band together I don't know but it seems to work.

Falkenback has never done a live show and has not broken away from its label until recently, this seems to have something to have done with money I have gathered. But it also adds to the mystery of Falkenbach. Falkenbach is with Napalm Records. Not much is known of (him/them), the site is packed with some really cool screen savers with Medieval Themes and use of Runes as well as other tidbits about the band. The music could be used for a Lord of the Rings soundtrack, chants, hypnotic chores both clean and death vocals and a good use of instruments. Vratyas Vakyas also has his own production company Skaldic Art Prod , that has distributed Falkenbach's very first record, now out of print, but it is mainly for new up and coming bands.

Heralding, the Fireblade, the title of the eighth album, four of which were demos, was originally supposed to be the demo then later to be re-released in 2004 celebrating the 15th year anniversary of Falkenbach. Originally put on hold because of the technicality of the overall sound and then delayed for unspecified reasons. So in 2005 it was finally released using the advanced recording process that was not always available and what was produced was a masterpiece in metal (unless this is not your style)! I found myself humming if not singing along to most of the album, it has been my favorite this month.

Most of Falkenbach's lyrics were written in English, but some were written in Old Norse, Latin, and Old German. Most, if not all, of the lyrics in Old Norse form are actually taken from heathen literature (for example, the chorus lines in the song "Donar's Oak" are actually verses 4 and 5 in Grímnismál, an Old Norse poem.) As you can see from the chart transferred from Lost Souls Domain, the songs are of average to above average length which always adds to my overall enjoyment of an album. I also like the fact that English is not used exclusively, though more so on older albums that this recent one. It is easier for someone like myself if lyrics are always in English, but that does not promote learning. So if I want to know what is being said in a song from the band Subway to Sally or Finntroll I have to do some research. A longer process but worth it.

Songs #1,3 and 8 are sung in clean vocals with some spoken some chants and black screams while the rest are all heavier and employ only black vocals. This mix in vocal and instrumental on the overall score really heightens the listening pleasure of the experience. I really liked the second song Havamal as one you can loose yourself in and number 4, Roman Land , even though its shortened length it has some mean vocals and some slamming drums. Heralder, the 5th song and presumably the title track, has a neat vocal change in the middle. I reckon that is the main character in the story, I should look up the words to see if this is truly an epic. Nothing is mentioned on the site or an others that I have seen that eludes to a main storyline though it runs as such. Walkiesdjar, has a cool intro with guitars and tribal drums that intertwine throughout the song while the harsh vocals rear up though the mist of the dream that is created from the instrumental parts of the song, I only wish that it was longer like only a piece of the story is being told.

I plan to look into the previous albums to add to my collection, hopefully they are available on iTunes. Note to anyone thinking of getting an iPod it works similar to a PDA in that it will reformat what it can use then upload to itself from your computer. If it something that you have in the memory already it will make a shadow copy which will eat up space on your computer. If you copy the cd directly into the iTunes library or buy from the site that does not occur. An ipod is a good investment if you are constantly in need of music, with a 30 to 60 G hard drive built in!

rating: 8.8/10

Steve Rautner

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