Falconer is a Swedish folk/power metal band that I have always had mixed feelings about. Some of their albums seem very good to me while other albums have fell short of any expectations I may of had. In other words they are very hit or miss in my opinion. Before listening to this new album my favorite Falconer album was their 2008 CD titled Among Beggars and Thieves. Once I finished listening to this new album three times in a row, I decided that From A Dying Ember would dethrone my now 2nd favorite.
Right from the start we are introduced with a burst of sound as the first song begins. "Kings and Queens" is the bait around the hook for any listener as it will reel you in and keep you listening.
I have always admired Falconer's style of folk metal blended with power metal. It is the perfect combination of music that will make you bang your head while thinking of medieval times.
The next track is "Desert Dreams" which was the first single from this record. After a strong lead guitar riff by Jimmy Hedlend, vocalist Mathias Blad shows off his unique singing talent. His voice is both calm but with a fast paced rhythm that fits seamlessly with the tempo change.
My personal favorite song on this album is the third song called "Redeem and Repent". It begins with a groovy riff by Stefan Weinerhall followed by a bombardment of very catch lyrics. By your 2nd listen you will know most of the song by heart and your favorite part of the song will be after the 30 second mark. You know the part. The part where most of the music stops except for the slow plucking of an acoustic guitar and Mathias says the following ... "The scepter is stolen by a jester and the king's called beware of his temper beware of his pride. Wise men bang their heads against the wall, hear the sinister call". I also loved the deeper lyrics "... As the children play chess with the world". This song also has a guitar solo that has a sound that will get stuck in your head.
Next we have the album's only song sang in the band's Swedish tongue. This is the only issue I have with the album as that there wasn't enough songs like this. In previous albums they would often have a few songs sang in a foreign language. The song is called "Bland Sump Och Dy". This song also starts off with a bass line played by Magnus Linhardt.
"A Fool's Crusade" is the 5th track and this is when the album gets softer in tone but still hits you in the soul. "Garnets and a Gilded Rose" is a brief instrumental before continuing with another groovy tune titled "In Regal Attire". It begins with some flutes before chugging guitars and another catchy course.
"Rejoice the Adorned" is the slowest and most calm song on the entire album as it only features Mathias' voice and a piano. Its still a good song despite drummer Karsten Larsson and the rest of the band being absent on this one.
The whole band returns for the 9th track that is the most upbeat and my 2nd favorite song on the album "Testify". It is by far the most lyrically catchy song and you'll be trying to singing along before the song is over. Its songs like this that make me with this amazing power metal act would continue. Unfortunately that isn't the case. The band split up for good after recording From A Dying Ember.
Track 10 is "Thrust The Dagger Deep" and its another sing along that midway through the song has an unusual instrument for this genre. There is a part with a steel guitar that gives it a slight country element to the overall sound.
The final song is "Rapture" and it is a great way to end the last record of a 21 year musical career since 1999. With that being said, I rate Falconer - From A Dying Ember as their best work and I will award it with a well deserved 9.5/10 score.