Bleeding4Metal Forum

Zombies => Falconer => Thema gestartet von: Prab am September 25, 2006, 02:12:05 Nachmittag

Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Prab am September 25, 2006, 02:12:05 Nachmittag
Hi guys!

I thought it'd be usefull to gather the reviews of Northwind here in one place :)
So please post the links to the reviews you find online and of course feel free to post YOUR OWN reviews as well!

Here I will collect and post links to reviews:


Bleeding For Metal
"FALCONER are back to their initial Folk Metal style and they carry it to new heights."
-> http://bleeding.bleeding4metal.de/index_en.php?show=review_en&id=831

sputnikmusic
"[...]despite doubts I had about his return; I have to say that I'm glad he's back."
->
http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review_9243

Aor Dream Zones
"A solid album with no mistakes."
-> http://www.aordreamzones.com/reviews.html (scroll down)

Metal-Archives
"… and what a triumphant return it is."
-> http://www.metal-archives.com/review.php?id=125903

The Metal Crypt
"One of the years' best."
-> http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/reviewsframe.php?revid=2737

Beat The Blizzard
"Amongst the best of the power-folkmetalers."
-> http://www.beattheblizzard.com/reviews/?review=612

Roar E-Zine
"Falconer is a band every power or folk metal lover HAS to try."
-> http://www.roarezine.com/?reviews&read=1190

Baconmusic
"For huge fans of the genre, this may well be an enjoyable listen, but for the rest of us, this is the metal equivalent of a Nytol tablet."
-> http://www.baconmusic.co.uk/reviews/falconer-northwind-metal-blade

Lords of Metal
"It's more a soft breeze instead of a Northern wind."
-> http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=8394&lang=en

Subba-Cultcha
"So poor it could be genius, were it not entirely bereft of irony."
-> http://www.subba-cultcha.com/article.php?id=3150

Battlehelm.com
"[...] reminded me of Manowar’s ballady style as well as Rhapsody’s folk flute and keyboard influences."
-> http://www.battlehelm.com/reviews/falconer.htm

Disagreement.net
"[...] they have retaken their rightful place among Europe's most interesting metal acts."
-> http://www.disagreement.net/reviews/falconer_northwind.html

Silent Scream Webzine
"“Northwind” is a huge work [...] that gives us back the band at the top of their shape."
-> http://www.silentscreamzine.com/ReviewShow.asp?ReviewsID=4838
(Editor's Note: If the above review is in Italian, do the following: click the English flag in the upper right corner, and then click the link here in the forum again.)

Soundcheck-Magazine
"Maybe this will be the Falconer album that maintains its position, the one that doesn't get boring and die out like a pop culture-trend."
-> http://www.soundcheck-magazine.com/Pages/Zine/CDReviewItem.aspx?id=23

Rockezine - new
"The sad thing is however that the music on Northwind is tepid, trite and sometimes simply boring."
-> http://www.rockezine.net/asp/rez_areview.asp?ID=2678&review=Falconer%20-%20Northwind

Metal-Temple.com - new
"In my opinion "Northwind" is probably their second best work (after their debut) up to date."
-> http://www.metal-temple.com/review.asp?id=1727

Radio That Doesn't Suck - new
"If you have the chance, throw yourself at the record and see if does something good for you."
-> http://rtds.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=28

Metal Revolution Webzine - new
"This is a solid album with no mistakes."
-> http://metal-revolution.com/plugins/content/content.php?content.267

Metal Covenant - new
"If you have grown tired of the lacklustre ambivalence of Falconer, fret no longer, for this return to the past still lives on."
-> http://www.metalcovenant.com/pages/cdreviews/northwind.htm

Greetz
Prab
Titel: Re: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: The Black Knight am September 25, 2006, 03:26:58 Nachmittag
Thanks, Prab! Great thread! Great tips!

Zitat von: "Prab"

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review_9243
"[...]despite doubts I had about his return; I have to say that I'm glad he's back."
b


I just have to say I disagree with the gentleman who wrote this review. For starters, 3,5 of 5 is an outrage. Especially as he says it's far better than the first two albums with Mathias.
And one comment really bugs me: "Back in the day, the weakest link of Falconer was vocalist Matthias Blad. Yes, he is talented, but at the same time his voice was so nauseatingly painful to listen to, it just killed the album." Nuseatingly painful to listen to!? What's he on anyway?
Titel: Re: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Storm am September 25, 2006, 03:31:26 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "The Black Knight"
Thanks, Prab! Great thread! Great tips!

Zitat von: "Prab"

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review_9243
"[...]despite doubts I had about his return; I have to say that I'm glad he's back."
b


I just have to say I disagree with the gentleman who wrote this review. For starters, 3,5 of 5 is an outrage. Especially as he says it's far better than the first two albums with Mathias.
And one comment really bugs me: "Back in the day, the weakest link of Falconer was vocalist Matthias Blad. Yes, he is talented, but at the same time his voice was so nauseatingly painful to listen to, it just killed the album." Nuseatingly painful to listen to!? What's he on anyway?


I really cannot understand WHY people do not like Mathias' vocals. Truly, it was one of the three reasons I fell in love with Falconer. The other two was the riffs and the folky thing... :)

Great thread!
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: silvershade_lynx am September 25, 2006, 03:34:24 Nachmittag
There is one up on Metal Archives:

http://www.metal-archives.com/review.php?id=125903

And on Metal Crypt:

http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/reviewsframe.php?revid=2737





Zitat
Nuseatingly painful to listen to!? What's he on anyway?


My thoughts exactly. Blad has one of the most magnificent voices I have heard. Though I have come across quite a few people who really dislike his voice. Weird people :P
Titel: Re: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: The Black Knight am September 25, 2006, 03:52:32 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "Storm"
Zitat von: "The Black Knight"
Thanks, Prab! Great thread! Great tips!

Zitat von: "Prab"

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review_9243
"[...]despite doubts I had about his return; I have to say that I'm glad he's back."
b


I just have to say I disagree with the gentleman who wrote this review. For starters, 3,5 of 5 is an outrage. Especially as he says it's far better than the first two albums with Mathias.
And one comment really bugs me: "Back in the day, the weakest link of Falconer was vocalist Matthias Blad. Yes, he is talented, but at the same time his voice was so nauseatingly painful to listen to, it just killed the album." Nuseatingly painful to listen to!? What's he on anyway?


I really cannot understand WHY people do not like Mathias' vocals. Truly, it was one of the three reasons I fell in love with Falconer. The other two was the riffs and the folky thing... :)

Great thread!


Exactly my thoughts. Well...many I've spoken to (who listen a lot to metal) thinks his voice isn't "metal" enough. Umm...ok. Enough for what? Falconer + Mathias is fucking brilliant that's what it is.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Prab am September 25, 2006, 03:53:06 Nachmittag
@Blackie ;)

I'm absolutely with you on this!
But hey, that reviewer is the only guy I've ever heard complain about Mathias voice. So we can say, that exception proves the rule :)
Well actually he doesn't really complain because he says he likes Mathia's voice now.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: The Black Knight am September 25, 2006, 03:56:13 Nachmittag
Aye, mate. I've heard a lot of guys complaining about the voice, and I just can't understand it. It may be a matter of taste, and I'm ok with that.

But the 3.5 out of 5...that's making me want to chop arms off.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Storm am September 25, 2006, 04:43:30 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "The Black Knight"
But the 3.5 out of 5...that's making me want to chop arms off.


True, the album is far better than that.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: The Black Knight am September 25, 2006, 04:50:18 Nachmittag
5/5.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Storm am September 25, 2006, 05:14:41 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "The Black Knight"
5/5.


Yeah sort of, or atleast 4.5/5
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: AngelOfMusic am September 25, 2006, 07:19:17 Nachmittag
I give the album 11/10
Titel: Re: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: jakob_hasse am September 25, 2006, 07:20:30 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "The Black Knight"
Zitat von: "Storm"
Zitat von: "The Black Knight"
Thanks, Prab! Great thread! Great tips!

Zitat von: "Prab"

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review_9243
"[...]despite doubts I had about his return; I have to say that I'm glad he's back."
b


I just have to say I disagree with the gentleman who wrote this review. For starters, 3,5 of 5 is an outrage. Especially as he says it's far better than the first two albums with Mathias.
And one comment really bugs me: "Back in the day, the weakest link of Falconer was vocalist Matthias Blad. Yes, he is talented, but at the same time his voice was so nauseatingly painful to listen to, it just killed the album." Nuseatingly painful to listen to!? What's he on anyway?


I really cannot understand WHY people do not like Mathias' vocals. Truly, it was one of the three reasons I fell in love with Falconer. The other two was the riffs and the folky thing... :)

Great thread!


Exactly my thoughts. Well...many I've spoken to (who listen a lot to metal) thinks his voice isn't "metal" enough. Umm...ok. Enough for what? Falconer + Mathias is fucking brilliant that's what it is.


In my opinion there is no Falconer+Mathias... Without Mathias Falconer is not.
I would give it 4/5 so far.
 
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Odin am September 27, 2006, 06:05:53 Nachmittag
What the... why isn't our review on here, yet? Remember on what server this forum runs? ;)  :lol2:



 :bluebanger: http://bleeding.bleeding4metal.de/index_en.php?show=review_en&id=831
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: The Black Knight am September 27, 2006, 07:12:35 Nachmittag
@ Odin: Now that's one hell of a review! This is one of the best interviews I've read so far. And at last someone is brave and honest enough to give the album what it's worth - a 10/10.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: jakob_hasse am September 27, 2006, 09:26:29 Nachmittag
Having listened a lot to the album lately, I think I'm up to a 4.7/5, but who knows where it'll end? It just keeps getting better!
 
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Odin am September 27, 2006, 11:03:55 Nachmittag
As I stated in the review, some songs had to grow on me as well. But they did! :)
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: w00tstick am September 28, 2006, 12:08:40 Vormittag
There were a couple parts of the album that sort of irritated me.  I didn't like the V for Vendetta rip-off in fairyland fanfare.  Although a cute Idea, it's not something I felt needed to be in the song.  I hate when the guitarist absolutely has to be involved in every aspect of each song.  Honestly, he composes the songs to center around him and his guitar playing,  Mathias is not nearly utilized enough in the songs.  Mathias tends to come off extremely monotonous in a couple songs and he never soars to the vocal ranges everyone knows he's capable of.

Obviously It's just one persons opinion and I don't hold myself to a  greater intellect than any of you.  Take a look at let us say, Sonata Arctica.  Their first album probably sold more than all of Falconers cd's combined.  Why would you think?  Obviously the music is better and more appealing, it's composed better, and several reasons.  Popularity should provide critical feedback to the band saying "your music is good" or "your music is not".  Falconer has talent as musicians, but Stefans songwriting abilities need a bit of work.

In the song Dillusion: Notice exactly 4 minutes into the song is a beautiful melody of Mathias' voice.  

Or 3:20 in Catch The Shadows:  Perfect example of a perfect utilization of music and mathias.

It's just frustrating to see 10-20 second absolutely beautiful masterpieces in songs, and the rest of the song is uhhh Ish Ish.  I would actually give the album 7-8 because it was quite enjoyable; it had the potential to be perfect if not for the selfishness of the guitarist.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: jakob_hasse am September 28, 2006, 12:34:16 Vormittag
Zitat von: "w00tstick"
There were a couple parts of the album that sort of irritated me.  I didn't like the V for Vendetta rip-off in fairyland fanfare.  Although a cute Idea, it's not something I felt needed to be in the song.  I hate when the guitarist absolutely has to be involved in every aspect of each song.  Honestly, he composes the songs to center around him and his guitar playing,  Mathias is not nearly utilized enough in the songs.  Mathias tends to come off extremely monotonous in a couple songs and he never soars to the vocal ranges everyone knows he's capable of.

Obviously It's just one persons opinion and I don't hold myself to a  greater intellect than any of you.  Take a look at let us say, Sonata Arctica.  Their first album probably sold more than all of Falconers cd's combined.  Why would you think?  Obviously the music is better and more appealing, it's composed better, and several reasons.  Popularity should provide critical feedback to the band saying "your music is good" or "your music is not".  Falconer has talent as musicians, but Stefans songwriting abilities need a bit of work.

In the song Dillusion: Notice exactly 4 minutes into the song is a beautiful melody of Mathias' voice.  

Or 3:20 in Catch The Shadows:  Perfect example of a perfect utilization of music and mathias.

It's just frustrating to see 10-20 second absolutely beautiful masterpieces in songs, and the rest of the song is uhhh Ish Ish.  I would actually give the album 7-8 because it was quite enjoyable; it had the potential to be perfect if not for the selfishness of the guitarist.


The all dominating guitar is just Falconer's style. I think in fact it is less extreme on this album than the first two, where eg. in "enter the glade" the guitar plays "advanced melody" (or whatever it was, karl called it) during the whole song... btw, I like it like that, kind of as in mithotyn.
 
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: The Black Knight am September 28, 2006, 12:35:25 Vormittag
Sorry, but I can't agree with you there, mate (w00tstick). I'd really like to hear what you say about the first two albums with Mathias though.

IMO Mathias' voice and interaction with the music has never been this good. The different elements (all the instruments, melodies, solos, singing etc) are more dynamic than ever. The energy is utterly fantastic.

As a matter of fact I did not dare to hope that Northwind would be as good as the first two albums, as they've been the two best albums in my collection. Absolutely classics. Therefor I was really startled that after listening to Northwind for a month (like a hundred times), I suddenly felt that something was suddenly missing in those two albums.  Don't misunderstand me - they're still absolute classics and I praise the day I found out about them and all the joy they bring to me. But I now dare to say that I think Northwind is above even them. Totally honest.

Just had to let that out. Because it still startles me.  :)
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Mindtraveller am September 28, 2006, 12:48:18 Vormittag
Still listening to the album, so I don't have a well formed opinion yet. However, there were a couple of things, that feel like I should comment on.

Zitat von: "w00tstick"
Obviously It's just one persons opinion and I don't hold myself to a  greater intellect than any of you.  Take a look at let us say, Sonata Arctica.  Their first album probably sold more than all of Falconers cd's combined.  Why would you think?  Obviously the music is better and more appealing, it's composed better, and several reasons.


The fact that a band / artist / entertainer sells more than another is in no way an indicator of how good the music is or isn't. If such were the case, an entertainer like Britney Spears would be providing some of the best quality music out there. To not go too far away from the realm of rock, let's take Slipknot, who most likely have sold more albums than Falconer and Sonata Arctica combined. If we ask ourselves why this is, and our answer is like the one you gave above, it would be a good idea to reevaluate our stance.

Zitat von: "w00tstick"
Popularity should provide critical feedback to the band saying "your music is good" or "your music is not".


To have a logical fallacy (appeal to popularity) as a critical element that provides feedback to determine whether something is good or bad is a doomed premise. Alleging that "If many believe the earth is flat, it is flat" is failed logic, and it shouldn't be -in any way or manner- applied as a measurement for quality (even less for artistic value).

Notice that I'm not bashing your opinion, you are free to think and feel as you like about the music. This is just to point out certain elements that you are using to back up your thoughts  do not make much sense,

Zitat von: "jakob_hasse"
The all dominating guitar is just Falconer's style.


Well, maybe, but truth be told, I thought it was a well known thing that Metal -as a genre- is guitar driven music.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: jakob_hasse am September 28, 2006, 08:33:12 Vormittag
Zitat von: "Mindtraveller"
Well, maybe, but truth be told, I thought it was a well known thing that Metal -as a genre- is guitar driven music.


Well, I didn't just talk about "guitar"-driven music, but if you e.g. take Sonata Artica the guitar is not nearly as dominant as in Falconer, mainly because they have all sorts of synthesisers and crap all the time.
 
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Mindtraveller am September 28, 2006, 08:50:37 Vormittag
Yeah, I'm agreeing with you here, my previous comment was kinda like an add-on to go even further, I mean, the guy says he doesn't like how the compositions are guitar-centered, hence my post.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Odin am September 28, 2006, 02:22:09 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "w00tstick"
There were a couple parts of the album that sort of irritated me.  I didn't like the V for Vendetta rip-off in fairyland fanfare.  Although a cute Idea, it's not something I felt needed to be in the song.  I hate when the guitarist absolutely has to be involved in every aspect of each song.  Honestly, he composes the songs to center around him and his guitar playing,  Mathias is not nearly utilized enough in the songs.  Mathias tends to come off extremely monotonous in a couple songs and he never soars to the vocal ranges everyone knows he's capable of.

You know what Mathias says in a video message from the band? That during the recordings for this album he had to stretch his voice in a way he never did before. Think about it...

Zitat

Obviously It's just one persons opinion and I don't hold myself to a  greater intellect than any of you.  Take a look at let us say, Sonata Arctica.  Their first album probably sold more than all of Falconers cd's combined.  Why would you think?  Obviously the music is better and more appealing, it's composed better, and several reasons.  Popularity should provide critical feedback to the band saying "your music is good" or "your music is not".  Falconer has talent as musicians, but Stefans songwriting abilities need a bit of work.

I disagree. :)

Zitat

In the song Dillusion: Notice exactly 4 minutes into the song is a beautiful melody of Mathias' voice.  

You mean 'Delusion'?

Zitat

It's just frustrating to see 10-20 second absolutely beautiful masterpieces in songs, and the rest of the song is uhhh Ish Ish.  I would actually give the album 7-8 because it was quite enjoyable; it had the potential to be perfect if not for the selfishness of the guitarist.

Sorry, cannot follow your arguments, nope. I don't see or hear what you mean.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Prab am September 28, 2006, 04:52:32 Nachmittag
The opening post will now be edited everytime I find a link to a new review on the net or somebody posts one.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: w00tstick am September 29, 2006, 05:22:42 Vormittag
I had a difficult time articulating how I felt about the album.  I was obviously aware I would get alot of oposition to what I said.  I agree that this album was a big leap from previous albums as far as composition and vocally.  I enjoy the album, don't get me wrong.  I just imagine how much better it could have been if there was a more of a melodic sound to it.  It's just my 3 favorite songs are a bit ruined by the guitar arrangement.  The beginning and middle of Long Gone by feels so awkward to me.  It was orchestrated so beautifully and then randomly he had to show off his guitarship.  Portals of Light being another absolutely beautiful song that seemed to be dragged down by the hardness towards the end.  Well I chose Sonata Arctica as a comparison considering they are both european bands in the "melodic metal" scene.  Please don't get the wrong idea that i'm insulting the band, it's easily one of my favorites.  I just wonder sometimes like gosh the song is almost perfect.  Why couldn't it have been perfect.  Why did he choose the go that direction with the song.  If I was to ask what is the best song you have ever heard in your entire life.  I mean honestly, would falconers music actually come up?
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: The Black Knight am September 29, 2006, 07:11:19 Vormittag
Zitat von: "w00tstick"
If I was to ask what is the best song you have ever heard in your entire life. I mean honestly, would falconers music actually come up?


In my case - yes. But I think that question would be a very silly question. Not because the answer is evident, but because it's like asking why anyone likes a certain colour. It's a matter of taste, mate. If you like Sonata Arctica and dislike certain (very characteristic) elements in Falconer's music, then we all know exactly what band you should be listening to.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Radagast am September 29, 2006, 12:53:08 Nachmittag
I think if there's one thing that can be agreed on, its that Stefan is not a flashy, show off guitarist. I mean the first album has, what, about five real solos on it? I've always seen Falconer as one of the best examples of a band where the various instruments and vocals come together to create a song greater than the sum of its parts.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: w00tstick am September 30, 2006, 04:03:36 Vormittag
Zitat von: The Black Knight
Zitat von: w00tstick
If you like Sonata Arctica and dislike certain (very characteristic) elements in Falconer's music, then we all know exactly what band you should be listening toquote]



That doesn't quite make sense.  I should be restricted to one band because I made a broad comparison to another band?  I was gifted with the ability to listen to more than one band, hard to understand I know.  It's ok to acknowledge the negative aspects of Falconer's music.  IT'S OK.  I understand Stefan frequently posts on the forum.  That seems to motivate the regs to be extra ignorant and extra protective.  If you read earlier posts I stated I enjoy their music.  I have all the albums, I'll always support them.  As I wish more people did.

Simply stating the negative aspects of their music should not mean "you know exactly what band I should be listening to".  His solos aren't the only parts of the songs I was referring too.  All of his songs are just so incredibly guitar driven.  I just feel Mathias doesn't fit with the way the music is composed.  There are parts in the songs where I feel he perfectly utilizes Mathas' vocals.  That's really all I have to say.  I don't really want to continue trying to clarify what I mean, wrong place to do it I suppose.  I just recommend being a bit more open minded about discussing about parts that weren't so great.  Not all the songs are perfect.  Can't argue with that.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Prab am September 30, 2006, 08:11:17 Vormittag
@w00tstick
What's so wrong with guitar-driven music, even if it's "more" guitar-driven? I mean we all agree that Mathias' voice is awesome and completes the Falconer sound. So how would we notice that if the guitars are too overwhelmingly present?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticizing you for your point. It's good to have healthy discussions and to speak out one's mind.
Still, in this case I feel, that the thing you point out as "negative" is actually a trademark characteristik in Falconers music - the guitar-driven sound.
First and foremost Stefan is a guitar player. He is the mastermind of Falconer, he writes the songs,  so it's natural that the guitarparts stand out more. That's why the music is built around theses parts, that's why they drive the song. And that's a huge part of the actual Falconer sound that we all love.
Of course Mathias' voice could have been utilized in a more driving way. But hey it's not impossible that that aspect will be explored in the next or future albums. But it's also obvious why it turned out the way it did. And the result is very very far from being bad.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: The Black Knight am September 30, 2006, 10:34:36 Vormittag
Zitat von: "w00tstick"
I understand Stefan frequently posts on the forum.  That seems to motivate the regs to be extra ignorant and extra protective.  


That may be the case with some people on the forum, but not me. If Stefan all of the sudden would say that Northwind is the biggest piece of crap he's ever heard, I would think he's gone complete bananas. And I would probably have to chop his legs off.

Zitat von: "w00tstick"

His solos aren't the only parts of the songs I was referring too.  All of his songs are just so incredibly guitar driven.


Yes they are guitar driven, and that's one of the things I love the most about Falconer. If I thought that approach was boring or something I would probably not list Falconer as one of my favourite metal acts.

Zitat von: "w00tstick"
I just feel Mathias doesn't fit with the way the music is composed. There are parts in the songs where I feel he perfectly utilizes Mathas' vocals.


I think Mathias' voice is as utilized as it should be on all the songs. And I don't pick on you for it. I just realize we both have different tastes, and I am totally ok with that.

Zitat von: "w00tstick"

I just recommend being a bit more open minded about discussing about parts that weren't so great.  Not all the songs are perfect.  Can't argue with that.


Ok, not all the songs are equally great - that would be a terribly boring record. But to me, that has got more to do with melodies than the voice and guitar parts, which you keep arguing about. But on the whole I think that this album is one of the best albums I've heard, and I don't demand that anyone else have to think the same thing. The thing that's bugging me is that you express in a way that leaves no doors open. "Not all the songs are perfect.  Can't argue with that." - this sounds to me as if you think everyone should think the same thing about the songs as you do.

It's still a matter of taste. Can't argue with that.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Odin am September 30, 2006, 11:50:35 Vormittag
And it's by the way also a matter of fact that Stefan doesn't play the "advanced solo stuff" himself. Remember that guy hired for lead/solo guitar? So maybe rethink the "show off" thought as well. ;)
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: The Black Knight am September 30, 2006, 12:23:27 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "Odin"
And it's by the way also a matter of fact that Stefan doesn't play the "advanced solo stuff" himself. Remember that guy hired for lead/solo guitar? So maybe rethink the "show off" thought as well. ;)


Exactly.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: jakob_hasse am September 30, 2006, 01:53:17 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "w00tstick"
I understand Stefan frequently posts on the forum.  That seems to motivate the regs to be extra ignorant and extra protective.  


To think that, you couldn't have read the posts posted here in the past.
I didn't think people were 'protective', when some uttered their opinion on eg. the new vocalist or the Grime vs. Grandour album, which in my opinion really didn't have any 'Falconer' in it.
In my experience people have been good at stating their honest opinions and I think in many cases Stefan has listened to the points made and maybe taken them into consideration.
There isn't any pampering here as far as I'm concerned.
 
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Knightmare am Oktober 01, 2006, 02:50:56 Nachmittag
O' glorious ones - hearken to me!
Knoweth thee that Falconer has returned with a vengeance!
After listening to Northwind, I have once more fallen in love with Falconer's music.
I was  taken back to the times of splendor, which abrubtly came to an end with the Grime vs. Grandeur album - woe betide us all, do not make an album like that again - but you guys have really redeemed yourselves with the new record - blessed be thee!
Cheers from Denmark!  :wink:
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Prab am Oktober 05, 2006, 10:38:25 Vormittag
Updated the first posting with 3 new reviews that I found - BUT BEWARE fellow Falconites!!!
They are 3 BAD REVIEWS by people who can't be serious because they don't seem to be metalheads really... but read yourself guys!
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Radagast am Oktober 05, 2006, 10:49:42 Vormittag
The Baconmusic review describes Falconer as a "neo-classical Power Metal band." :lol: Says it all, really.

Anyway, anyone who can't get past "ZOMG THEY SING ABOUT FAIRIES AND SHIT" before writing a review should be banned from the internet. :roll:
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Prab am Oktober 05, 2006, 11:22:26 Vormittag
I just wonder why people who obviously have no interest in a particular kind of music bother to write a review about such a release.
I mean, I would never bother to write a review to a techno dancefloor album or something.
It's clear that the review would be shitty.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: The Black Knight am Oktober 05, 2006, 01:04:19 Nachmittag
LAUGH OUT LOUD

All the three reviews were funny, but Baconmusic (what a stupid name anyway) was hilarious.
Especially this line: "However, due to the one-dimensional voice of Matthias Bald and pretty average lyrical content."

1. Mathias - "one-dimensional"? Ok. I've heard a lot of silly things in my life, but that statement must be king of utter stupidity. Of course, tastes are different, but this has nothing to do with reality. He's got the most dynamic voice I've ever heard.

2. "Average lyrical content"? Ok, so we got tunes about hawks in the sky (splendid song, IMO) and fairies, but have they even tried to read the underlying (which is quite obvious although poethically hidden in a nice package) meaning of these lyrics? Apparently not.

3. Is Mathias bald!? When did he drop all his hair!?


Gosh. There are truly very silly twits out there.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Stefan W am Oktober 05, 2006, 04:25:07 Nachmittag
Bad reviews are more often funnier to read than the good.
Yes, some reviewers are just down right idiots.
Still fun to read though.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: The Black Knight am Oktober 05, 2006, 07:49:19 Nachmittag
Absolutely! Though I think it's good to take the critics that are at least a bit constructive and make some good out of it. In these certain cases there are not much of the constructive, nor professional, bits included.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Storm am Oktober 05, 2006, 08:10:39 Nachmittag
True. Critics that doesn't even like the concept of the music is nothing to listen to. They will not like it as long as it is what it is. Hehe, get my point? :)

A ctitic who likes the type of music you play is someone to listen to.

If any... In Stefans case I say, listen to yourself and the fans will like it, screw the rest. ;)
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Stefan W am Oktober 05, 2006, 08:16:30 Nachmittag
HAHAHA!! Well that´s not really constructive, but still good for me.

I must admit that one can be somewhat blind to ones own creation.
Sort of stuck inside the wheel.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Storm am Oktober 05, 2006, 08:30:02 Nachmittag
Who said anything about constructive? ;)
What is that, can you eat it? :D
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Ragnar am Oktober 06, 2006, 07:46:33 Nachmittag
:evil:
This retard needs to be shot
http://www.subba-cultcha.com/article.php?id=3150

By far the fucking stupidest and immature review I've ever heard. Makes the other two new reviews look good.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Storm am Oktober 06, 2006, 07:57:57 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "Ragnar"
:evil:
This retard needs to be shot
http://www.subba-cultcha.com/article.php?id=3150

By far the fucking stupidest and immature review I've ever heard. Makes the other two new reviews look good.


Yeah, he needs a proper beating for sure... That was...like the most immature review ever. Probably made by a techno-digging freak so high on acid he can´t spell his own name without a the aid in MS Words.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: <Horus-Nikopol> am Oktober 06, 2006, 08:01:34 Nachmittag
Great. I'm back from Egypt and the album has been sent back to Amazon because I wasn't here to receive it.

I'm dying here, you guys. Just so you know.   :angry:

Does the world's No.1 Falconite deserve this? (runs quickly)
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: AngelOfMusic am Oktober 06, 2006, 11:36:39 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "<Horus-Nikopol>"
Great. I'm back from Egypt and the album has been sent back to Amazon because I wasn't here to receive it.

I'm dying here, you guys. Just so you know.   :angry:

Does the world's No.1 Falconite deserve this? (runs quickly)


No, because I already got mine in the mail almost immediately.  ;)
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Radagast am Oktober 07, 2006, 09:45:49 Vormittag
Zitat von: "AngelOfMusic"
Zitat von: "<Horus-Nikopol>"
Great. I'm back from Egypt and the album has been sent back to Amazon because I wasn't here to receive it.

I'm dying here, you guys. Just so you know.   :angry:

Does the world's No.1 Falconite deserve this? (runs quickly)


No, because I already got mine in the mail almost immediately.  ;)

Oooh snap. :lol:

Well looks like I finally  managed to figure out Metal Blade's shop and get a response from them, so I should have the album before too long.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Prab am Oktober 07, 2006, 10:09:54 Vormittag
@Birdie

man, that's annoying :(
hope you'll get the album soon!
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Stridström am Oktober 07, 2006, 07:34:56 Nachmittag
Tjena - det här bli ett helsvensk inlägg, den som känner för att översätta är välkommen att göra så.

Vill bara berätta att jag har lyssnat på metal och musik i allmänhet av alla slag i många år , men den dagen jag hörde Falconer för fösta gången kände jag att: det här nog var det bästa jag hört på alla sät och vis. Instrumentalt, textmässigt, melodimässigt, rätt tyngd och rytm - allt! - och framförallt så hade sångaren en fantastisk röst som passade som hand i handske med allt jag hörde! - Matthias Blad
Döm om min förvåning när jag fick höra av mer uppdaterade "hardcore" metalskallar att sångaren minsann skulle sluta med Falconer (!) och börja med musikaler, eller liknande...
Den dagen tänkte jag att det i sanning var en stor sorg för all musik och i synnerhet metal, för vilken symbios (!) som skulle till att splittras.
Nog för att det lät bra på alla vis även därefter och jag lyssnade såklart på Falconer även efter detta, men allt stämde ändå inte till 100%

Därför blev jag väldigt glad när jag fick läsa att Falconer nyss släppt en ny skiva, i Hi-fi & musik - Northwind - och jag sitter nu här och vill bara berätta att även om jag inte än lyssnat på skivan så är jag i färd med att köpa den fortast möjligt, och jag är oerhört lättad över att folk tagit sitt förnuft tillfånga och låter världens bästa grupp fortsätta att berika musikvärlden.

Falconer är på alla vis i sanning en musikalisk fullträff!

Robert
Titel: lallarsvingar...
Beitrag von: Stridström am Oktober 07, 2006, 08:30:21 Nachmittag
Glömde skriva det, jag tycker även att produceringen och mixningen av Falconers musik är förstklassig!
Här ska man veta att jag i stort är snudd på perfektionist och med bättre ljudåtergivning på senare år så har jag förstått varför exempelvis "Maiden" nu har tappat mycket personlig mark, och så få andra än Falconer håller måttet.
Detta är verkligen något som måste klargöras tydligt, för har man lagt ner många sköna tusingar på sin musik ska det såklart låta bra, allt annat är oacceptabelt.

Falconer ÄR perfektion!

// Robert
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Storm am Oktober 07, 2006, 09:17:54 Nachmittag
Why do you not write in english so all the people who are NOT swedish understand what you say?
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: The Black Knight am Oktober 07, 2006, 10:23:13 Nachmittag
I think someone will translate it pretty soon...
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: <Horus-Nikopol> am Oktober 08, 2006, 12:01:48 Vormittag
Wäre wünschenswert.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: jakob_hasse am Oktober 08, 2006, 12:31:53 Nachmittag
Yes please, I talk very badly Schweden!
 
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Prab am Oktober 08, 2006, 07:03:52 Nachmittag
Hey guys!

Just added 3 new reviews by people who really dig "Northwind".
Check them out in the first posting :)
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: jakob_hasse am Oktober 08, 2006, 07:38:49 Nachmittag
I like the italian very much... I can help but wonder why Chapters still seems much longer than northwind even though it has 9 tracks fewer...
 
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Storm am Oktober 08, 2006, 08:00:32 Nachmittag
I liked the italian aswell.

It is funny how different these reviews tend to get if the reviewer likes that kind of metal or not...:)
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Esde am Oktober 09, 2006, 11:22:34 Vormittag
About Mathias killing albums is outrageous!

He's truly the best singer i've ever heard. The new album is so great, can't stop listening to it. BIG thanks to falconer for making such great music. In me you got another fan for life!

kiss, thx bye for now.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Prab am Oktober 11, 2006, 10:52:21 Vormittag
Added one new review - with a rather mixed opinion.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Storm am Oktober 11, 2006, 03:06:38 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "Prab"
Added one new review - with a rather mixed opinion.


Even though I disagree with some of the things the reviewer writes, I kind of like that kind of reviews anyway. He knows atleast something about metal, and a t least something about Falconer..that is a start...

I strongly dislike the fact that he make it sounds like the only reason Falconer wanted Mathias back was because without him they sold no records...
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: jakob_hasse am Oktober 11, 2006, 05:02:16 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "Storm"
I strongly dislike the fact that he make it sounds like the only reason Falconer wanted Mathias back was because without him they sold no records...


I though that was a big part of it...
 
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Storm am Oktober 11, 2006, 05:54:11 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "jakob_hasse"
Zitat von: "Storm"
I strongly dislike the fact that he make it sounds like the only reason Falconer wanted Mathias back was because without him they sold no records...


I though that was a big part of it...
 


I thought it was the kind of music that they wanted to play that was the issue...
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Stefan W am Oktober 11, 2006, 06:55:48 Nachmittag
We wanted to play that style because it's my natural style of writing.
Noone does that style better than Mathias of course and we get a better product
Another positive result of have Mathias is that we sell more albums.

Everyone wins if we combine these 3 things.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Storm am Oktober 11, 2006, 07:40:42 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "Stefan W"
We wanted to play that style because it's my natural style of writing.
Noone does that style better than Mathias of course and we get a better product
Another positive result of have Mathias is that we sell more albums.

Everyone wins if we combine these 3 things.


Yeah, that's how I thought it was...:)
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: <Horus-Nikopol> am Oktober 12, 2006, 06:16:27 Nachmittag
I know it's pathetic that the biggest fan would be the last one to comment on the album, but now that I finally possess the album and have had a few days to let it work its way into my brain - here's my review:

1. The cover artwork
It's the worst Falconer cover ever. Everything looks sorta crammed in there, doesn't make a cohesive picture and there is no space for the eye to rest. The colors are nice, though.

2. The overall design of the digipack and booklet is awesome! The blue and gray fit the title nicely. I'm loving the band photos (plus the ones that are on the website). The pose pictures look cool and powerful, but not as over the top as the GvG ones. A job well done. Some of the pictures are funny or maybe a little self-ironic. Like the one with Mathias fiddling around his costume and Stefan holding that ventilator with that most peculiar look on his face. Cracks me up.

3. In addition with the making of and the "music vid" for Tower, it is great to finally witness some of the real world chemistry within the band AND Mathias. The whole thing finally puts a face and a real person on that voice that you have known for so long. Up til now Mathias had "only" been a great voice but no person one could relate to. That had always been - in my mind - the one advantage Kriss used to have over his predecessor and now successor. Anyway, it's nice to "get to know" Mathias a little.

Now let's get to the music, which is sort of relevant to an album review  :wink:

1. Northwind
The verses and the bridge are very strong and draw me into the atmosphere of the song and the album. Hearing Mathias' voice again is simply fantastic. As a Falconer fan, I feel as "home" with the music like I haven't in a long time. This is Falconer back to their former greatness.
The chorus is pretty weak though. It is too simple and no matter how often I listen to it, it does not grow on me. So even though the verses and bridge kick ass, the rather boring chorus prevents this from being a great opening track.

2. Waltz with the Dead
Sorry, but this is the worst song on the album. It's boring, there are no climaxes in this song. Painfully unspectacular and a bad choice to place this as Nr. 2 after a title track that was itself not entirely gold.

3. Spirit of the Hawk
Finally! This is a killer song that makes me want to blow my speakers! Great lyrics, very powerful, makes me want to found a Church of the Hawk. A worthy successor to "Wings of Serenity" Maybe you should make a medley of the two. In a live performance that would be great!  :twisted:

4. Legend and the Lore
Great medieval feel, enchanting lyrics, Mathias' voice is really magical in this one. I'm loving it!

5. Catch the Shadows
One of the best songs! I like the philosphical content of the lyrics, the chorus is catchy (but not *too* catchy like Emotional Skies) - and the last two parts "as the sun descends..." and especially "the scent of dawn..." are so beautiful, they bring tears to my eyes.

6. Tower of the Queen
Another fantastic song and one of my all-time Falconer favorites already. The classical medieval beginning part has a beautiful melody that increases exponentially in awesomeness as Mathias' divine vocals kick in. I don't care what some people say, this song is gold!

7. Long Gone By
Beautiful ballad, better than Portals of Light. I could listen to this one for hours.

8. Perjury and Sanctity
This is by far the BEST friggin song on the album and quite possible even the best Falconer song ever. I do not say this lightly, because I already have to songs fighting for the "best song throne" in my head (Lord of the Blacksmiths and Sceptre of Deception) and I really don't need another pretender. Still, here it is. The song busts me to the floor (no pun intended) the first second with the powerful riffs and the smashing drums. Mathias is really in his prime here, the melodies are awesome, I love the criticism of religion here, and the German chorus is sooo great, especially where it's all silent in the background and then the organ kicks in and it grows heavier and heavier... ahhh this is gold.

9. Fairlyland Fanfare
When I first read the title, I thought: "Hm, is this the gay cousin of Clarion Call?" But seriously: Funny, happy, romantical song that gives me a good mood instantly. The alliterations are clever and funny - I bet that was a long day with the dictionary, eh, Stefan?  :wink:

10. Himmel Sa Trind
I love the traditional Swedish stuff. Nuff said.

11. Blinded
Great song, but it doesn't have that special something that would make it outstanding like "Spirit...", "Catch..." "Tower..." or "P&S" The chorus is very catchy though, and I think the song will continue to grow on me.

12. Delusion
The second best song on the album and also an instant classic. A lot of criticism of religion respectively abuse of power on this album, very nice. The melodies and the lyrics give me goosebumps and the lyrics of the chorus are propbably the most intelligent ones Stefan has ever written. "Would the Prophet or the Messiah then really welcome you in?" That is my favorite line in Falconer's history.

13. Home of the Knave
I love it how you managed to write a - seemingly - random medieval song that contains a lot of potential for controversy (as seen on the boards) when you think about the allegory. A perfect example how power metal can be about "swords and kings and shit" and still say some very relevant things. Nice job!

14. Black Tarn
Nice. Not great though. And is it just me or does the one part sound exactly like the part from Waltz... where Mathias sings "an illusion of pleasure,  an illusion of pain..."? Is this just a coincidence or did you feel like, heck, this melody is so good, let's use it twice?  :wink:

Okay then there are the other Swedish songs. I like them all, I don't understand a word, but they sound awesome. All I have to say. I especially like the beginning of Ridom, Ridom, that just makes me wanna dance instantly.  :P

So what do I make of this album?

It's a great album. Falconer are back to their erstwhile glory and they even have improved along the way. The lyrics get better with every album and the music and production sound more and more sophisticated. I also embrace the increased use of background instruments like the piano, the organ etc. I would like to hear some more orchestrated stuff and maybe a big choir or two on the next album.

There are several big hits here (Spirit, Catch, Tower, P&S, Delusion) and some that are not that spectatcular and maybe a miss or  two - but when you are given so much unique Falconer music all at once (which I am immensely grateful for), I can easily forgive a few minor mistakes.
My biggest regret is that there are so few songs here that really *rock*. Most songs on the debut album began rocking and hard and still managed to be epic and magical.
The songs on Northwind are pretty much all epic and magical, but tend to be too soft while doing so.

This is "only" the second best Falconer album in my opinion, because it just is not heavy enough. You need more killers like Upon the Grave, Heresy, Wings, Sceptre, etc. Then you can still do softer, happier ones like Catch, Tower, Fairyland etc.
Still, this is one major accomplishment for the band, a great gift for the fans (which will become many more after this album, I am sure) and a piece of wonderful music that will forever be part of the soundtrack of my life.

Thank you, Falconer, for all that!

Oh yeah and my name appears in the booklet.  :cheers: Thanks, Stefan!

Greetings,

The Guy with the Bird Head

PS: You have to record one of your next live gigs and publish a DVD + live CD! I implore you! Pleeeeeaaaaseeee! I'll blackmail Metal Blade if necessary.

PS 2: A little tip from one perfectionist to the other: Next time take the time and have someone (a native speaker would be best) proofread your lyrics for grammatical mistakes. I have noticed that you sometimes employ the third person singular form of verbs when the subject is in fact plural. Like "two lying hollow eyes is staring back", "the troops of doom has left the ground" or now "tunes of mendacity whispers"
Of course music isn't about grammar, but these things can easily be avoided.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: The Black Knight am Oktober 12, 2006, 07:03:01 Nachmittag
Great review, Bird-man!
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: AngelOfMusic am Oktober 12, 2006, 08:45:59 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "<Horus-Nikopol>"


PS 2: A little tip from one perfectionist to the other: Next time take the time and have someone (a native speaker would be best) proofread your lyrics for grammatical mistakes. I have noticed that you sometimes employ the third person singular form of verbs when the subject is in fact plural. Like "two lying hollow eyes is staring back", "the troops of doom has left the ground" or now "tunes of mendacity whispers"
Of course music isn't about grammar, but these things can easily be avoided.


*raises hand* I volunteer to proof-read!


Hey bird-man, you mind if I post your review on the Myspace page?
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: jakob_hasse am Oktober 12, 2006, 09:21:22 Nachmittag
Great review! I especially like the fact that you think perjury and sanctity is the best song... I would agree if Himmel så trind hadn't been on the album as well... Superb song!
I would have liked Long gone by to have been twice as long... A second and third verse would have rocked!
 
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: <Horus-Nikopol> am Oktober 12, 2006, 09:44:26 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "AngelOfMusic"
Hey bird-man, you mind if I post your review on the Myspace page?


Sure, I'd be honored!  :)

Jakob, I agree, Long Gone By isn't quite long enough.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: AngelOfMusic am Oktober 12, 2006, 09:54:13 Nachmittag
There you go sweets!  http://www.myspace.com/falconermusic   It should be under the music player on the page.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: <Horus-Nikopol> am Oktober 12, 2006, 09:58:10 Nachmittag
Thanks, Angel!   :D
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Prab am Oktober 13, 2006, 07:25:09 Vormittag
Well said Birdie :) Great review!

I like "Waltz with the Dead" though :) That song has a sinister and gloomy feeling to it, I feel.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Ancient Minstrel am Oktober 13, 2006, 03:15:36 Nachmittag
I actually think that Waltz with the Dead is one of the five best songs on the album.

About the grammatical mistakes: shouldn't it be "where our Eden lay" in Long Gone By or do you mean something else?
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: soko am Oktober 14, 2006, 06:41:47 Nachmittag
Great album, but   fast parts of songs must be faster ,  just like "Perjury And Sanctity" wich is the best song on the album besides "Spirit Of The Hawk"
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Odin am Oktober 14, 2006, 07:03:07 Nachmittag
Hm. 'Spirit...' is really simple and straight, not too elaborate (muscially as well as lyrically). Still it's one of my faves as well, yes. :)

Birdie - it seems our tastes differ at some points, but that's fine anyway. ;)
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: <Horus-Nikopol> am Oktober 15, 2006, 04:53:06 Vormittag
And what are those points, exactly? I would like to know.  :wink:

Because I would agree to pretty much everything you said in yor review.

With Egyptian regards,

The Guy with the Falcon Head
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Odin am Oktober 15, 2006, 03:40:36 Nachmittag
Okay, no major differences probably, but I'm not into the ballad that much this time. I don't really know why, but I just love for example 'Portals Of Light' more than this one.

Hm, overall... having re-read your review I actually wonder what I was thinking about, when I wrote that. Haha!  :lol:
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Prab am Oktober 23, 2006, 10:40:02 Vormittag
Hey guys!

Added four more reviews to "Northwind".
Have fun reading  :)

Greetz
Prab
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: AngelOfMusic am Oktober 24, 2006, 04:34:17 Nachmittag
Metal Covenant has a Northwind review: http://www.metalcovenant.com/pages/index.htm

Something tells me that they liked it.  :mrgreen:
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Stefan W am Oktober 24, 2006, 04:37:32 Nachmittag
I stopped after a while with this one since I didn't get too much of it.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Radagast am Oktober 24, 2006, 04:41:15 Nachmittag
God, MettleAngel is annoying. His stupid alliteration jerkoffs pollute Metal Archives as well. 7000 words to say exactly nothing. :roll:
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: AngelOfMusic am Oktober 24, 2006, 06:02:09 Nachmittag
Yeah, I sort of skimmed the article.  And jumped around.  I'm just glad they liked it.

Though I kind of wonder what the review would be like if they didin't like it... :lol:
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Mindtraveller am Oktober 24, 2006, 07:37:56 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "Radagast"
God, MettleAngel is annoying. His stupid alliteration jerkoffs pollute Metal Archives as well. 7000 words to say exactly nothing. :roll:


Have to agree. He has the dubious honour of being one of the worst reviewers around. And that's saying something, given that the vast majority of reviews on the net are pretty much useless crap.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Prab am Oktober 25, 2006, 08:12:37 Vormittag
Phew the Metal Covenant review is really too much! I didn't finish it either....
Still, I added that one to the review collection in the first posting.

Yeah, most reviews online are just done by fans and not professional editors. So some are quite hard to read.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Mindtraveller am Oktober 26, 2006, 08:29:18 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "Prab"
Yeah, most reviews online are just done by fans and not professional editors. So some are quite hard to read.


Well, it's not much of a Pro vs. Fan thing, some professional reviews are as bad as some fan ones. There are actually some non-pro people who write some of the more interesting and informed reviews. The main problem is that -be it pro or fan- most people seem to not really listen to music. I know of guys who download an album, put it on while they eat a sandwich and play a game, yet when the album ends they are ready to pass holy judgement (usually "this is crap") and move on to the next MP3s. This also applies to many of the pros who don't give the time to an album because, well, there are some other dozens of promos to go through and the review needs to get done. Then you have of course, the gimmick reviewers, the "I just pulled this fact out of my ass" reviewer, or the plain out "I like this album, it sounds cool and it rules! Get it!" kind. (Ok, I'm exaggerating on this last one :P).

Anyway, I'll probably finish my own review soon. I'll put it here accordingly, so you guys can bash it then! :mrgreen:
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: jakob_hasse am Oktober 26, 2006, 08:56:02 Nachmittag
Zitat von: "Mindtraveller"
Anyway, I'll probably finish my own review soon. I'll put it here accordingly, so you guys can bash it then! :mrgreen:


We'll do that with utmost pleasure...

 
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Mindtraveller am Oktober 27, 2006, 12:53:11 Vormittag
Zitat von: "jakob_hasse"
We'll do that with utmost pleasure...  


Okie, here it is then:

This album is, in fact, labeled Power Metal. When I think of this genre of metal I think of nazi Germans dancing happily around flowers with some electric guitars, singing "Oh how much I love halloween!!" but this certainly is not the case with Falconer. I don't know why they're labeled power metal. I suppose it's the syrupy keys or silly dungeons and dragons lyrics. The vocalist has  a very unique voice, despite him having a name like Bald, and it can't quite be described. He sounds like a complete charm at times. It's like he's trying to immitate that Peter guy from Jesuschrist Superstar. This turns out rather good, however. It's a somewhat low end voice, but sensibly high pitched at times too! Not the constipation high pitch that True Heavy Metal find so beautiful and True though. It's obvious that Bald is a mighty vocalist and swordbearer supreme.

However, as unlikely as it may be, since it's so damn unnoticable with Mr. Theater Boy in the front constantly, there are other band members as well, all contributing with what they do best. Each members play their own special instrument even!! The extreme melody of this album is provided by the super duper guitarwork and keys. The riffs are totally phat. Indeed I think that this could have been death metal if Bald didn't sing so much, but instead provided a death vocal. Fortunately he doesn't do such unoriginal bullshit!

Basically what I'm trying to say is that the music in this album is catchy, yet powerful, brutal, and heavy at the same time. The end result I think is very brilliant. With this, Falconer have  released five excellent albums of truly awesome heavy metal! Go buy their albums TODAY!
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: <Horus-Nikopol> am Oktober 27, 2006, 01:10:06 Vormittag
1. The name is Blad, not bald ^^

2. nazi Germans?  :shock:
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: jakob_hasse am Oktober 27, 2006, 03:35:35 Vormittag
I thought nazis didn't like power metal?? Aren't they more into punk and so? What about that guy Lunikoff?
 
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Radagast am Oktober 27, 2006, 10:51:15 Vormittag
Zitat von: "Mindtraveller"
Zitat von: "jakob_hasse"
We'll do that with utmost pleasure...  


Okie, here it is then:

This album is, in fact, labeled Power Metal. When I think of this genre of metal I think of nazi Germans dancing happily around flowers with some electric guitars, singing "Oh how much I love halloween!!" but this certainly is not the case with Falconer. I don't know why they're labeled power metal. I suppose it's the syrupy keys or silly dungeons and dragons lyrics. The vocalist has  a very unique voice, despite him having a name like Bald, and it can't quite be described. He sounds like a complete charm at times. It's like he's trying to immitate that Peter guy from Jesuschrist Superstar. This turns out rather good, however. It's a somewhat low end voice, but sensibly high pitched at times too! Not the constipation high pitch that True Heavy Metal find so beautiful and True though. It's obvious that Bald is a mighty vocalist and swordbearer supreme.

However, as unlikely as it may be, since it's so damn unnoticable with Mr. Theater Boy in the front constantly, there are other band members as well, all contributing with what they do best. Each members play their own special instrument even!! The extreme melody of this album is provided by the super duper guitarwork and keys. The riffs are totally phat. Indeed I think that this could have been death metal if Bald didn't sing so much, but instead provided a death vocal. Fortunately he doesn't do such unoriginal bullshit!

Basically what I'm trying to say is that the music in this album is catchy, yet powerful, brutal, and heavy at the same time. The end result I think is very brilliant. With this, Falconer have  released five excellent albums of truly awesome heavy metal! Go buy their albums TODAY!

Lolocaust.
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Mindtraveller am November 06, 2006, 05:11:51 Vormittag
Well, after an absurdly long time, here is the final draft of the review, which means it still has to go through the style correction and other thingies. Hopefully it will do a good job of describing what the album is about though.

---

This album is, in fact, labeled Power Metal. The notion, however, isn't entirely accurate. Falconer did start as a Power Metal band, but have since consistently strayed away from the genre, leaning more towards the sound that can simply be tagged as Heavy Metal. Northwind is a Heavy Metal album, of the melodic, classier kind, with an added folky influence. As a matter of fact, the sound of this record is much more akin to that of old school Metal than it is to that of contemporary Power Metal.

Northwind, for the most part, presents a more contemplative approach. The lyrics, which are written on a medieval kind of way, serve mostly as metaphors for universal themes. Take for example "Home of the Knave", having a central figure of such an individual like George W. Bush, but without making overtly specific references that would relegate the lyrics to one of those single "socially aware of current events" crap songs (The track also features an amusing wry ending by the way, showing the band's sense of humour). Other good example would be "Delusion", which is an obvious jab at religious terrorism, but once again leaving itself open enough to work on a plethora of situations and times. There are also some songs that take a different path, dwelling into a fantastic and folkoric realm, not of the typical sword and sorcery kind, but making actual references to Scandinavian folklore.

As for the music, the folk influence is stronger than before, and the songs come across as grand and intricate, even though upon further inspection, they have relatively simple structures and are not really long. The drumming is quite musical as always, and it seems that Karsten Larsson doesn't quite get the recognition he deserves for this. He has a very subtle technique, which lets the music breathe and isn't intrusive at all. Both guitarists  compliment each other's guitarwork very nicely, and the contrast is quite enkoyable. Whereas Weinerhall plays the more mid-tempo melodic breaks and leads, Hedlund provides the lightning fast, yet very melodic, soloing. This is riff oriented music, and these riffs are quite creative and finely crafted. The bass provides that extra thunderous backbone that accentuates the rhythm guitars, but is also the only one slight disappointment. Linhardt is a capable player, but it would have been nice to hear his instrument doing some more things from time to time, maybe some more independent basslines here and there, but this is a minor gripe, if anything. Then there is of course Mathias Blad, who is one of the nicest surprises of the album. He sounds better than ever before, using his voice in many interesting ways. He is all over the spectrum, going higher than before, lower than before, and in general taking a much more decisive and daring approach. He even sounds much more closer to a Metal vocalist when he takes a slightier aggressive path. Just listen to the last line of the chorus of "Blinded", where his delivery is pretty reminiscent of the one a certain Kristoffer Göbel would probably give. There is no doubt that Mathias has a gifted voice and is a professional singer. The vocal harmonies are flawlessly executed and enrich the music very much. And speaking of enhancing the music, there must be mention of the keyboards, which are played by Weinerhall; these keys provide a good amount of musical ornamentation that is almost baroque-like in its composition. These are mostly independent  melodies that compliment the already melodic music. A song like "Spirit of the Hawk" is taken to higher levels thanks much to the keys during the chorus. They are also very organic sounding, resembling real instruments almost to perfection. Sometimes though, they can be a bit distracting and overbearing, but such occurences are few.

The songs are pretty consistent, and there aren't any really weak tracks in here. Some of them are pretty folky, like the outstanding "Himmel Sa Trind", which is Weinerhall's attempt at writing his own "traditional" song, and he succeeds admirably. The track is one of the highlights of the album, describing the arrival of winter  in a very powerful manner (not speaking solely about the lyrics here). And there is "Walts with the Dead", which is actually co-written by Weinerhall and Hedlund, and is another highlight, with a beautiful and haunting melody that creates an unique gloomy atmosphere. There are also some Heavy / Speed Metal songs, and a couple of actually bluesy rock 'n' rollish tunes. The remarkable feat is that the consistency is never lost, and all the songs share a similar vibe, despite these differences.

The album -as a whole- is permeated by an underlying wistful atmosphere. Almost tempting is to call it a charming mixture of glum and glee, but perhaps this last one is too strong a word for the intended description. This is music that transpires a sense of austere solitude, yet with moments that provide warmth and a kinda joyful vibe. Northwind is a very, very good album which paints images of a winter landscape, where the lone snowy fields provide a subtle natural allure, and yet beneath a veil of snow there are traces of a distant structure of grand, elaborate and elegant beauty.

---

Off the record:

· Personally, I don't consider Northwind better than Falconer, but it is almost, if not as good.

· This has been one of the most difficult albums to review, simply because I wanted to say much more things, but the review is already long as it is, and the intention shouldn't be to write an essay.

· For some reason, the intro of "Legend and the Lore" reminds me of John Morris' "The Elephant Man Theme", which is an amazing piece of music. Not so much because there are similarites in the melody or structure, but because of the atmosphere that is achieved. Likewise, "Himmel Sa Trind" reminded me of the first movement of Vivaldi's "Winter", again, not because of the melodies, and this time not because of the atmosphere, but because of the strength in which both convey the arrival of the station.

That's about it. Flame away if you will! :mrgreen:
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: The Black Knight am November 06, 2006, 07:40:06 Vormittag
GREAT review, Mindtraveller! Perhaps the best Falconer review I've read in years! (I think I said this to some other bloke before, but this review really kicks ass!)
Titel: Northwind Reviews
Beitrag von: Radagast am November 06, 2006, 10:58:10 Vormittag
A good read as always, Mindtraveller, I have similar views on many aspects of the album.

My own review will be up on http://www.metalcdratings.com by the end of the month.[/shameless plug]