Power metal act Falconer have taken a big chance here with their latest Metal Blade release Armod. Sung entirely in Swedish, the band are paying tribute here to their native land, delivering a collection of power & folk metal songs that, while heavy and catchy, have the potential to alienate fans who just can't get into the vocals for obvious reasons. Funny thing is, despite the Swedish vocals, it's a damn good album, fantastically produced by none other than Andy LaRocque, and overall just a lot of fun.
Lead singer Mathias Blad not only acts as vocalist here, but also as narrator, so the whole affair comes across as one big Swedish folk tale, complete with traditional instruments as well as your crushing heavy metal attack. Folk metal fans will love the engaging "Dimmornas Drottning", a song that will instantly prompt you to raise your glass high, and "Gritefrid" sees the band rampaging forth with power metal & black metal instensity, as raging drum blasts and power riffs raise the bar to majestic levels. Plenty of tasty solos & riffs throughout from Jimmy Hedlund and Stefan Weinerhall, especially on "Fru Silfver", where they are paired up with some gorgeous flute work, making for an interesting combination that almost sounds like a collision of Jethro Tull and Korpiklaani.
All in all Armod is an entertaining release that should please most power & folk metal fans. It does have its limitations due to the Swedish vocals, but if you can get past that there's a lot of fun to be had here.
Track Listing
1. Svarta Änkan
2. Dimmornas Drottning
3. Griftefrid
4. O, Tysta Ensamhet
5. Vid Rosornas Grav
6. Grimborg
7. Herr Peder Och Hans Syster
8. Eklundapolskan
9. Grimasch Om Morgonen
10. Fru Silfver
11. Gammal Fäbodpsalm
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