This is my first experience with the music of Germany's Falkenbach, and I must say their take on folky Black/Viking Metal is pretty convincing. Heralding-The Fireblade is the successor to 2003's Ok Nefna Tysvar Ty, and although I've yet to hear that one, this latest platter from the band is certainly strong enough to warrant an investigation on my part. Those who are familiar with the band will be happy to know that the bands upbeat blend of folk instrumentation, melodic clean vocals (great to sing along to I might add), scorching black metal screams, symphonic keyboards, and crushing metal guitars, is in full force here. So pick up your mug of ale and get ready for a rousing good time!
Songs like "Havamal" and "Heathen Foray" are instantly memorable folk metal anthems, with soaring clean vocals, folky acoustic and bombastic electric guitars, and catchy hymn-like choruses. They mix things up on the symphonic black metal juggernaut "Of Forests Unknown", as well as the driving anthem "Roman Land", a song that will prompt you to not only bang your head but to hoist your glass in the air and dance the Viking jig.
Other noteworthy songs include the raging "Heralder", which will appeal instantly to fans of Dragonlord, Dimmu Borgir, Bjorknagar, and Amon Amarth, and the doomy yet orchestral "Walkiesjar", complete with epic sounding guitars and keyboards, not to mention a myriad of different vocal styles. Band leader and mastermind Vratyas Vakyas has put together a real winner here. Fans of symphonic and melodic Black Metal would be well advised to check this band out, and starting with Heralding-The Fireblade is as good a place to start as any.
Track Listing
1) Heathen Foray
2) Of Forests Unknown
3) Havamal
4) Roman Land
5) Heralder
6) Laeknishendr
7) Walkiesjar
8) Skirnir
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