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Rating:
Second effort from the Swedes Falconer. After the first self-titled album, a good but not exceptional work, the group presents this powerful and expressive record. It is pure and simple power metal without too many frills, not too baroque, yet which nevertheless contributes to creating beautiful medieval atmospheres.
The album opens with two very interesting tracks that captivate the listener. "Decadence Of Dignity," which initially does not excite, reveals a beautiful chorus. From here, one can already discern the group's strengths and weaknesses. The singer Mathias Blad reveals a very deep voice, sparing high notes at the edge of ultrasound. A unique and pleasant voice timbre. The guitar and bass do their job well, without venturing into unnecessary virtuosity. The only flaw is the drums, not exactly outstanding. "Enter The Glade" is another strong point of the album, less frenetic than the previous one, but confirming the musicians' skills. "Lament Of A Minstrel" begins with a nice introduction with a medieval fantasy flavor, before turning into a rocking piece. "For Life And Liberty" is a very beautiful track, halfway between hard rock and Rage-style power metal. The tone slows down with the profound "We Sold Our Homesteads," also with a predominantly rock essence, with some more power-infused elements. A nice power metal can be found in "The Clarion Call." The guitar and drums are very aggressive, leading into a beautiful chorus, second only to the opening track. "Portals Of Light" is the obligatory ballad, nothing new, but still a beautiful song, enriched by the use of the piano and Blad's beautiful voice. "Stand In Veneration" is peculiar, assuming a more "folk" character, with some additional vocal overdubbing. The last track is one of the album's highlights, "Busted To The Floor." It has a somewhat banal start, but eventually reveals a slightly more complex structure, with more sudden tempo changes.
A good album from a good band, enjoyable to listen to and not falling too much into the "already heard."
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 Decadence of Dignity (04:23)
When profit shows his face
our sense of clarity is washed away.
Spinning round the axle of greed,
don't let the economy stagnate
for it's our creed.
I turn my head away in shame
as you crave for more,
selling out what is not yours to sell.
We're the pimps of it all.
Living in the decadence of our dignity.
When silver waves his hand,
we kneel so eagerly.
Living in the decadence of our dignity.
Where man will take command
we'll sail astray in greed.
Come into my booth and trade.
What about the exclusive bargain
for the day?
I can satisfy all your needs.
Sell your future and you will profit today,
do your deeds.
I turn my head away in shame
as you crave for more,
selling out what is not yours to sell.
We're the pimps of it all.
Living in the decadence of our dignity.
When silver waves his hand,
we kneel so eagerly.
Living in the decadence of our dignity.
Where man will take command
we'll sail astray in greed.
05 We Sold Our Homesteads (04:12)
We sold our homesteads and started on our way
just like the birds will fly when autumn is here to stay.
One day they will return, come spring again that's when.
But we will never see our native country again.
At first we travelled through the English countryside
on tracks and on wagons as quickly as birds would fly.
It was a lovely sight to see the land at last
but all the glorious sights kept flashing by too fast.
And later when we came to Liverpuddlian bay
the tears of regret finally started to have their say.
The hearts then started burning in each and everyone
we only talked of Sweden that used to be our home.
We all were packed together in one unhealthy cave
it was as if we'd stepped into an open grave.
The food that we had brought from blessed Swedish land
was suddenly forbidden and taken from our hand.
And when we had been sailing for just a week or two
a horrid kind of darkness was clouding our view.
We couldn't see each other and hardly breathe or walk
it was a gruesome anguish for all people aboard.
The air was filled with hunger and drenched in wretched cries,
the howling and the noises would pierce right through the skies
and death became the ruler that forces us to our knees.
The dead were buried in the horrid fathom of the seas.
06 The Clarion Call (05:49)
All my visions of seeing tomorrow
It's cracking and fading away
Hopes of glory are drowned in sorrow
This distension expels us to the yesterday
Leave the truth to your lust of pride
They fight so brave a heart
Or cast the oak of Endiaside
And keep the land from falling apart
Do you hear the clarion call
It's calling out to one and all
Who will live and who will fall
Who will walk the golden hall
Do you hear the clarion call
It's calling out to one and all
Who is right and who is wrong
Whose side is god really on
What are the alliances and treaties for
As pretenders haven't look to the sky
All the trumpets will sounds once more
And victory will be given another try
Do you hear the clarion call
It's calling out to one and all
Who will live and who will fall
Who will walk the golden hall
Do you hear the clarion call
It's calling out to one and all
Our blood must be spilled
So the nobles vision
Can be fulfilled
The night harvest our land
While the good citizens reach for their dreams
The nation split by force hands
While their pride slowly vaporise
Into a steam that escapes their eyes
A fool is he who can not foresee
Hell is what this our land will be
Yes, hell is what this our land will be
Do you hear the clarion call
It's calling out to one and all
Who will live and who will fall
Who will walk the golden hall
Do you hear the clarion call
It's calling out to one and all
Who is right and who is wrong
Whose side is god really on
Do you hear the clarion call
It's calling out to one and all
Who will live and who will fall
Who will walk the golden hall
Do you hear the clarion call
It's calling out to one and all
Which side will finally prevail
While the other side will fail
How many pretenders can we endure
The land is bleeding so not many more
Who may better the royal swept a sway
Questions, questions
You'll see at the end of the day
09 Busted to the Floor (04:15)
There are too many stones and life is just made of glass. Mark the words of the fool he will tell you the truth, oh so cruel. You say and I will believe although I stumble and fall. Deceived by my own eyes. Trust is a gamble with pain, roll the dice! Give my your confidence and I'll lock the door. Offer me the same and I'll be busted to the floor. Take a walk upon the ice or ride the light of day. Dance with flames of fire, you will burn with the words, of the liar.
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