The Coronation--mp3

The band's third release finds several changes having taken place, as a second guitarist has been added to the fray, but more importantly the presence of powerful and unique vocalist Matthias Blad is missing. When Blad's departure from the band was announced in early 2003, the general consensus in the metal world was that Falconer was all but done, as it was the deep-set vocals that gave them much of their distinction. However, fret not, as the band has likely found one of the few voices to fill those shoes: Kristoffer Gobel. A relative unknown, Gobel sounds very Blad-like in his deep moments, but also does a "regular" power metal voice in more of a traditional way, as well. He has an edge that was missing before, and in all is a great choice for a replacement--and assures the band of continuing with its special brand of music.
As a release overall, this is much more vibrant than Vale Forlorn, and several tracks come close to rivaling those from the debut. The story is conceptual, and is based in 11th century royal Sweden. There are plenty of lyrical visuals depicting kings, peasants, the countryside, and horses galloping... but it wouldn't be Falconer without them, now would it? No complaints here.
From the first line of "The Coronation" you know that Gobel will be able to handle the job, and "Pledge For Freedom" is another strong track. "Trail of Flames" is a fast and shifting cut, "Under the Sword" has a methodical and sliding march, and both the chunky "Hooves Over Northland" and "Ravenhair" have mixed-in female vocals in the background.
Other good moments include the rolling "Night of Infamy" and the almost Dreamer-Deceiver feel of "Hear Me Pray".

TRACK LIST: The Coronation/Trail of Flames/Under the Sword/Night of Infamy/Hooves Over Northland/Pledge For Freedom/Ravenhair/The Sceptre of Deception/Hear Me Pray/Child of Innocence