CoC : Falkenbach - Ok Nefna Tysvar Ty : Review

Falkenbach - _Ok Nefna Tysvar Ty_
(Napalm, 2003)
by: Quentin Kalis (8 out of 10)

Falkenbach's last album was in 1998, and I had taken their silence as an indication that it (as it is essentially a solo project) was no longer active -- so it was quite a surprise (though not an unpleasant one) to discover that one of Viking metal's most important acts had returned. This lengthy break -- which is apparently due to an automobile accident -- has not seemingly impacted on his music, as this album compares favourably to his previous work. He is clearly still performing _Hammerheart_-inspired Viking metal and can be justifiably regarded as one of the masters of the style. However, he has calmed down considerably: the music is less heavy, proceeding at a comparatively more sedate pace. The black metal style vox have been virtually abandoned in favour of clean vocals and the omnipresent folk tendencies have become even stronger. In addition, Vratyas Vakyas has enlisted the help of several musicians, and this has aided the music considerably -- most notably with the drumming, as the drum machine is discarded in favour of an actual person. "...Into the Ardent Awaited Land", which initially appeared on debut album _...En Their Medh Riki Fara..._ has been re-recorded, and in a rare instance, it sounds better then the original. It demonstrates perfectly the changes in style as the status of the electric guitar is downgraded in favour of an acoustic guitar and a more contemplative sound is adopted. A welcome return by one of the masters of the genre.

(article published 27/5/2004)

CHATS
4/19/2011	J Carbon	Falkenbach: ...Where His Ravens Fly...
9/1/1998	A Wasylyk	Falkenbach: The Vikings' True Voice

ALBUMS
2/6/2011	J Carbon	7.5	Falkenbach - Tiurida
4/9/1997	D Schinzel	7	Falkenbach - En their medh riki fara
2/5/1997	D Schinzel	8	Falkenbach - ...magni blandinn ok megintiri...