Search - Falkenbach :: Heralding: Fireblade

Falkenbach - Heralding the Fireblade

Richard Terry | Denver, CO United States | 08/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hailing from Germany, Falkenbach aims to produce Viking metal that has roots in black metal. Vratyas Vrakyas is the brilliant composer of the band. Heralding the Fireblade was released in 2005. It is a mighty release that has many influences in the music and the lyrics are written about the pagan inhabitants of the Scandinavian region who do not conform to Christianity.



The song `Heathen Foray' is definitely one of my favorites and quite a surprise to hear. Vratyas' beautiful vocals soar in this inspiring peace that has a great leads by the flute and strings. `Of Forests Unknown' brings the listener back to reality that the band does favor black metal. The song `Heralder' features a strong lead in the beginning and Vratyas showcases his black metal inspired screams.



All in all, Falkenbach shine with this release and do not disappoint by any means. I would recommend new fans to start here, and then check out the rest of the catalogue. Heralding the Fireblade is an intense ride back in time when Vikings sailed to and from Iceland and lived their lives according to the ways of the Norse gods. Fans of Folk and Viking metal will be impressed. Falkenbach had one of the best releases of 2005."

Viking metal at it's finest and truest.

Gordex | Highlands, Scotland | 08/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's the sheer awesome brilliance of this album that has prompted me to write this review as to be honest I don't usually bother. For anyone out there who isn't familiar with Viking metal but thinks they may like it, one listen to this Nordic masterpiece will leave them in no doubt. This album contains all the elements essential to the viking sound in abundance; thundering guitars, superb vocals both harsh and mellow, bombastic choirs and epic heroic melodies and choruses. You know how some albums, although excellent, can be a bit one-paced with little variation in tempo? Not this one. It masterfully blends a great range of tempos throughout the album which keeps the listener guessing what's coming next( on the first listen anyway).

In conclusion I too must make particular mention of track 5 'Heralder'. Simply put this is one of the most epic, uplifting and memorable metal songs I've ever heard and in my case that's saying something. If the hairs on the back of your neck ,and the rest of your body for that matter, don't rise when this classic gets going then quite simply you shouldn't be listening to metal music at all.

Hail to Falkenbach, Hail to metal, Hail to his next album."

Douglas Hernandez | 02/03/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Falkenbach returns with more of the Viking/Folk/Epic Metal they've been known for throughout the years and once again they fail to disappoint. The album begins with "Heathen Foray", a song I swear I heard on their 1998 album Magni Blandinn Ok Megintiri..., but it seems to have been given a reworked touch here. The same applies to song #6, "Laeknishendr". If I'm keeping count correctly, this is the 3rd time this song gets re-recorded. The rest of the compositions show the majesty of clean vocals if used the right way, along with choir chanting, giving an aura of mental landscapes Viking era-Bathory like in the song "Heralder". New tracks like "Walkiesjar" and "Of Forest Unknown" display a degree of freshness and epicness. Overall, it's great to see this band hasn't lost its style and keeps producing majestic Metal that lasts for ages."