That voice....

 

Before Leprous and Sleep Token woke everyone up with gorgeous vocals and clever lyrics, there was another!  Matthias Blad is a singer unlike most others. He studied theater in school, and spent most of his early years on stage and in acting. He has worked extensively in Swedish theatre since 1992, where his work included playing Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Gothenburg Opera, Claude in Hair in Malmö, and Action in West Side Story at Värmlandsoperan. In 2018, he performed the role of Tempest in the Swedish musical recording of Tivolisaga, a musical by Johan Christher Schütz and Johan Pettersson based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. How'd this dude slip through our fingers before he left the metal world in 2020!?

Falconer: Portals of Light - 2002

Falconer's foundation rests on the contrasting backgrounds of its core members. Primary songwriter and band founder Stefan Weinerhall brings a history rooted in black, death, and thrash metal, notably from his project Mithotyn. In contrast, Blad arrived from the world of professional theater, with extensive training at Gothenburg’s Balettakademien and The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. This unique blend of metal and theatrical artistry defines the band's sound.

Blad's demanding theatrical career limited his availability for touring, leading to a brief period where Falconer experimented with vocalist Kristoffer Göbel. The resulting two albums were later deemed unsatisfactory by the band, with Weinerhall expressing strong disapproval. Ultimately, Falconer prioritized Blad's involvement, even if it meant remaining a studio-based project. As Weinerhall stated, "We’d rather have him in the band and not tour than not have him at all. It’s a price I’m very willing to pay." This decision underscores the band's commitment to preserving their distinct musical identity, shaped by the convergence of diverse artistic experiences.

Falconer: The Clarion Call - 2002

Falconer comes to us this wacky wednesday with long golden lyrics dancing in our earsockets. When I think of Falconer I think of range unlike any other act that I can think of. They paved the way for a deeper meaning smashing riffs and bangin' drum far ahead of their own time. It sucks that here today metal audiences are seemingly ready for a fleshed out experience, and now the latest Falconer we have to enjoy came to us with "From a Dying Ember".

Falconer: Long Gone By - 2006

The musical world has various acts that come and go, and many without much fanfare. Whether it be a band that you loved and followed for years and wound up disbanding, or a group that flew under the radar, it's a kick in the guts no matter what. Still, with Falconer, I'm thankful even to have what we do.  Ironically- Falconer did nearly disband VERY early on when Blad refused to tour with the band. They replaced him and went with a vocalist that was able to tour. During this run, they lost most of what made them unique, which eventually led them to reform with Blad to finish up their 2010's Falconer. 

Falconer: Bland Sump Och Dy - 2020

This has been another wacky METAL weds!  Be sure to check out these guys if you dig the vocals. Luckily for us, Falconer and Blad gave us nearly 20 years of amazing music to dig into!  Be good!!