Falconer

In 1999, ex-members of the Swedish Viking metal outfit Mithotyn established Falconer, crafting a sound that merges classic melodic power metal with Nordic folk traditions and medieval influences. Their self-titled first record came out in 2001, followed by a series of well-received works such as Northwind from 2006 and Armod in 2011, which fuse themes of fantasy, Scandinavian history, and mythology with compelling instrumental skill. The group wrapped up its run in 2020 upon issuing its ninth and concluding studio effort, From a Dying Ember.

After Mithotyn folded in 1999, guitar and bass player Stefan Weinerhall along with drummer Karsten Larsson, both Swedish, pivoted to power metal for Falconer, initially enlisting actor and vocalist Mathias Blad to complete the studio roster. Strong demo recordings secured a contract with Metal Blade in the United States, allowing the 2001 self-titled debut and 2002 follow-up Chapters from a Vale Forlorn to stand out by incorporating remaining Scandinavian folk elements into the power metal framework. Yet growing success sparked tension, prompting Blad to depart to safeguard his acting commitments from intensifying tour demands, leading Weinerhall and Larsson to bring in Kristoffer Göbel as vocalist while adding Anders Johansson on second guitar and bassist Peder Johansson for live performances. This lineup laid down the 2003 album The Sceptre of Deception, but disagreements soon saw the Johanssons replaced by Jimmy Hedlund on guitar and Magnus Linhardt on bass. Falconer abandoned their medieval, fairy tale, and Tolkien-inspired themes for 2005's Grime vs. Grandeur, which coincidentally marked their initial widespread critical backlash. Blad rejoined for the fifth album Northwind in 2006, restoring the fantasy focus of prior efforts. Though Among Beggars and Thieves from 2008 leaned more toward heavier territory, the integration of traditional Swedish folk persisted on Armod, released in 2011, and continued with the dynamic and refined Black Moon Rising in 2014. Falconer declared in early 2020 that their upcoming release would conclude their discography, with From a Dying Ember arriving that June.