Black Moon Rising cover

Black Moon Rising

Falconer · 2014

51 min · 11 tracks · power metal

Epic melodies intertwine with folk-inspired storytelling, delivering a powerful blend of heavy riffs and orchestral arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Black Moon Rising — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic essence, blending haunting melodies with powerful lyrics that explore darkness and rebirth. Its anthemic chorus and intricate instrumentation make it a standout representation of the band's style.
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    Scoundrel and the Squire — This track combines narrative storytelling with engaging musicality, illustrating a tale of betrayal and adventure that resonates deeply within the folk metal tradition. Its catchy hooks and dynamic tempo shifts embody the album's overall energy.
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    Dawning of a Sombre Age — A poignant reflection on societal decline, this track features evocative lyrics paired with somber melodies that capture the listener's attention. The contrast between heavy instrumentation and lyrical depth highlights Falconer's ability to merge themes with musical expression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album combines heavy riffs with orchestral elements, creating a solid but conventional power metal experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of orchestral arrangements that complement the heavy guitar riffs throughout its duration.
  • Each track typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with many songs incorporating folk-inspired melodies and storytelling elements.
  • Several tracks, such as 'Black Moon Rising' and 'Scoundrel and the Squire', include tempo changes that enhance the dynamic range of the album.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • epic melodies with rich narratives
  • immersive storytelling through powerful instrumentation
  • dynamic shifts between intensity and
  • engaging themes of adventure and

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, radio-friendly tracks
  • want minimalistic soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2014, Black Moon Rising is Falconer's sixth studio album, following the band's reformation in 2011 after a brief hiatus. This album marks their continued evolution within the folk metal genre, showcasing a matured sound while retaining their signature lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Eluveitie· Korpiklaani· Ensiferum

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Locust Swarm 5:35
  • 2 Halls and Chambers 5:01
  • 3 Black Moon Rising 5:11
  • 4 Scoundrel and the Squire 3:01
  • 5 Wasteland 5:12
  • 6 In Ruins 5:25
  • 7 At the Jester's Ball 4:21
  • 8 There's a Crow on the Barrow 4:06
  • 9 Dawning of a Sombre Age 3:40
  • 10 Age of Runes 5:33
  • 11 The Priory 3:59

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata