...En Their Medh Riki Fara... cover

Released 30 years ago

...En Their Medh Riki Fara...

Falkenbach · 1996

51 min · 8 tracks · black metal

A haunting blend of atmospheric black metal and folk elements, steeped in mythology and ancient themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Heathenpride — This track exemplifies the fusion of aggressive black metal riffs with melodic elements, showcasing the band's signature sound and thematic depth.
  • →
    Ultima Thule — An interlude that encapsulates the album’s ethereal qualities, it serves as a moment of reflection amidst the heavier tracks, highlighting Falkenbach's atmospheric prowess.
  • →
    Winternight — This song features a perfect blend of harsh vocals and serene melodies, illustrating the juxtaposition of nature and emotion central to Falkenbach’s music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Falkenbach's debut blends black metal with folk elements effectively, establishing a distinct sound within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a lengthy track that features layered guitar harmonies and atmospheric keyboards, setting a dark and immersive tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate clean vocals alongside harsh screams, creating a contrast that enhances the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
  • The use of traditional instruments in some sections adds a folk element that intertwines with the black metal foundation, particularly evident in 'Læknishendr'.
  • The final track features an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of atmosphere.
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
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Galdralag 6:14
  • 2 Heathenpride 8:39
  • 3 Læknishendr 6:13
  • 4 Ultima Thule 3:19
  • 5 Ásum ok álfum nær… 7:45
  • 6 Winternight 4:22
  • 7 …Into the Ardent Awaited Land… 5:58
  • 8 The Heralder 9:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata