What makes Northwind by Falconer notable?

The album received generally positive reviews from critics and fans alike, highlighting its rich compositions and lyrical depth. It helped Falconer maintain a strong position in the European metal scene and contributed to their reputation for innovative storytelling through music. The incorporation of both original songs and traditional Swedish folk tunes also showcased their cultural heritage. Northwind is Falconer's fifth studio album, released in 2006 after their previous album, Grim Tales, in 2005. By this time, the band had established themselves as a significant presence within the folk metal scene, showcasing their blend of historical narratives with heavy instrumentation. This release further solidified their unique sound while maintaining their commitment to Swedish folklore themes.

Who is Northwind for?

Northwind works well if you're into epic tales of mythical landscapes, soaring melodies that inspire adventure and short tracks for quick engagement.

How many songs are on Northwind?

Northwind has 18 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Northwind

Falconer · 2006

63 min · 18 tracks · power metal

Merging traditional folk melodies with soaring power metal riffs, the album evokes epic tales and mythical landscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Northwind — The title track sets the tone for the album with its sweeping melodies and powerful vocals that encapsulate the band's signature style.
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Spirit of the Hawk — This track blends folk elements with heavy metal intensity, capturing themes of nature and mysticism that resonate throughout the album.
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Waltz With the Dead — With its haunting melodies and storytelling lyrics, this song exemplifies Falconer’s ability to weave narrative into their music effectively.
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Catch the Shadows — This track highlights the band's melodic prowess while exploring darker themes, making it a standout moment in their discography.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album effectively merges folk melodies with power metal, showcasing strong compositions and thematic depth.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered harmonies and a gradual build-up to a powerful chorus, setting an epic tone.
The lyrics often reference mythical themes and storytelling, with songs like 'Spirit of the Hawk' and 'Legend and the Lore' emphasizing narrative elements.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 tales of mythical landscapes
soaring melodies that inspire adventure
short tracks for quick engagement
imaginative narratives with emotional depth

Maybe skip if you

want straightforward, repetitive structures
prefer modern production techniques

Where this album fits

Career context: Northwind is Falconer's fifth studio album, released in 2006 after their previous album, Grim Tales, in 2005. By this time, the band had established themselves as a significant presence within the folk metal scene, showcasing their blend of historical narratives with heavy instrumentation. This release further solidified their unique sound while maintaining their commitment to Swedish folklore themes.
Stylistic neighbors: Eluveitie· Korpiklaani· Ensiferum