INTERVIEW WITH FALCONER
FALCONER REVIEWS
In April 2005, guitarist / songwriter Stephen Weinerhall of Falconer emailed me with a question about my review of his band. I replied, with a request for an email interview. Stephen kindly agreed and on May 5, replied with answers to my questions. Enjoy.
Hello, Stephen. Several questions for you. First of all, what was the general reaction towards departure of Mathias? Did that reaction change after "Scepter Of Deception" came out? In the eyes of many people, Mathias's voice was the factor that stood Falconer apart from other bands, and after he was gone, the band lost its uniqueness. What would you say to that?
Well, I can also understand that we sounded a bit more original when we had Mathias. But I can't say I regret that we took in Kristoffer cause his voice fits the new material better, we could do different things with him. So every time has its man or singer you can say. After “Sceptre…” some people accepted Kristoffer, others didn't. After this new album I think it will be the same but in a bigger way cause Kristoffer sings out for real. He sounds less like mathias than ever. Better for him and the material, worse for the Mathias fans.
Does Kristoffer Gobel participate in songwriting? Or is it still just you?
For the first time I have let some of that go. This time Kristoffer wrote about 1/3 of the lyrics and then the entire song “Jack the knife” by his self. I think it was a great idea cause then I could concentrate on doing my music as good as possible. Also you get in more thoughts and influences in the music.
Do you hang out with any other Swedish bands? Do you view any of them as "competitors"? How do you think Swedish metal scene change over the last 10 years?
I think the scene has just improved. The only one who hangs out or knows other bands are Kristoffer.
Rank the following guitarists on a scale of 1 through 10 (10 being a guitar god, 1 being a hack):
-- Glenn Tipton (Judas Priest) 7
-- Kirk Hammett (Metallica) 5
-- Chris DeGarmo (Queensryche) ???
-- Nils Norberg (Nocturnal Rites) 9
-- Chrisster Andersson (Tad Morose) ???
-- Tony Ericsson (Morgana Lefay) ???
-- Jasper Stromblad (In Flames) 4
-- Tore Ostby (Conception/Ark) ???
You visited the US once for the Festival in Cleveland. How was the reception? What did you expect from the American public, and what met or didn't meet your expectations?
It was a great experience. We didn't really have any expectations from the US audience but if to say that there is any difference that would be that it was a bit more sober than European gigs.
Have you been contacted about playing here again? Have you heard of ProgPower USA?
Yes, I have heard about it. When I contacted them they told me they were already full booked so let's hope for next year. We have only played one gig in the states so I really hope we can return some day and make it better.
4 albums in 5 years. What's the rush? Is it a pressure from the record company? Or you have so much to say to the world?
Nothing of it. I have so much music popping out of my head and I love being in the studio so I don't hesitate to book the studio. We have no pressure what so ever from the record company. I usually book the studio when I have half of the material done. As it is now I have about 3-4 songs done.
Your lyrics are among the best in contemporary metal, in my opinion. Do they come first, or do you write the music first?
The only time I've done the lyrics first and fitted the music to them is on "Sceptre..." And since that result was the worst yet for us it won't happen again. The music is the reason why I do this the lyrics is something that is there because it has to. Now I can do the lyrics I want and the rest of the material I just hand over to Kristoffer, that way I don't have to force myself to writing lyrics.
If you were to tour under ideal circumstances, what would they be? Who would like to play side by side? Would you rather headline or open?
As it is now I think Falconer would fit best as a support act. Fitting bands to do it for would be: Edguy, Stratovarius, Hammerfall.
What do you think about THE SENTINEL SITE and Falconer reviews? :))
Great reviews!!! I hope the new one doesn't get lower points than "Sceptre..." :)) Hope you like the new album, and hope you can see us live in the US some day in the future.
Greetings, Stefan
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