Among Beggars And Thieves finds Falconer doing what they do best, transitioning from soaring, epic power metal to acoustic and mellow folk metal. The music is very well done, with melodic guitar riffs and solos blending seamlessly into folk instruments like flutes and acoustic guitars.
The songs are very catchy, with subject matter about heroic figures from Swedish history and mythology. The vocals are a combination of English and the band's native Swedish.
Those vocals are probably the biggest bone of contention for Falconer detractors (and some fans). Blad's melodic style is very theatrical and doesn't have much of an edge. His voice has plenty of power and range, but the theatrical and sometimes cheesy and overdramatic delivery may turn some off.
Power metal is supposed to be dramatic and sometimes cheesy, so Blad's vocals don't really bother me. I like Falconer's blend of power and folk, and Among Beggars And Thieves should appeal to fans of both genres.
(released September 2, 2008 on Metal Blade Records)
