Falconer (band)

Falconer
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1999 in Mjölby, Sweden
Founder	Stefan Weinerhall
Headquarters	Mjölby, Sweden
Products	Power metal music albums

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Falconer (band), available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 30 November 2025

Falconer was a power metal group originating from Mjölby, Sweden, established in 1999 by Stefan Weinerhall, formerly the guitarist for Mithotyn. Their sound fused traditional power metal with folk influences, incorporating medieval tunes and folk instruments.

Formation

Stefan Weinerhall's musical journey started in 1992 with the blackened death metal outfit Cerberus, which later evolved into Mithotyn. Between 1997 and 1999, Mithotyn released three albums before disbanding. Seeking to form a melodic metal band infused with folk elements and featuring clean vocals rather than harsh ones, Weinerhall founded Falconer in 1999. An initial demo was recorded using a drum machine and session vocalist Mathias Blad; subsequently, drummer Karsten Larsson, also ex-Mithotyn, joined permanently along with Blad as lead singer. Falconer secured a contract with Metal Blade Records. Weinerhall was responsible for nearly all of Falconer's songwriting and lyrics and had previously contributed to the black/thrash metal band Indungeon.

In November 2000, the band entered Los Angered Recording (now Sonic Train Studios) to produce their debut album with producers Andy LaRocque and Jacob Hansen. The self-titled release was completed within three weeks and launched in Europe in March 2001, followed by a U.S. release in May, earning widespread critical praise. To facilitate live performances, additional session musicians were brought on board.

Returning to Los Angered in November 2001, Falconer recorded their sophomore album over 24 days, producing nine tracks plus a bonus song. Chapters from a Vale Forlorn was released on 7 February in Japan through Soundholic and on 11 March across Europe and the United States.

Band Members

For live shows, Anders Johansson from the Swedish band Vrävarna (not to be confused with the HammerFall drummer sharing his name) and Peder Johansson joined as second guitarist and bassist respectively. They performed at festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Rock Machina, and Bang Your Head Festival. Following these appearances, demand for live concerts grew; however, vocalist Mathias Blad departed amicably due to commitments in his acting career.

Changes in Line-up

Mathias Blad

Born in Motala, Sweden, Blad is both an actor and singer who studied musical theatre at Balettakademien in Gothenburg (1989–1992) and later at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (1996–1999). He boasts an extensive career in Swedish theatre with roles in productions like Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, and West Side Story. In 2018, he participated in the Swedish musical recording of Tivolisaga, inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Blad initially provided demo vocals for Stefan Weinerhall’s project in 1999. After Falconer signed with Metal Blade Records, he became a full-time member. Originally conceived as a studio trio, Falconer expanded to five members by 2002 to meet touring demands. Due to his theatre obligations, Blad left after two albums. Following two releases featuring Kristoffer Göbel on vocals, Weinerhall and drummer Karsten Larsson invited Blad back; however, the band acknowledged that live appearances would be limited because of his acting career.

Kristoffer Göbel

In November 2002, Karl Kristoffer Göbel—known from Destiny—replaced Blad as vocalist but was dismissed before 2005 to facilitate Blad’s return. Göbel subsequently formed Metal Für Alle alongside Snowy Shaw and former Destiny colleague Mikael Åberg.

Additional Line-up Developments

Falconer’s concept album The Sceptre of Deception, released on 6 October 2003, merged aspects from earlier works with fresh stylistic directions. It featured guest vocals by former singer Blad and future Amaranthe vocalist Elize Ryd, as well as lead guitar contributions from Andy LaRocque on the track "Hear Me Pray."

Following scheduling conflicts after this release, Anders and Peder Johansson left the band and were replaced by Jimmy Hedlund and Magnus Linhardt. This new formation produced Grime vs. Grandeur, which marked a departure from folk-inspired sounds toward conventional heavy metal styles. The album received lukewarm reactions from fans due to the perceived loss of Falconer’s unique character.

Returning to Origins

In November 2005, Göbel disclosed on the Falconer forum that he had been dismissed, and Mathias Blad was brought back to revive the band's initial sound. Throughout 2006, recording sessions were held, culminating in the September launch of Northwind.

On 21 April 2007, Falconer renewed their contract with Metal Blade Records for an additional four albums. Their subsequent release, Among Beggars And Thieves, came out in September 2008.

The album Armod, released on 3 June 2011, consists entirely of tracks sung in Swedish. As explained by Weinerhall, this record delves more deeply into Swedish folk traditions, combining acoustic instruments such as cello, flute, and fiddle with heavier components like blast beats and guitar riffs.

Announced on 15 December 2013, Black Moon Rising was finalized by March 2014, with its cover art and tracklist revealed the following month.

In 2020, Falconer declared that their final album would be From a Dying Ember, intended as a conclusive statement that integrates all essential elements defining Falconer's sound before the group's dissolution.

Band members

Last lineup

Mathias Blad – lead vocals (1999–2002, 2005–2020), keyboards (1999–2002)
Stefan Weinerhall – rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals (1999–2020), keyboards (2002–2020), bass guitar (1999–2002)
Karsten Larsson – drums (1999–2020)
Jimmy Hedlund – lead guitar, backing vocals (2004–2020)
Magnus Linhardt – bass guitar (2004–2020)

Previous members

Kristoffer Göbel – lead vocals (2002–2005)
Anders Johansson – lead guitar (2002–2004)
Peder Johansson – bass guitar (2002–2003)

Discography