Falkenstein — Kraftort
In certain parts of the album there will be instances that contain a rock driven and even bluesy feel, a path not often ventured by traditionalists in this genre. The experimental qualities of the album do not affect the overall nature of this pagan themed concept album.
The liner notes provided give in great detail that this album is based around the groups Germanic roots and heathen ancestors with a somber apocalyptic message. The instrumentals used are easily comparable to something you would hear on Percht records or something by a related artist. Most of the tracks contain lots of chord strumming, flutes and either catchy vocal melodies or sacred chants from a stern and focused low end male vocalist. Each song carries out in the same basic manner and employs one or two unique elements distinguishing each track from the other only by a slightly altering attribute.
Kraftort is definitely an album that could be played through without skipping as the tracks complement each other well and seem to carry out the same mood throughout its duration. The beautiful melodies from the guitar and flutes never leave, but the tracks with a deep somber quality are dearest to me as the emotions of the lyrics are felt even though I cannot understand the language. I feel like I can’t say much against this album as it follows the neofolk formula in a humble manner with genuine love of heritage and mythos. Seek this if you are a lover of elegantly executed pagan folk and somber moods.