Album Review: Black Falcon - Ego Mortem Machina
Reviewed by Neil Bolton
As the lock down continues the boys from Black Falcon have thrown a collective two fingers up to its creative restraint and recorded this E.P. in isolation. While festival and concert halls lie quiet and barren, the the homes of the members of Black Falcon have rocked and recorded. Each member recorded their respective part and e-mailed them into to bass player, Liam Hunter, who mixed and mastered them into this E.P.
The result is raw but good. It can certainly hold its head up next to their debut album 'Turn Around and Face the Sun'. The promise of stoner riffs is hanging in the air as track one begins. Instead of riffs I am immediately whisked away to a 1980’s sci-fi film (Flash Gordon to be precise). Synth keyboards act as the opening credits to this E.P. Then the metal begins; the title track 'Ego Mortem Machina' blasting off straight away. Flash Gordon is now left behind and a large slice of Orange Goblin is now bouncing pleasurably around my head. This comparison is meant as the highest complement. Riffs pour out, both rocky and powerful, while the singer, David Ayres, carries a tune well.
The third track carries the stoner/rock torch further. Excellent rocky riffs once again force the head to bob up and down, and I begin to imagine how good these northern lads must be live. I now also lament the fact I have not yet witnessed this. I promise you I will remedy this fault at the first opportunity. By track four 'Again Again' David’s vocals have become familiar and his own style begins to shine, as do the bands. The bass playing on this track is particularly exciting.
The fifth and final number returns once again to the synths of the start. leaving the listener with a taste for more Black Falcon.
The raw mix is not that raw, and is understandable with the situation this E.P. was recorded in. An excellent advert for the talents of Black Falcon.
