Falcata - Viriathus EP + The Early Years CD
Randale Records
One of my favorite, ‘newer’ bands, that emerged to the scene in more recent years is undoubtedly Portuguese outfit Falcata! This ‘side-project’ of Facção Opposta front man João is taking the world by storm, one EP at a time, with 2017’s “Forged In Blood” (Combate Brutal) being one of my favorite releases of that year! Still on my turntable on a very regular basis, it’s about to be replaced by the band’s latest slab of wax though, “Viriathus” for Randale Records!
Ever since the start Falcata’s core-members have been João (vocals, bass) and Inês (lead guitar, vocals) - but its remaining members are on shuffle-mode, because the band never consisted out of the same line-up for two EP’s in a row. Therefor the line-up on “Viriathus” is different again from the line-up on the aforementioned “Forged In Blood” EP with Portugal’s very own musical all-rounder - and João’s band mate of Facção Opposta and Pulhas - Mr. Rattus on second guitar and back-up vocals, while drummer Saavedra (of one of Mr. Rattus’ other bands, Albert Fish) completes Falcata, though he joined the band after the recordings of this EP.
Coincidence or not, Falcata also seems to grow stronger with every EP they release, and “Viriathus” is no exception! Known for their hard-hitting, big wall of sound, the Lisboetas pulverize everything - and while they’re at it, everyone - in sight with their three new tracks “Kings And Queens” (a ferocious attack on posers), “Make It Count” (let your dreams be bigger than your fears) and “Viriathus” (leader of the Lusitanian people who resisted against expansion of the Romans, this resistance was also the topic of “Barbarians Rising”, the opening-track of the band’s previous EP)! Stomping out one scorcher after another, this Portuguese powerhouse continues to unleash strong, aggressive anthems with sick riffs and killer melodies like there is no tomorrow! Superb!
Another thing I love about Falcata is the use of Inês’ voice. Despite that her vocals are usually part of the back-up vocals, they really stand out - like on this EP’s title-track - thanks to its power. Not that anyone ever listens to me, but I’d love to hear her do a full song on a Falcata release in the future - so make it happen guys!
But that is not all folks, because as a bonus this vinyl release also includes a singles collection on CD - entitled “The Early Years”! Including the band’s self-titled debut EP (which actually got released on CD through Zerowork Records, though only 100 copies exist), the “Forged In Blood” EP (which was only released on vinyl), the brand new EP “Viriathus” (not released on CD, though this compilation might have something to do with that...) and an unreleased cover of The Templars’ “Straight To Hell”, the collection is ten songs strong and an absolute must for those who missed out on Falcata’s previous strongholds because of the small quantities Zerowork Records, Bigorna Records and Combate Brutal released, or for the simple fact that they don’t own a turntable and still want to have a physical release in their hands. Though included with the purchase of “Viriathus”, the CD can also be purchased separately for a small price. It left me with “Barbarians Rising”, “Mr. Know It All” and “Forged In Blood” on repeat once again, songs I’ve heard dozens and dozens of times already... Which probably says enough about the necessity of this little disc.
Released by Randale Records, the pressing of “Viriathus” isn’t as limited as it was with the labels mentioned above, though 100 copies come on purple vinyl. The remaining 400 come on black vinyl and all copies include a one-sided lyricsheet and the CD. Since “The Early Years” can also be bought separately, I am guessing (I don’t have an official number) 1.000 copies were made. Now get off this page and buy the EP or CD, because Falcata is pure brilliance!
