This is an album of old-school fun. Getting swept up in the adventure and intensity of "Arrows of a Fallen Age" was enjoyable indeed. FIN brings tales of long-ago exploits with their brand of old-school-meets-melodic black metal. Things get off to a rousing start with "Manias". It's a pity that the vocals seem to be a bit far back in the mix, because I enjoyed M.K.'s venomous rasps and semi-growls. Otherwise the production works well here, with a balance between a modern sound and the roughness typical of black metal production. "The Sight" has an irresistible mid-tempo break which got my head and feet going at the same time. M.K. gives a powerful performance here, with emotion-filled howls punctuating the track. D.F.K's tom fills on "Strings of Discourse" have that resonance to them which I feel tom parts should have. His drumming gives a fiery heart to "Arrows of a Fallen Age".

The album sweeps by in a barrage of blistering riffs and pummeling drum fills. Its near-relentless pace works here, and is tempered by a few well-placed slower interludes, such as on "The Sight" and "The Archer". "The catchy mid-tempo break" seems to be a specialty with these guys, in a good way. Writing engaging riffs is another aspect which was done well on most of the album (things felt a bit repetitive just before the closer), and one of the most memorable for me was found on closing track "Outlaws". That opening riff has a slide-guitar feel to it, and the band pays homage to soundtracks from classic westerns with a "whistle" part. "Arrows of a Fallen Age" is a well-done piece of melodic black metal, and its energetic feel is perfect if you're in a sluggish mood. It's also great if you're looking for something straightforward, but with a few little surprises in store.