Customer Reviews

Sceptre of Deception

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"The Sceptre of Deception" (2003) is the third release from Swedish folk/power metal band Falconer. This is a concept album; all the songs have to do with a story of Falconer's own devising, and which is further explained in the liner notes.

Broadway-style singer Matthias Blad has been replaced by Kristoffer Göbel (although Blad does appear on this album). Göbel's voice is vaguely similar, although he sings much more in the metal tradition.

Musically, Falconer continues to write interesting (if not amazing) power metal songs with catchy choruses. There's not a bad song on this album, but there's nothing destined for the metal hall of fame, either.

On the whole, this is quite a decent power metal album, although with Göbel replacing Blad, Falconer takes a step back toward the rest of the power metal pack.

First of all, I actually came into Falconer under their previous incarnation with the incomperable Blad on vocals. Chapters of a Vale Forlorn was an excellent offering musically and vocally and of course I was dissapointed to hear that Blad had decided to pursue other endeavors.

When I first heard this album, I was certainly not impressed - the music did not seem to be up to par. However, something happened around the fourth or fifth listen, and I found myself cherishing certain parts of songs in the same way I did before.

This is a CD to be enjoyed - its well written and the new singer has added some power that did not exist before. You will love it.. eventually!

That my least favorite album still gets three stars says something about the quality of this band. Falconer is a fairly obscure power metal band from Sweden. It's a shame not too many people know about them, because the band is very talented at both playing and writing music.

For the first two albums, Falconer existed in the studio only. The founding members decided they wanted to tour, but the singer, Mathias Blad, is a theatre actor and did not want to commit. So the band hired Kirstoffer Gobel, some other members, and created The Sceptre of Deception. Blad stuck around to record vocals on the short closing song, "Child of Innocence."

There are a couple reasons why I feel this album is only average. For one, the guitar work is mediocre compared to what the band pulled off before and after. The solos are lacking; there are few hooks. The other instruments fall short as well. Perhaps the band temporary lost some inspiration while adjusting to the new members. Also, Gobel was a new singer and just okay at the time. His techniques improved substantially in Grime vs. Granduer.

The album is a concept album about the tumultuous reign of King Birger. In this regard, it's educational and lyrically, very good. In fact, several of the songs stand out because of the vocals, particularly "Pledge for Freedom" and "Ravenhair."

The most worth while track is the title song. It is the climax of the plot, and really shows what Falconer is capable of. It is one of the longest (and best) song's Falconer has recorded and contains some great solos, melodies, choruses, and bridges.

I would recommend this album to all Falconer fans, because it isn't bad. If you can get over Blad's absence, it's worth your money. For anyone new to Falconer, try out their self-titled debut, or any post-Gobel album before this, because the instrumentation is far better.

It's depressing to see people judging this album based on the lineup. Yes it sucks that Matthias Blad isn't in the Falconer anymore but they did well finding someone with a similar voice who would preserve the sound of the band. Kristoffer and Matthias actually sing together or trade off on several of the tracks and they sound like identical twins. This is a great album in the tradition of the first two. The songwriting is creative and diverse, definitely more so than on Chapters. The hints of accoustic guitar, keybords and operatic backing vocals all combine to create a very mystical atmosphere in the midst of driving power metal that Falconer has always done better than most. Docked a partly for the lyrics, which really needed to be proofread by a native speaker, and the minimalist liner notes reading like a zany video game quote.

This was my first Falconer album so I don't know what the previous singer sounded like to make a comparison, as others have. I like his voice; at times I hears hints of Ozzy or Eric Adams of Manowar. This band reminds me of Manowar a bit but I'm not a big metalhead so I can't make any other comparisons for you. I don't like real angry heavy metal, so this fits the bill for me as it is a concept album, telling a story song-by-song. I like the medieval touches; I wish there was a bit more of them. I also like the tempo changes and furious double-bass drumming, but the songwriting could be a bit stronger. Half the songs are good; the other half don't really stick as outstanding.

Without a doubt Falconer is no longer the unique band they used to be with Matthias Blad on vocals. However, Stefan's unique guitar and brutal double bass pedalling help them to still stand out among the power metal crowd.

I gave it four stars instead of five simply because the lyrics aren't up to par with their first two efforts. Being that it is a concept album it's good they explain the story in the booklet. Overall, a good album; if you loved them for the music besides the great vocals on the first two albums, then you'll love Sceptre!

I, like probably all Falconer fans was worried on how this album would be without Mathias Blad, needless to say I liked it and Kristoffer Gobel's vocals were actually fairly close to how Blad was. I'm glad that he sounded kind of like Blad, not trying to rip off his vocal style. Anyways if you're a Falconer fan this is worth having.

What's Good About It?

It's not you typical power metal. Don't been fooled, some of the press have dismissed Falconer as J.R.R. Tolkien fans (I guess some don't really listen), but Sceptre of Deception is a concept album describing the power struggles between three Viking brothers in the 13th century. The opening track "Coronation" begins our tale as the new King is crowned after the passing of his father. The track is lead by a crunchy riff, dual vocal harmonies, and melodic solos. Sometimes the crunchy is replaced by the corny. "Under the Sword" has sort of a minstrel feel to it. I picture a midget with a jester hat, dancing around with a flute. As silly as it may sound, it fits in appropriately with the theme. The King's brothers attempt to overthrow him on "Night of Infamy." As the tension builds, so does the tempo. The story is a little complicated to explain thoroughly at this point, but Falconer show they can shred like anyone on "Pledge for Freedom." They follow an infectious open riff with explosive solos. Gobell's vocals continue with his trademark deep, energetic tones. What would power metal be without rapid-fire double kick drums? It's present throughout most of the songs, but when the witch makes her appearance here, the drums set the pace. The vocals are accented by an unknown female representing the witch. The title track will remind you of eighties heavy metal with its long guitar laden introduction, stomach turning drums, and dual ax-work similar to any of your metal heroes.

Bottom Line

Don't be deceived by the thought of Sceptre. If you like power riffs and epic vocals similar to Blind Guardian and Manowar, Falconer will win you over. It's good if you're looking for something different too, but please don't take it seriously.