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| | The Sceptre of Deception | | | Music Artist : | | Falconer | | Music Style : | | General | | Record Label : | | Metal Blade | | Release Date : | | 2003-11-04 | | Store Price : | | $11.98 | | Artistopia's Price: $11.98 | |
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CD Tracks/Songs
Disc 11. Coronation
2. Trail of Flames
3. Under the Sword
4. Night of Infamy
5. Hooves Over Northland
6. Pledge for Freedom
7. Ravenhair
8. Spectre of Deception
9. Hear Me Pray
10. Child of Innocence
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Other Artist Albums
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Customer Reviews of This Album/CD |
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 Falconer - The Sceptre of Deception
Submitted on: 2008-06-11 |
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"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Broadway-style singer Matthias Blad has been replaced by Kristoffer Göbel (although Blad does appear on this album).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.
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Better than I Expected
Submitted on: 2006-01-13 |
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| 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. |
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Falconer just won't die
Submitted on: 2004-05-19 |
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| 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. |
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Finally grew on me
Submitted on: 2004-04-08 |
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| 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! |
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 Vikings and power metal can be an acquired taste.
Submitted on: 2004-03-11 |
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| 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. |
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