Search - Falconer :: Sceptre of Deception

Falconer just won't die

05/19/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Finally grew on me

SEAN C JORDEN | Calgary, AB Canada | 04/08/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

Quite good even with new singer

Flexinator | Spring Valley, New York United States | 11/07/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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!"