CONCEPTION – State of Deception

In 2018 Norwegian Progressive Metal band Conception released their My Dark Symphony EP. This was the first new music by the band in two decades. The EP was so well-received that fans clamored for more. Conception teamed up with those very same fans through crowd-funding to release their latest full-length album State of Deception.

“Of Raven and Pigs” is driven by subtle dark guitar riffs and a unique drum cadence. Vocalist Roy Khan mixes melodic vocals with spoken-word, as if he’s speaking intensely from a pulpit. Khan is more maniacal with his melodies on “Waywardly Broken,” while the band sets a melancholy soundtrack that falls somewhere between HIM and U2. Tore Østby’s solo is a standout here. “No Rewind” would make a great single, as it is the most commercial sounding track on the album. The guitar riffs come alive, the drums lead the charge, and the faint strings add texture. Amaranthe vocalist Elize Ryd appears on the heart breaking, he-said/she said ballad “The Mansion.” “Anybody Out There” keeps things ominous, but demonstrates all that Khan can do vocally. It’s accented by understated progressive elements. “She Dragoon” is an energized roller coaster of emotion.

When you consider this is a do-it-yourself affair, State of Deception is a fine slice of dark Prog Metal. The guitar riffs and licks, the drum beats, and the progressive elements are all there, but not so much that any of them are in your face. Conception chooses to focus more on the encompassing voice and storytelling of Roy Khan.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

Tracklist

1. In Deception (Instrumental)
2. Of Raven And Pigs
3. Waywardly Broken
4. No Rewind
5. The Mansion
6. By The Blues
7. Anybody Out There
8. She Dragon
9. Feather Moves (Remastered)