Like a feather in the wind - A review of Conception's State of Deception

Conception is a Norwegian progressive metal band that had been founded in the late eighties and received some moderate success with four records throughout the nineties. Singer Roy Khan went on to join American power metal band Kamelot and achieved world wide acclaim. Many fans around the world now wanted to listen to his former band that reformed briefly for one single year but otherwise ceased activities. Everything seemed perfect for a return of the band when Roy Khan exited Kamelot nine years ago but he had been suffering from burn-out with depression and insomnia and decided to take a prolonged break from the musical business. Conception was revived two years ago without any pressure and released a creative extended play entitled My Dark Symphony. State of Deception is however the first regular studio album for the band in twenty-three years and it was worth the wait.

The Norwegian quartet is often classified as power metal, perhaps due to Roy Khan's involvement with Kamelot. However, Coneption is first and foremost a progressive metal band with a gothic atmosphere as one can hear instrumentally, read lyrically and even see visually by the different recent cover artworks. If you are expecting any power metal here, you have to look elsewhere.

Conception's intellectual style isn't always easy to digest and the opening ''Of Raven and Pigs'' is a perfect example. It's quite meaningful that the band opens the album with its least accessible tune. However, this song also turns out being the best of the bunch after multiple spins. This song includes more changes, experiments and ideas than other bands put into entire albums. Stoic, sinister and repetitive riffs meet highly atmospheric keyboard layers and vocals varying from lower register over passionate higher parts to energetic spoken-word passages. Despite the song's multiple ideas, the transitions in between them are fluid, organic and smooth and make for one of the greatest progressive gothic metal songs in recent memory.

For those who prefer songs with more commercial appeal without sounding predictable, the wonderful ballad ''The Mansion'' delivers the goods and reminds of Kamelot's Poetry for the Poisoned ten years ago. Wonderful piano harmonies underline Roy Khan's emotional vocals that are complemented by Amaranthe's vocalist Elize Ryd who adds an enchanting, fragile and thoughtful performance that doesn't overstay its welcome. This is simply one of the most beautiful rock or metal ballads recorded in recent memory.

If you prefer something catchier among the creative progressive songwriting, give the cinematic ''Anybody Out There'' a chance. The song convinces with timeless orchestral symphonic work that gives Roy Khan the occasion to unfold his entire potential. The song is crowned by a mellow yet epic chorus you won't get out of your mind anytime soon.

The record closes almost as ambitiously as it had started however. ''She Dragoon'' opens smoothly with electronic keyboard passages before fragile vocals kick in. The song quickens up the pace as bass, drums and guitars join. The vocals unfold progressively and become quite expressive. The keyboard sounds transition from electronic elements towards symphonic sounds as the song becomes more and more dramatic. The wonderful guitar solos in the middle part are certainly the highlights of this emotive song. The band however offers even more ideas as female backing vocals join for an exciting finale. This complex, emotional and intelligent song grows with every spin and comes as a close second for best song on this release.

To conclude, Conception's State of Deception isn't only a return for the band but one of the best progressive gothic metal albums ever written and a shining highlight even in Roy Khan's extensive career. The record might need some time, dedication and attention to fully unfold but is very rewarding in that regard and has high replay value. The only negative element is that fans only get thirty-one minutes of music if we don't consider the short instrumental overture and the closing tune that had already been released one and a half years ago. Still, short excellence is certainly the better option than prolonged mediocrity. Let's hope the band continues to stick around and releases more magical music in the future.

Final rating: 90%