STATE OF DECEPTION

"State of Deception" is the fifth full-length studio album by Norwegian progressive heavy/power metal act Conception. The album was released through Conception Sound Factory in April 2020. Conception disbanded in 1998 after releasing their fourth full-length studio album "Flow" (1997), but reunited in 2018 and released the "My Dark Symphony" EP (mini-album) in November 2018.

"My Dark Symphony" showed that Conception had not lost a beat in the years they were inactive as a band, and that their early - to mid-90s Queensrÿche influenced take on progressive heavy/power metal was alive and well. Stylistically Conception continue playing that style on "State of Deception" led by worldclass singer Roy Khan. They are an incredibly well playing band, which isn´t surprising as that has always been one of their many strengths, but they´ve also maintained a high quality songwriting level, and "State of Deception" is also packed in a clear, powerful, and detailed sound production, making this album a high quality release through and through.

Conception successfully balance their music with heavy riffs and rhythms and softer more melodic sections, and they excel at both. So upon conclusion "State of Deception" is another high quality release from conception and it´s a natural successor to "My Dark Symphony". Both releases displaying a mature but still hungry Conception. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives).