Theatrical? Absolutely, and consistent with the vibe the band puts out. It’s like the music that opens a show before the curtain falls to reveal the band.
“In Deception” features a middle eastern flare and a sonic, symphonic build up that ends before things ever really get going. What unfolds next is a set up-a short instrumental that feels more like a soundtrack than a song. The record opens with a blaring alarm clock, as if to symbolically state that the long wait is over and it’s time to wake up and pay attention. And eagerly wonder what might be coming next. It’s a record that requires multiple listens in headphones to fully appreciate for both the songwriting and production, and while it leaves the listener with a whetted appetite more than a fully satisfied stomach, there’s certainly enough to make those who missed Khan and Ø stby smile. But both Khan and Ø stby provide their really unique “voices” to deliver something that stands out for flares of uniqueness. And it could benefit from a couple more killer tracks. “State of Deception” is not a perfect record.
#Megadeth album flow full#
Now in 2020, they have released their first full length recording together in over two decades, and one can confidently say with a smile, “They’re Baaaaaack!” An EP in 2018 called “My Dark Symphony” revealed that the two were very much back in business, reunited with Arve Heimdal on drums and Ingar Amilen on bass. Supporters of Ark and Kamelot have long wondered if Khan and Ø stby would ever re-emerge and reconvene. But Ark did not survive internal differences for long, and so both Khan and Ø stby ended up in an extensive silent period out of the fan’s eye. Ø stby’s playing is both familiar but fascinating, as manages to deliver something a little out of left field in both tone and technique. Though a short-lived unit, Ark released two studio albums, and the second (“Burn the Sun”) was a massive creative (though not commercial) success that featured something very unique in the guitar department.
When Khan left to work with Kamelot in 1998, Tore Ø stby moved on to forming Ark with John Macaluso (drums) and Jorn Lande on lead vocals. The nature of the departure was unclear with rumors of mental health concerns and religious conversion only stoking the fires of controversy and constant wondering if he would ever return to the band… or the stage at all. Unlike many metal singers, Khan has a diverse range and emotional delivery with his unique pipes, so when it was announced that he was departing Kamelot, it was a massive blow to fans of that band. In his tenure with Kamelot, Khan established a massive presence in the band, vaulting the vocals to new heights and contributing theatrical, thought-provoking lyrics that elevated the band’s sophistication and success (especially overseas). The band released four studio records and forged a unique progressive metal sound before Khan moved on to join American power metal outfit Kamelot in 1998. After studying opera for a few years, Norwegian singer Roy Sætre Khantatat, better known as either Roy Khan or just Khan, was invited to join progressive metal act Conception (led by guitarist Tore Ø stby) in 1991. “State of Deception” is a bit of a comeback story, both for the band and its lead singer.
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