Review THE SCEPTER “Shadows in the Tower”

There are a lot of great rock and metal bands coming from Canada, thinking about Voivod, Rush, Anvil and so on. Alongside such established names, younger acts like The Scepter are now setting out to make their mark on the world of heavy metal.

Founded in 2018, The Scepter released a few singles early on, but the debut album took some time to arrive. After signing a deal with No Remorse Records, the wait is finally over. With Shadows in the Tower, the Canadian five-piece presents their first full-length release. The album features eight tracks and, with a running time of just under 30 minutes, offers a concise but focused listening experience.

Regardless of its relatively short length, the album delivers well-crafted heavy metal that is often driven forward by plenty of energy and speed. The opening track, “Riding Out,” immediately reveals where some of The Scepter’s influences come from. The band has clearly absorbed the spirit of groups like Helloween and Blind Guardian. These influences are noticeable right from the start, but The Scepter are not interested in simply copying their heroes. Instead, the Canadians bring their own identity to the table, making Shadows in the Tower an enjoyable and authentic heavy metal release.

The influence of the NWoBHM era also shines through on “Where Art Thou,” which comes as no surprise given the band’s traditional approach. The fast-paced “Protector of the Skies” draws from the melodic speed metal sound of the late ’80s, and what stands out is The Scepter’s strong sense for memorable melodies and powerful, anthem-like choruses.

“Drink On” is a catchy party anthem, especially thanks to its infectious chorus, before “Taarakian Blood” increases the tempo while maintaining strong melodies and accessible harmonies. The twin guitar work deserves special mention, as does the impressive vocal performance of Jean-Pierre Abboud, whose voice gives the songs an additional layer of character.

Shadows in the Tower is a very solid debut album, especially thanks to its powerful production, which gives the songs the necessary impact. On their first full-length release, The Scepter celebrate the traditions of classic heavy metal and do so with confidence and passion. This is an album that remains entertaining from the first song to the last. Everything comes together naturally, and it will be interesting to see where the band takes things next.