Vision Master – Scepter

Hailing from the misty shores of Snohomish, Washington, the duo of Vision Master unveils their debut album, “Sceptre.” This offering is a genre-bending exploration of heavy metal, drawing influences from thrash, punk, and even a touch of black metal, all woven together with a unique science fiction narrative. Let’s strap on our spacesuits and delve into “Sceptre” track by track, and see if Vision Master blasts us off to new sonic territories or leaves us stranded in the void.

Track-by-Track Spacefaring Odyssey:

• Wolves in the Shadows: The album explodes with a potent mix of classic heavy metal and thrash influences. A galloping riff lays the foundation, while Dan Munro’s vocals veer between a raspy snarl and a soaring wail. The lyrics, veiled in sci-fi imagery, hint at a shadowy presence lurking in the darkness.
• Wet Net: This track throws a curveball. A syncopated rhythm and atonal guitar work create a disorienting atmosphere. Munro’s vocals become even more manic, adding to the overall sense of chaos. The lyrics delve deeper into the sci-fi narrative, but remain cryptic, leaving the listener to piece together the story.
• Gossamer Sky: A welcome return to melody emerges here. A catchy chorus and a soaring guitar lead create a sense of melancholic beauty. Munro’s vocals take on a more emotive quality, perfectly capturing the yearning for something lost. The lyrics explore themes of isolation and longing, relatable emotions even in a sci-fi context.
• Knife in a Velvet Glove: The album dives headfirst into black metal territory here. Blast beats and tremolo-picked riffs create a sense of urgency, while Munro’s vocals adopt a ferocious snarl. The lyrics shift from sci-fi imagery to a more visceral exploration of betrayal and violence. This track demonstrates Vision Master’s ability to seamlessly blend genres.
• Walls of Bone: A shift in mood emerges here. This track is a slow-burning doom metal behemoth. Distorted guitars churn with a sense of dread, while Munro’s vocals take on a cavernous quality. The lyrics paint a picture of a desolate wasteland, a possible consequence of the events hinted at in the story.
• Beyond: A haunting atmosphere permeates this track. Clean guitars and melancholic melodies create a sense of introspection. Munro’s vocals become almost ethereal, adding to the track’s ethereal beauty. The lyrics explore themes of loss and the search for meaning, offering a moment of emotional depth amidst the album’s sci-fi chaos.
• Arc Terminal X: A return to a more aggressive approach. This track throws in a touch of progressive metal with its complex time signatures and atonal guitar work. Munro’s vocals become a whirlwind of shouts and screams, reflecting the growing intensity of the narrative. The lyrics remain cryptic but seem to hint at a final confrontation.
• Sandstone: The album closes with an epic finale. This track is a slow-burning masterpiece, showcasing the band’s ability to blend heavy riffs with melancholic beauty. Munro’s vocals are a powerful mix of aggression and despair, perfectly capturing the emotional weight of the story’s conclusion. The lyrics offer a sense of closure, but leave room for interpretation, allowing the listener to ponder the fate of the characters.

Verdict: 4 out of 5

“Sceptre” is a unique and rewarding listen for fans of adventurous heavy metal. Vision Master takes the listener on a thrilling journey through a soundscape that is both familiar and strange. The songwriting is adventurous, with each track contributing to the overall narrative arc. The musicianship is impressive, with Munro showcasing his skills as both vocalist and guitarist. The production is raw and lo-fi, perfectly capturing the band’s underground spirit.

A minor point to consider: Listeners who prefer a more polished and conventional approach to heavy metal might find “Sceptre” a bit too chaotic and disjointed. The cryptic lyrics and genre-bending elements might also be a hurdle for some.

However, for those seeking a heavy metal experience that is both challenging and rewarding, “Sceptre” is a must-listen. Vision Master has crafted an album that is as fun as it is thought-provoking. This debut is a promising sign of things to come, and we eagerly await their next sonic adventure.