Founded in 2009, SCEPTOR are a German / American cooperation, currently consisting of Torsten “Todde” Lang (gui, Ex-RITUAL STEEL, Ex-TITAN STEELE), Bob Mitchells (voc, THE HOUNDS OF HASSELVANDER, Ex-ALCHEMY X, Ex- ATTACKER), Timo “Moe” Nolden (gui, BASTARD NATION), KK Basement (bas, ex-ADORNED GRAVES, ex-HAMMER KING) and Florian Bodenheimer (dru, HELL PATRÖL). After the 7″ “Introducing… Sceptor” released in 2010 and the full length album “Take Command!” released in 2012, the band split up in 2014. Anno 2021 the warriors are now returning to the spotlight with “Rise to the Light”.

Like in the past, finest heavy metal in the tradition of the 80s is offered. Typically German material is only partially represented, as U.S. American influences are quiet present and the double leads have their origin in the NWoBHM era. Direct comparisons are rather difficult, what is certainly not a disadvantage. Mid-tempo pounders (“Crown of Nails”, “Rise to the Light”) are meeting faster headbangers (“Sovereign”, “Spartacus”), as well as the semi-ballade “Armor Black”, so that friends of traditional steel won’t be disappointed. Robert Romagna (Audiostahl) is responsible for the sound and mastering and has given the album the right mix between tradition and modernity.