At first, when I got an email from Verbal Deception, I thought it was a band not happy about a review I wrote&Not the case since its their name and their music won't be directed to the firing squad! Hailing from Calgary (Canada) this young band has four members on board: Kressho Klarich (guitars& vocals) Matt Petti (bass), Jordon Bourgeault (drums) and the young (19) keyboardist by the name of Walt Fleming. This music got called Pirate Metal which is refreshing and true, no doubt about it! Seas, crusades and all of the pirate world is present, even a map of the voyage of the deception on the oceanus atlanticus is included. Music wise, they blend together parts of Viking, heavy and some power metal too. Fortunately, the power ones are few and limited to those fast, lead /riffing but not the vocals being actually quite manly. According sounding keys and symphonic ones bring a lot of the pirate/ epic mood but the lead guitar also has its own nice runs with a folk style. I felt the drum & bass where a bit too subdue and a more beefed up production would have been punchier. This music kicks and has a certain theatrical aspect besides, some parts show a progressive touch while, all along the journey, the compositions keep a melodic edge.

Amongst the best destinations: Pieces of Eight (instrumental), High Seas and The Temptress (long lasting composition, progressive with cool guitar work).

8 / 10