adg211288 The Scarecrow is an album that I have to admit that I had to let grow on me. Had I reviewed this after the first couple of listens I expect that I’d have given it a score somewhere in the region of a 2 or a 3. But I stuck with it and now I really love this album. My advice to new listeners would be to bare with it, and not judge The Scarecrow from the choices of single releases (Carry me Over and Lost in Space), which are actually the weakest tracks from the album.

Overall Tobias Sammet has composed some great songs, with special mention to opener Twisted Mind, the title track, Another Angel Down, The Toy Master and Devil in the Belfry. Others could have been better, Carry Me Over in particular because of its receptiveness, but overall it’s a well balanced bunch. What my real problem here is though is the fact that The Scarecrow is supposed to be a concept album, and from that front, The Scarecrow fails drastically. Although there is no law to say that concept albums should have songs that lead into each other, I personally feel that such an approach is what makes a good concept album, and its absence on The Scarecrow makes these eleven tracks feel just like songs instead of both songs and a story. Musically its fine, but nothing about The Scarecrow feels like a concept album to my ears.

The other fault that I find with this album is that I find it difficult to distinguish between some of the guest singers. Sammet himself is easy to know because as frontman he dominates the album, and Jorn Lande, arguably one of the greatest singers of today’s metal scene is instantly recognisable, but for some of the others, I have to check the booklet to see who’s on the song (it doesn’t reveal who sings what lines). I think my problem here is that some of the singers have been under-used, and Bob Catley for one I know doesn’t have vocal lines for his full potential. But overall it’s a decent enough album.

I think that the biggest problem I have with it, and the reason why it took me so many listens to get into is the radical departure in sound from the previous two albums, The Metal Opera Parts I and II. What we've got here isn't so much symphonic power metal but more like borderline power metal mixed with hard rock/heavy metal. For what it is its actually a strong album, just one that may not sit well with those who really liked what came before it. Personally I'd rate it a better album now I fully appreciate it than the second Metal Opera, but each to their own and while all may not agree with this review, I feel a solid 8 is deserved for this album.

(Originally written for Heavy Metal Haven)

arcane-beautiful I remember when this album came out in 2008, their was another “metal opera” out at around the same time (Ayreon’s 01001001). It really was a battle of the bands, because both albums are probably 2 of the best I ever heard. So which one was better.

I would have to say this one I’m afraid. I am a massive fan of Ayreon, and it’s really hard to choose between the two, but when it comes to strength of both albums, this album just surpasses it.

One thing that made this album so amazing (not just the song writing) was the amazing choice of vocalists. Not only did you have Tobias, and his mad shrieking, but a host of some real legends, e.g. Alice Cooper, Bob Catley, Michael Kiske, and some really under looked vocalists, e.g. Roy Khan (who could sing the phone book and it would be amazing), Amanda Summerville, Oliver Hartman etc. But the one vocalist that did it for me, is probably the most under looked metal vocalists of all time, Jørn Lande. Who, you ask! Well, the not so favourable Masterplan, ARK and Jørn singer. Yea, he appeared in both “operas”, and he gave the performance of his life. Everytime I hear his voice in these songs, I get chills up and down my back for about 2 hours. It really is the best medicine for spine problems.

The concept is also quite unique, about going mental, finding love, losing love, temptation, you know all that stuff.

Yea, this album is near enough perfect to be honest.

1. Twisted Mind - Roy’s sensual tone adds a great colour to the song. Amazing vocals in the chorus. Great build up throughout. 10/10

2. The Scarecrow - What an epic. Amazing vocal battle between Tobias & Jørn, with Mr. Lande beating him by just a hair on his hairless chest. It’s just an amazing composition. Great lyrics as well. The folk elements are amazing, and the chorus just rules. 11/10 (yes I will, it’s that good)

3. Shelter From The Rain - Great chorus, and a great vocal performance from Michael Kiske. 10/10

4. Carry Me Over - Such a pop song. Great chorus and the verses are just as good, with a cheesy build up. Beautiful lyrics. 10/10

5. What Kind Of Love - My brother is a big fan of this song, but I could never really get into it. I get what he was trying to achieve, I’m just not that big a fan of Celine Dion (what it’s pretty obvious). 9/10

6. Another Angel Down - One of the greatest power metal songs ever made in my opinion. Jørn’s vocals are just orgasmic in this song. What a chorus. Everytime I hear this song, I have to sing along, bang my head, and marvel at it’s genius. The lyrics are amazing as well. 12/10

7. The Toy Master – I’m not the biggest fan of Alice Cooper, but this song surprised me. It does get way better, everytime you listen to it. 10/10

8. Devil In The Belfry - Pretty great chorus. Very rocking song. 9/10

9. Cry Just A Little - A nice soothing ballad, with some nice vocals from Bob Catley. 9/10

10. I Don’t Believe In Your Love - I really don’t think this song needed to be in the album. It is the weakest one. Although, Oliver Hartmans vocals are amazing in it. 8/10

11. Lost In Space - Another pop song. This song is great though, with an amazing chorus. 10/10

CONCLUSION: One of the best albums I have ever heard. If you haven’t heard it…YOU NEED TO.!!!