PARALLEL MINDS

"Parallel Minds" is the 2nd full-length studio album by Norwegian power/progressive metal act Conception. The album was released through Noise Records in September 1993. It´s the successor to "The Last Sunset" from 1991 and features one lineup change since the predecessor as session keyboard player Hans Christian Gjestvang has now become a permanent member of the band, making Conception a quintet on "Parallel Minds".

Conception continue the power metal style with progressive metal leanings they initiated on "The Last Sunset (1991)", but "Parallel Minds" is generally a much tighter and consistent release both in quality and style. The eclectic nature of the material on the debut album had its charm, but "Parallel Minds" is definitely a step up in quality. Conception are an interesting power metal act as they use both the lighter neo-classical and sometimes symphonic elements from the Euro power metal style and the more raw and heavy elements from the US power metal style (and also the melodic US power metal, which can be heard on the Queensrÿche influenced "The Promiser") and even add a few semi-progressive elements to spice the whole thing up.

The material are very well written. Cathcy, varied, melodic, heavy, and memorable, but it´s the incredible musicianship which is the icing on the cake. Roy Khan is a world class singer with a distinct sounding powerful voice and a commanding delivery, and the instrumentalist are also very skilled musicians. The rhythm section are solid and pounding out powerful beats and basslines, and guitarist Tore Otsby can´t be praised enough for his varied playing and many intriguing ideas (check out the heavy riff and the pinch harmonics on "My Decision"), while new man Gjestvang successfully creates atmosphere and epic moments but never in an abrasive manner. This is very tasteful power metal.

"Parallel Minds" features a well sounding professional sound production. Some may find the drums a little dry sounding, but personally I enjoy the tone of the drums and the production choices made regarding the drums and the rest of the instruments and the vocals. "Parallel Minds" is upon conclusion a high quality release through and through and a 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)