A forgotten gem...
Pablosa | Buenos Aires, Capital Federal Argentina | 01/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Now that I've listened to all Conception albums I can properly say that this "Parallel Minds" is their masterpiece. "The Last Sunset" is a good album, too. But, I liked this better. Conception has no bad albums and is just a matter of preferences. With "parallel minds" reached their peak of creativity, a masterpiece from beginning to end. They can be considered the pioneers of the progressive metal wave at the end of the 80s and beginning of the 90s. Endless creativity and
perfect percision and execution are the major ingredients in this album, mixed in such unique perfection taking you in a metal journey, where the maximum pleasure is guaranteed to all you metal lovers. Fast songs, mid tempo, ballads, intrincate rhythms and accurate changes of rhythms are combined here, along with the most melodic solos and perfect choruses, filled with catchy rhythms, without sounding cheesy. The album has no fillers, and each one has something special. What I really liked about
"Parallel minds" is that is not a battle of virtuosism between the musicians with never-ending solos what would result in long and boring songs. There's nothing out of place, and the album doesn't sound repetitive at all. They go directly to the point.
The most important thing of Conception, is not the how fast or how long, it's simply the "how". They take a little of each genre, power metal, heavy metal, progressive metal, sounding very heavy and intense sometimes, or classical other times, but never resigning quality, technique nor beauty.
Conception is the kind of band that you have to listen to have an idea what I'm talking about. Just listen to realize. Too bad they split up!"
Music that lives in the stratosphere
Brent D. Sorenson | Cedar Rapids, IA United States | 10/24/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Before the mighty Kamelot, there was Conception. Khan played with this amazing band in the 90's and they recorded four albums together. In Your Multitude is the best prog-metal Conception CD. However, in my opinion, Parallel Minds is their best pure metal CD. Two of their best songs are on here, "Roll The Fire" and the title track. The guitarist, Tore Ostby is playing on a level that very few guitarists ever reach. His blistering leads, icy-blue tone (reminiscent of Kirk Hammett's lead tone on Ride The Lightning) and incredible riffs combined with Khan's excellent singing make this a very memorable CD. The band is in absolute top form here. They have gone beyond the top of the mountain and into the stratosphere."
