Conception--Flow (1997)
Rating--9.4
Angel (Come Walk With Me)--RealAudio Reach Out--RealAudio
European power/progressive metal, in the vein of classic Queensryche and
Dream Theater (though not nearly as keyboard heavy as the latter). More atmospheric than standard power/prog--- Sort of along the lines of 'Rage For Order,' but with updated
distortion and more flow within the songs.
Very enchanting vocals, with an even more mesmerizing Geoff Tate being the closest comparison,
in the godly form of Roy Khan.
Yet another excellent group most Americans probably have never heard of.
Opening track "Gethsemane" has a smooth pulse
to it, and is followed by the slow snake groove of "Angel (Come Walk With Me)," which melts into a riffy chorus. Some of the heavier
and better tracks include "Reach Out" with its stalking verse work, the chunk groove of "Tell Me When I'm Gone," "Would it be
the Same's" chug, and the thick chorus of "A Virtual Love Story."
Subtle but strong verse riffs highlight the title track, and
the mellow and trance-inducing "Cry" lays low before picking up near the end. Acoustic sounds coupled with orchestration
give "Hold On" a touching and nice effect, and solid rocker "Cardinal Sin" lurks near the end of the disc.
Again, this group
stands right beside such troupes as Elegy, Stratovarius, and others as being
vastly underrated here in the States. If you're looking to expand your metal horizons beyond MTV and even KNAC, look to
Europe...
HOT CHOPS: Check out that killer pre-solo chug in "Angel". Oh, my!!
TRACK LIST: Gethsemane/Angel (Come Walk With Me)/A Virtual Love Story/Flow/Cry/Reach Out/Tell Me When I'm Gone/
Hold On/Cardinal Sin/Would It Be the Same
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