Conception--In Your Multitude (1995/Noise)
Rating--9.5
Under a Mourning Star--RealAudio Solar Serpent--RealAudio
Chugging riffs are everywhere, as this definitely appears to be the top spot of Conception's catalog-- and one of the
finest Euro prog/power offerings to be had. Singer Khan is among the best out there for pure emotion and atmosphere, as he
gives every song life and crackling energy. Technical perfection on all fronts; a prowling, edged release.
A driving intro to "Under a
Mourning Star" has a brief backoff, and then totally rips for the duration of the song. Nearly every track stands out, but some higher
than others: "Some Wounds" has an insane, head-moving chug backbone, and only gets better with an absolutely soaring
chorus. "Carnal Comprehension" moves from smooth, paced verses to razor rifffs, and then back-and-forth again. "Solar Serpent" features
a relatively light start, but unleashes a ripping axe-driven chorus, as spine-tingling vox enchant throughout.
"Guilt" is a slow
metallized churn, while a methodical crunch fuels "Missionary Man"-- both are ultra solid. The longer "A Million Gods" shifts
between singing and instrumental-feeling sections, while the disc-closing title song is both solid and majestic with its slower pace.
With this release and the followup 'Flow,' Conception have released two of the finest back-to-back metal albums in the past 10 years
or more. When you throw 'Parallel Minds' into the fray, you have three pinnacles in a row.
You probably have to appreciate good progressive music to fully get into it at first, but if you're at least a power metal
fan this could be the group that moves you into new listening horizons.
TRACK LIST: Under a Mourning Star/Missionary Man/Retrospect/Guilt/Sanctuary/A Million Gods/Some Wounds/Carnal
Comprehension/Solar Serpent/In Your Multitude
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