Conception - Flow (1997)

Conception is a Norwegian band consisting of talented musicians – i.a. Kamelot’s vocalist Roy Khan and guitar player Tore Ostby, known later from ARK. The band recorded 4 progressive metal albums, the one described here turned out to be their last (1997).

From the very first track – “Gethsemane” – it is clear that this is the most mature album in their career. The song starts unhurriedly, cautiously, accompanied by rhythmical drums and spreading keyboard background. Then the guitar rhythm is intensified with riffs which form a steady frame for the song together with the vocalize. There is one small change in rhythm in the middle of the song – for the guitar solo and the inspired choir part which adds value and “spirituality” to the song.
The album is filled with energetic, skillfully arranged and played compositions, often built on catchy melodies (“Cardinal Sin”, “Flow”), but there is also room for ballads – a potential radio hit “Cry” and “Hold On” – arranged for a violin quartet and harpsichord.

There’s a lot going on the album – the band chooses interesting keyboard and guitar sounds, but avoids overwhelming the listener with excessive affluence or solo show offs. Undoubtedly the songs are focused around melodies and are only supported by solid technical skills. You can tell that the musicians are professionals – when it comes to playing, as well as composing. Guitar player Tore Ostby is in my opinion one of the biggest underrated talents in this field – the album is packed with his finessful patterns, to which he pays special attention when it comes to solo, as well as rhythmical parts; it’s a real storehouse for musical ideas.

One drawback of the album is its mediocre production – the drums sound flat, the bass is limited to the minimum, other elements don’t stand out either. The reason behind this might be the band’s limited budget.

To sum up Conception ended their relatively short career with their most interesting album, which would probably prompt the listeners to check out their previous material. Despite poor production, the music stands the test of time because of the interesting ideas and imaginative playing. Fans of prog metal – the lighter type – will definitely find something for themselves here.

Translation with a kind help of Ula Skowrońska.

Mark: 8/10

- Roy Khan - vocals
- Tore Otsby - guitar
- Trond Nagell-Dahl - synthesizer
- Ingar Amlien – bass guitar
- Arve Heimdal – drums, percussion

Conception – Flow

1. Gethsemane
2. Angel
3. A virtual lovestory
4. Flow
5. Cry
6. Reach out
7. Tell me when I'm gone
8. Hold on
9. Cardinal sin
10. Would it be the same

Date of release: 1997
Label: Sanctuary

Buy/listen here:

Amazon.com

GPS - Window to the soul (2006)

GPS is a project of ASIA`s past members: John Payne, Guthrie Govan , Jay Schellen and keyboardist Ryo Okumoto (Spock's Beard). I must frankly admit that even though I am keen on new progressive rock/metal incarnations, after first or maybe second listening I put this album on a shelf. Because it doesn`t surprise, because it doesn`t amaze, doesn`t reveal any new horizons.

But the revenge day has come and I had to balance my dues with GPS. It appeared that if you give the music some time without rush to fill out the room it gains depth. Payne uses his voice in a pleasant, non-impudent manner, even during the stronger, rocker accents, he`s simply persuasive.

Guthrie Govan is one of the most potentially interesting guitarists I had opportunity to listen to recently. His playing is featured with solidly-grounded technical training, however it doesn`t lack fineness and imaginativeness – he plays smoothly, chooses warm guitar sounds, sometimes reminds David Gilmour with his phrases and it seems like he just casually articulates the melodic unisono with keyboards (the repeated chorus part in “Taken Dreams”).

A propos keys – another plus. From the speakers flow pleasant sounds, different, sometimes rock-like, another time more subtle, Roy`s sounds palette is also interesting. It shall be mentioned that he uses his role in the band in an intelligent fashion – he doesn`t cross the board of good taste in terms of either sounds selection ( not always the more means the better) or showing his skills. His playing is balanced, perfectly completes the harmony built by the remaining instruments and his solo parts has got a definite musical value, they don`t tire you with aimless showing off without any conclusion. Unfortunately, most bands seems to choose this way to fill out this lack-of-ideas-gap.

So how`s about the tracks on "Window to the Soul”? They`re usually relatively short (as for this genre, max.8.30 min.) songs with complex instrumental side, very melodic and catchy.
In fact each song is a potential hit ("I Believe in Yesterday”, "Heaven Can Wait”, my favourite "Taken Dreams” or "Written in the Wind” with wonderful acoustic intro).
Instruments sound clear, they perfectly match and complete each other, choirs nicely highlight the choruses.

To sum up, I could say that this album is as a sunset – normal, simple, natural, we can watch it every day, it is just there and still it`s got something special that introduces us in a reflective and dreamy mood, with all its dynamic and animating turns. This CD is not a breakthrough but I can assure you that it will spin in your player many times.



Mark: 8/10

John Payne - vocals, bass
Guthrie Govan - guitar
Jay Schellen - drums, percussion
Ryo Okumoto - keyboards

Samples/buy it here:

Title track

Amazon.com