It’s hard to believe that it’s been 28 years since this masterpiece was unleashed on the world. This was Conception’s third release and it is my favourite. Falling under the banner of progressive metal, this Norwegian band were formed in ’89.
The album opens up with Under A Mourning Star, a superb fat chugga riff and driving groove get things rolling, but it’s that haunting melody and hook that really grab you. Missionary Man follows, and again a superb riff but with a much slower groove, and the vibe is very dramatic. It keeps on being amazing as the riff at the intro to Retrospect is just awesome and Khan’s vocal talents are there for all to hear. Tore Ostby’s solo is short but killer. Guilt closes out Side 1, the riff is deep slow and heavy, as is the groove.
The epic ballad Sanctuary opens up Side 2 and Khan’s opera training is very evident on this piece. It’s favourite track time next as A Million Gods bursts into life. A monster riff coupled with an insane groove drives this beast along pausing for the vocal, then when they combine together… man does that hit the spot. Some Wounds is next up and closes out Side 2. A pounding bass before a simple chugga riff with a killer swing on the groove.
A kick ass syncopated groove with keys, bass, and drums open up Carnal Comprehension, the hook and melody are beautiful and definite goosebumps moment for sure, add to that the epic middle section … this band are soooo good. Onto Solar Serpent we go, an odd bass and drum groove open up the tune to what is mostly a normal hard rock song. The title track is next up, a very dramatic intro with a slow heavy groove until the big guitar kicks in and then it’s all about the vocal. This would normally be the end of the album, but on this version we get three extra tracks. The first of which is Move Closer, a slow acoustic piece with a killer vocal and matching solo. Next is a demo of In Your Multitude, a drier sounding version with more guitar. The last song is Gravity, and it’s a belter. A killer, fast, choppy, and chugga riff coupled with a killer groove. Not sure why this never appeared on the original album, as it would have fit onto a CD.
So there it is, an awesome album from a killer band.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
