Flow

Artist: Conception
Label: Sanctuary
Category: Music

Average customer rating:

Format: Original recording reissued
Media: Audio CD
Number Of Discs: 1

UPC: 823107408926
EAN: 0701301027429
ASIN: B000006CNO

Release Date: 1998-04-28

Flow

Related Categories:

General

| Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal

| Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock

| Pop | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Gethsemane
Angel (Come Walk With Me)
A Virtual Lovestory
Flow
Cry
Reach Out
Tell Me When I'm Gone
Hold On
Cardinal Sin
Would It Be The Same

Album Details

All New Material.

Customer Reviews:

A more seductive Queensryche .......2005-04-23

Gosh, this album seems to break all the rules... Especially considering these dudes are from Norway - the black metal capital of the world. Furthermore, "Flow" is a far cry from the band's previous efforts, sampling from a bleeding palette, painting a very grotesque concept of stylish cyber-metal.

Their bohemian style of play reminds of a cross between Queensryche and _________? Hell, I don't know. I want to say Hogarth-era Marillion, but that's only partially accurate; because a.) that implies a progressive direction, and "Flow" certainly isn't progressive per se, and b.) Hogarth-era Marillion doesn't account for the aura of darkness that envelopes the music. Hell, there's no warmth here; in fact, "Flow" has an icy sterility about it that partially explains its Norwegian birthright.

In any case, as Robert Pontzer so aptly described, the properties of Conception's brilliance can be boiled down to two entities: vocalist Roy Khantatat (known simply as Khan in Kamelot) and guitarist Tory Ostby (Ark). Khan is truly one of all-time greats. His voice is remarkably seductive (ala Christian Death's Rozz Williams), so technically flawless... He explores the meat of the vocal spectrum with such expertise, never sounding outrageous, creating some of the most memorable vocal melodies in metal. Conveniently, guitarist Tory Ostby, possesses equal musical prowess... His style is very fluid, very provocative... Though his characteristic Latin flirtations have been dispelled this time around. Instead he experiments with simpler riffs, working for a "crunchier" sound, laying the groundwork for atmospheric cyber-keys and subtle choir crooning, forging for a fresher sound and heightened accessibility.

Again, I will reiterate what Mr. Pontzer has already told us: Ostby shows a truly remarkable level of restraint.

Anyway, this is not a release all metal peeps will be comfortable with. It's one of those albums you either love or hate.

The perfect fusion of pop and metal sensibilities.......2002-12-31

"Flow" is the 1997 album from Norwegian melodic metal outfit Conception, and their last. Conception released 4 metal masterpieces in the 90's on the strength of their exceptional songwritings and 2 incredible talents: vocalist Roy Khan and guitarist Tore Ostby, now of Kamelot and ARK respectively. "Flow" was a departure for Conception. Their previous albums had been heavier, the songs more elaborate and progressive with lots of guitar shredding. "Flow" showcased a more accessible, sleeker sound. The songs are shorter and simpler, with less guitar soloing. The songs have a definate pop influence and radio-ready sound. This is not a detriment however. This is accessible music done right. The melodies are compelling, the arrangements intelligent. Also, the production is absolutely perfect. Everything is crisp, clear and powerful. In a perfect world, this album would have been a smash. It is really quite a visionary release as it took metal in a new direction. It's a shame Conception broke up after this album due to lack of commercial success. However, the members of the band have gone onto excellent bands like Kamelot and ARK. Roy Khan is one of the best singers in metal, with a silky smooth tone and middle range. He has exceptionally phrasing and delivery. Tore Ostby is nothing less than a virtuoso guitarist. He has one of the most distinctive styles in metal that incorporates many influences, such as Latin music and thrash metal. He plays with remarkable restraint on "Flow", shortening his solos and simplifying the riffs in order to craft perfect pop songs.

I must admit that I did not like this album very much at first. It is certainly not a conventional metal album. I had heard nothing like it before. But after several listens, the quality of the songwriting really hit me. It's a great album for the adventurous metal listener, and should also be able to appeal to a lot of non-metal listeners.

"Gethsemane" is my favorite song from the album and opens the album perfectly. It's a slinky, sleak, slithering and sexy song. It opens with a creative tom-tom pattern and lush, atmospheric keyboards. Roy Khan contributes a passionate, incredible, beautiful vocal performance: one of my favorites! He really puts on exceptional performance, full of emotion, technical prowess and that special timbre he has. The chorus is sublimely crafted, with its swirling guitar riff and instantly memorable vocal melodies. The bridge is simply amazing with its guitar soloing and Roy Khan's building power. "You will deny me again forever. As long as I'm bound to be here. Softly caressing the pain, learning... We all have a cross to bear. We all have a reason to die. A reason to leave all the worries and fly."

"Angel (Come Walk With Me)" is a very unique song. This is another slinky, sexy song featuring a repetative, simplistic guitar riff. Roy Khan sings the verse in a very erotic manner, whispering and mumbling and moaning. The chorus, however, is the highlight. A lush multi-tracked chorus sings one line, while Roy Khan whispers vocals between those lines. It is a stunning juxtaposition.

"A Virtual Lovestory" is about a man obsessed with a woman he met online. He yearns to meet her in the flesh. This song features a sparse soundscape of simplistic bass and electronics before exploding into the chorus with its frantic guitar and processed vocals.

The title track "Flow" is a gem. It's infectious guitar riff and sultry groove are entrancing. "Flow into your mind. Embracing like a mother's womb. Flow and you will find. Forgotten pictures of the moon." Tore Ostby contributes a short but blistering guitar solo.

"Cry" is a ballad that starts of extremely softly with acoustic guitars and slow synths with Roy Khan's gentle crooning. The song slowly builds with bubbling electronics and electric guitar.

"Reach Out" is a solid rocker featuring some suprisingly gruff verses by Roy Khan. This song incorporates an almost urban hip-hop vibe in the electronics and percussion.

"Tell Me When I'm Gone" is the only song I don't like from this album. Conception always includes a very slow, sludgy, doom/stoner metal song on its albums, and I usually don't like them. This song reminds me of one of Soundgarden's slower songs.

"Hold On" is an extremely fragile ballad featuring nothing but harpsichord, violin and Roy Khan's elegant vocals. This is the farthest thing from metal, and is extremely light, but the song is ethereal and uplifting. The chorus is very beautiful. "Won't you hold on and we'll be forgiven. Just you hold on, I'll always be there for you."

"Cardinal Sin" is the fastest and heaviest song from the album, and also exceptionally catchy. The chorus is one of the best I have ever heard, it soars. This is a adrenaline-pumping song that is great for driving or other activities. The pulsing bass and crisp drumming drive this song along.

"Would It Be The Same" ends the album with its immaculate multi-tracked vocal chorus and pulsating electronics. "Like I'm guilty. Like I'm sad. I must fight to be lonely. To break the chain."

Amazing.......2002-03-03

i am really amazed at this album. its been classified as melodic prog metal, i think it does have some of those qualities, but i also think that it is just good music in general. Kahn is an amazing singer, i really did not realize this from his work with kamelot. I dont think that he is in the right band for his style and range. Tore is an amazing guitarist, but i did know this from his work with a band he formed called ark. It is to bad that Conception broke up, i really think that flow was a jump in the right direction from them, even though i did think in your multitude was also really great. You should get this album, not only because it rocks but because it is just an amazing piece of work that shows how good a band could be.

Wow!.......2001-08-30

What it is: melodic metal. Some may say "progressive" but whatever the category, it is pure enjoyment to listen to. If you like metal but are not averse to some lighter melody intertwined with it, you will totally be in awe. The composition & structure are masterful. These are some of the best written songs I've ever listened to of ANY music. Yes, they are that good. Cardinal Sin is my favorite cut, but all are completely worthy. The musicianship is superb, and Kahn's voice is a well crafted instrument rather than just being a mediocre means of presenting the lyrics.

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