What makes Parallel Minds by Conception notable?

Parallel Minds received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of progressive metal and melodic elements, helping to solidify Conception's status in the genre. The album is noted for influencing subsequent progressive metal bands and was pivotal in defining the sound of Norwegian metal in the early '90s. Released in 1993, Parallel Minds is Conception's second album, following their debut, The Last Sunset. The band was beginning to establish its identity within the progressive metal scene, showcasing a more refined sound and songwriting approach compared to their initial release.

How many songs are on Parallel Minds?

Parallel Minds has 10 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Parallel Minds

Conception · 1993

46 min · 10 tracks · progressive metal

Intricate guitar work and atmospheric keyboards create a rich tapestry of sound that balances heaviness with melodic sophistication.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Water Confines — The opening track sets the tone with its dynamic shifts between heavy riffs and ethereal melodies, showcasing the band's technical prowess.
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And I Close My Eyes — This song exemplifies the album's emotional depth through its haunting lyrics and evocative instrumentation, effectively blending introspection with intensity.
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Parallel Minds — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's themes of duality and consciousness while featuring intricate arrangements that highlight the band's musical complexity.
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Soliloquy — This epic closing track weaves together multiple motifs and showcases the band's ability to build an atmospheric experience that lingers long after listening.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong craftsmanship, solidifying its place in progressive metal.

What we noticed

Guitar solos are interwoven with atmospheric keyboard layers, creating a dense soundscape that balances heaviness with melody.
Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for intricate arrangements and dynamic shifts in mood.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Water Confines 4:17
2 Roll the Fire 4:35
3 And I Close My Eyes 3:49
4 Silent Crying 3:16
5 Parallel Minds 4:49
6 Silver Shine 4:43
7 My Decision 4:46
8 The Promiser 3:11
9 Wolf's Lair 3:59
10 Soliloquy 9:05

What to play next

Listen next

In Your Multitude

1995

Go back to

Demo 1992

1992

Full Conception discography Artists like Conception

progressive metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata