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This is the second album for the criminally underrated band known as Conception. Having laid the foundation of their sound in their previous album, the band takes it to another level. While most albums in the genre start with a long ass intro, Parallel Minds starts with "Water Confines" featuring chunky riffs right out the gates. Thankfully, that is the theme of this album as we are treated to a riff fest provided by Tore Østby. As a whole this record is chock-full of variety as it constantly shifts tempo. Examples of this include the title track, the beautiful ballad "Silent Crying" and the epic "Soliloquy", guaranteeing that you won't be bored for a second.

And once again we are treated with first class performances from world class musicians. Starting with Tore Østby, he displays excellent guitar playing - he doesn't try to show off, fitting his solos perfectly into the song without ever overshadowing it. The bass played by Ingar Amlienis is equally as good, you can listen to his bass lines in "Wolfs Lair" and it sounds awesome. Arve Heimdal's drums are as great as always and like the debut he doesn't play unbelievably fast just to prove he's a good drummer. The keyboards are handled by Hans Chr. Gjestvang, although he is not a prominent figure. He only appears once in a while, giving the songs the proper texture and this is cool by me as keyboard solos wouldn't fit this sound at all. Roy Khan's voice is an improvement over the debut, if that was at all possible. He still sings in an enchanting way, making the choruses and vocal melodies stick in your head. Also you can hear the high notes that this man can pull off without breaking a sweat. Just listen to "The Promiser" and "Roll the Fire" a let yourself rot with envy. Seriously, how can a man be so ridiculously talented?

Overall, Parallel Minds marks an improvement over The Last Sunset because the tracks have more vitality to them. This is real metal here folks, and as with anything involving the mighty Khan, this is just a must get.