Two decades since its last release, Norwegian hard rock band CONCEPTION has reunited with its familiar lineup: Roy Khan, Tore Østby, Ingar Amlien and Arve Heimdal. Having decided to control the process themselves, the band-members now turn to their fans via a PledgeMusic campaign to help generate the funds they need for releasing their brand-new material. The decision to do this on their own has been unanimous, to explore the possibilities in having full control. They have already formed a team of professionals believing in the band’s comeback. The band intends to raise money to release a single and EP in the autumn.
Since releasing the album “Flow” in 1997, the members have been working on separate projects, but fans never gave up hope of seeing them together as a band again. Says singer Roy Khan (ex-KAMELOT): “It’s great to be back together. The strong bond we have makes for a great foundation for creativity. We can’t wait to present our new music which we feel shows development but still bears the signature of CONCEPTION.” Adds guitarist Tore Østby: “I can only agree with Roy. I think it’s been a surprising experience for all of us to meet each other musically again and find where this work has taken us.”
Khan (full name: Roy Sætre Khantatat) recently released his first-ever solo song called “For All”. The track, which was written by Khan, was recorded at Stable Studios in Oslo, Norway in March 2018 and features Roy on vocals, piano and keyboards alongside Leif Johansen on fretless bass and Geir Olav Akselsen on all guitars. After his departure from KAMELOT seven years ago, Khan, who is a devout Christian, joined a church in the coastal town of Moss, Norway. As an employee of Moss Frikirke, Khan worked with the youth, mainly with the choir and the skaters of the village. Roy stopped working at the church in September 2016, but is reportedly still living and working in Moss.
Khan announced his exit from KAMELOT in April 2011 after taking several months off to recover from a “burnout.” He explained in a statement at the time: “I told the guys in the band already last fall (well after my burnout) that I was leaving the band. Naturally enough, they were shocked (as was the label and everyone else working with KAMELOT). In addition to risk of dropping ticket sales, they wanted to give me time to think things over, and so I did. My decision still stands; it is finished.”
