Originating from Italy, KONQUEST is one of those bands that manage to stand out from the masses thanks to their debut album that was a great example of splendid and inspired songs consisted of powerful vocals and solid guitar work.
While their first album was a sturdy thesis upon the classic HEAVY LOAD sound, this one tends to be a little different. And before you start sweating, no KONQUEST haven’t shifted towards modern sound, neither abolished their faith in HEAVY LOAD, instead they have let their other influences breathe new air into their music. And when I am talking about “other influences” I mean classic European metal acts, like very-very early PRETTY MAIDS, NWOBHM acts like IRON MAIDEN (Di’Anno era), late TANK, TORCH plus the Mausoleum gang: FAITHFUL BREATH, OSTROGOTH, CUTTY SARK, LION’S PRIDE etc.
The call to arms, was heard and each one of the above legendary bands has laid a hand upon KONQUEST. The result can be heard on outstanding songs like “Time and tyranny”, “The light that fades again”, “Warrior from a future world”, all of them are fine examples of music diversity, straight and raging on one hand, melodic and epic on the other.
It is amazing how this band has managed to absorb (not replicate) a whole arsenal of influences and create such an inspiring album, full of substantial music. With the spirit of HEAVY LOAD roaming through each song (due to the tone of the vocals) they manage to create an emotional and powerful atmosphere. The guitar work, is stellar, not flashy yet adequate with a few exceptional moments (“A Place I Call Home”) and the production is warm, organic with a live feeling. I emphasize on that, since most of the albums I come across these days suffer from compressed thin sound that makes songs sound feeble. Bart Gabriel have mastered the album offering the final touch that shaped a huge, heavy metal sound, absolutely suitable for the songs!
KONQUEST have managed to make a step beyond their debut. The album is a small piece of Heavy Metal art, a fine example of how retro Metal should be heard nowadays. I’d dare to say that it’s essential for anyone into this kind of music. Alex Rossi is showing the way through his spiritual Metal child: If you put your heart and soul on your music, then the result would be magnificent. Well this is case for this album.
Check the discussion about the album on our forum pages.
