Rough Edge: Conquest CD Reviews

CONQUEST

"Under the Influence" (Dark Star; 2016)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

If you've heard Conquest before, you know they play heavy metal in its purest form. It's loud, it's fast and it's loaded with the hooks and clichés we all know and love. After listening to just one of the band's albums, you know that their influences lie in the metal masters: Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Motorhead and the like. If, somehow, you didn't catch that, the band has released "Under the Influence," a tribute album to the bands that inspired them.

Included on "Under the Influence" are cover versions of classic songs like "Ace of Spades," "Children of the Grave," "The Ripper" and more. Most are nods to the BWOHM, but there are a couple of nice surprises: Pantera's "Cowboys from Hell" and especially Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive."

None of the tracks here are anything but pure covers and that's okay by me. These are Conquest's versions of these classic songs and there's a reason Conquest didn't fuck with them: They don't need to be fucked with. They're perfect in their natural form.

Fans of Conquest, any of the bands they pay tribute to here, or fans of cover versions will find plenty to their liking on "Under the Influence."

For more information, check out http://www.conquestmetal.com.

"End of Days" (Dark Star; 2008)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

With "End of Days," Conquest doesn't try anything new or different and the CD is full of heavy metal clichés. And that's exactly the reason I love it.

Crushing guitar, pulverizing drum beats and a vocal performance that is raw without being abrasive, the songs on "End of Days" fall somewhere between the sound of Judas Priest (both the Halford and Ripper Owens era) and Iced Earth and, if you think like I do, you'll agree that isn't a bad place to be.

Each and every song hits like a jackhammer, driving you back as the music explodes from the speakers. (In fact, if there's any complaint about this CD, it's that the jackhammer effect eventually becomes a little numbing). The music is loud and clear throughout, although sometimes the vocals get a little buried in the mix.

But those are minor complaints. The bottom line is this: If you're looking for some killer old school metal to blow your hair back (or maybe completely off your head), Conquest's "End of Days" is just the CD to do it.

Conquest: Derrick Brumley, Tim Fletwood, Tony Restivo, Mike Crook.

For more information, check out http://www.conquestmetal.com.

"No Boundaries" (Self-produced; 2003)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Pure, simple rock music is often the best and bands like Iron Maiden, Kiss, AC/DC and Deep Purple have made a long and profitable career by producing honest, high quality music.

Conquest has followed in the rock'n'roll vein of the above-mentioned band. Their music is pure, simple and heavy with catchy tunes and a shit load of moxie. Conquest's music hits me right in the center of my metal core and it's so refreshing to hear a band that's not overproduced or intentionally under-produced.

From the very first spin, I knew there was something special about Conquest. The music simply fucking rocks with a raw intensity that I haven't heard in so long, I frankly forgot it ever existed. The songs on "No Boundaries" moved me the first time and they continue to move me with each additional spin.

"No Boundaries" is a perfectly titled CD because Conquest has no boundaries. I liked every song on the CD but, if i had to choose one that stood out, I'd pick the 9/11 inspired tune, "No Mercy." I've heard a lot of songs inspired by that tragic day and none has ever moved me more than this one.

Conquest: Derick Brumley - vocals and guitar; Tim Fleetwood - drums and vocals; Mike Crook - guitar and vocals; Robert Lloyd - bass and vocals.

For more information, check out http://www.conquestmetal.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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