DORO
"Conqueress: "Forever
Strong and Proud" (Nuclear Blast; 2023)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Doro Pesch, the undisputed queen of heavy metal, has done it again with her new release, "Conqueress - Forever Strong and Proud."
Doro has been doing this since 1982 (Holy shit! Forty-one years!), when she was the singer of the band Warlock. (On a personal note, she is 59 years old and she looks frickin' great!) There's some great music on this album, including an awesome cover of the Judas Priest classic "Living After Midnight" with the metal god himself, Rob Halford, helping on vocals. Doro and Rob also do a cover of the Bonnie Taylor song "Total Eclipse of the Heart" (written by the late, great Jim Steinman. He wrote all the "Bat of the Hell" releases performed by Meat Loaf.)
Good solid metal music done with style and class and performed the way only Doro Pesch can.
Not only is this a kick-ass metal release, it is also a full fifty-five minutes and fifteen songs. This release runs the gamut from blistering metal, hard rock and even a power ballad thrown in for luck. I think most of these songs were written to be performed live.
Here's a quick story about Doro and Warlock. I was in the US Navy in Antarctica (of all fucking places). I was working the 12a to 8a shift as a duty driver (just in case I was needed). I got to say it was pretty boring. And, one day, other duty officer (there was just the two of us in the entire building) said to me "Snider, what kind of music do you like?" My reply was "rock and metal." "Well, I have a band for you," he said, and put a cassette tape of Warlock's debut release into the player. I was stunned. Here we are, it is two or three in the morning, and we are jamming to Warlock, in Antarctica. I have been hooked ever since. (This was late 1983).
Doro and "Conqueress - Forever Strong and Proud" gets a strong 4 guitarsaws from this reviewer.
"Love's Gone to
Hell" (Locomotive; 2009)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Okay, so "Love's Gone to Hell" is a pretty good song. It's the kind of song that Doro does best: a slow-paced ballad backed with strong electric guitar and written with a slow burn that makes it instantly listenable.
But, really, did we need three versions of it on a six-track EP?
First, there's the Radio version, then there's the Single Version, and finally (ending the EP) is the Original Demo Version. Admittedly, there's some difference between the three versions, especially (and obviously) the demo version. Yeah, it may be somewhat interesting to ponder the differences between the three but, if you ask me, that's two versions too many.
As for the other tracks on this EP, two are live tracks (one of which features Hansi Kusch of Blind Guardian). They're good live recordings. I've always wanted to see Doro live (and I have, only on DVD) and this is one of the reasons why. Seems to me that Doro would put on a good live show and these tracks emphasize that.
But it's that last remaining track, track number three, that will grab you by the heart and give a little squeeze. It's another slow-paced ballad called "It Still Hurts" and it's a duet between Doro and Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister. It's a soulful tune, loaded with emotion (some of which, of course, is due to Mr. Kilmister's death) and it's performed with such feeling, such genuineness, that it hooks into your mind and holds there. Truly terrific work from all on this track.
So, do we really need three versions of "Love's Gone to Hell?" Probably not. But the live tracks and especially the track with Lemmy make this EP worth every penny.
For more information, check out http://www.doropesch.com.
"Fear No Evil" (Locomotive; 2009)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Google Doro and you find a heading that says “This Doro Pesch Site is dedicated to Doro Pesch, the female voice of Metal Rock.” And that is just what she is. Doro has rocked hard with every musical project she ever did. In 1985 she was in the widely popular German rock group Warlock. Since then she has formed her own band, Doro, with stellar results. "Fear No Evil" is their latest relese.
Doro is an extremely talented singer/songwriter and her star shines brightly on this gritty, well-written release. There is just something about female metal singers that I find tremendously exciting and when I listen to Doro sing her stuff, my blood pressure races.
Her accent tells you that English is not her first language and this release is peppered with songs in the German language; however, that does not detract from the overall coolness of this recording. I rarely list song titles in a review but, in this instance, I think it would be help give you an idea of the style and grace of this recording:
1. Night of the Warlock
2. Running from the Devil
3. Celebrate
4. Caught in a Battle
5. Herzblut
6. On the Run
7. Walking with the Angels
8. I Lay My Head
9. It Kills Me
10. Long Lost for Love
11. 25 Years
12. Wildfire
13. You Won My Love
For more information on this popular and very sexy metal singer, check out http://www.doroband.com or http://www.myspace.com/doroband.
"All
We Are - The Fight" (Locomotive; 2007)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
When Warlock's classic song, "All We Are," was played as the entrance theme for Regina Halmich, a female boxer who just happened to be a friend of vocalist Doro Pesch, it suddenly became a hit all over again. Not one to miss an opportunity (or to deny her fans something they want), the legendary Doro went back into the studio and re-recorded the track, adding four additional audio tracks and five video clips to create the unique sound-and-vision package that is "All We Are - The Fight."
The good news is that Doro sounds as good as ever. Her familiar voice is one of those rare female voices that is strong enough to sing classic metal but still feminine enough to remain sexy. The new recording of "All We Are" doesn't seem all that different from the original, although I'll admit it's been years since I heard that song. I guess that's a good thing; it's obvious that Doro is aging gracefully.
The other four songs on the CD are strong but perhaps not spectacular. They're adequate metal anthems and/or ballads of the type you'd expect from Warlock and Doro. The highlights here are the cover of Led Zeppelin's "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You" and the duet with Krokus' Marc Storace and Luke Gasser.
The CD also includes five video tracks, including the title track, "Above the Ashes," "Warrior Soul," "You're My Family" and the aforementioned duet, "On My Own."
For more information, check out http://www.doropesch.com.
"Warrior
Soul" (Locomotive; 2006)
Reviewed by Snidermann
There is something intoxicating about female rock'n'roll singers; Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Floor Jansen ... just to name a few.
If you like female rock'n'roll singers as much as I do, then Doro's new CD, "Warrior Soul," is just the CD for you. The legendary Doro Pesch returns and, not only is she sexy, she can still belt out the rock'n'roll tunes.
The lyrics here are in both German and English and the blend is perfectly done. Doro still knows how to rock and she has surrounded herself with excellent musicians. One you put them together with her killer vocals, you wind up with an exceptional musical experience.
Yeah, there were a few of the songs I found a bit too slow but, all in all, "Warrior Soul" is an outstanding heavy metal experience.
For more information, check out http://www.doropesch.com.
"Classic
Diamonds" (Locomotive; 2005)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
The legendary female metal vocalist takes a page from bands like Deep Purple, Metallica and the Scorpions by putting a full orchestra behind her. Unlike those other artists, however, Doro has done it all in the studio rather than in a live setting and the result is a surprisingly engaging and vivacious CD that, rather than destroy the memory of the original, actually enhances it.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that the songs on this CD sound better than when they were first recorded. But they do sound fresh and they still rock in their own, now orchestrated way. Even Doro's easy cover of Judas Priest's classic "Breaking the Law" (which bears basically no semblance to the seminal original) is entertaining, although that may have something to do with the presence of Accept's Udo Dirkschneider taking part in a duet.
Sometimes things do get a little too slow and a little too sappy. "I'm in Love With You," is about as ballad-y as a ballad can get, as you probably can tell from its title. For the most part, however, "Classic Diamonds" is lively stuff.
For more information, check out http://www.doropesch.com.
"Fur Immer" DVD (Steamhammer / SPV; 2004)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
If there's anything you don't know about Doro Pesch - but wanted to - chances are you'll find it in this double-DVD set and its nearly five hours worth of material.
Disc 1 contains a live performance by Doro in Balve, Germany. It's a great set, with the blonde metal goddess looking and sounding pretty damn good. What's perhaps most amazing about this performance is how fresh Doro's older music still sounds today. There's a lot of between song banter, most of which is (for obvious reasons) in German but there are also over 20 full songs, so no one's complaining. As mentioned above, the band and Doro in particular sound great, even on the more demanding ballads.
Disc 2 is an eclectic collection of videos, ranging from candid footage (Doro in the morning with no makeup!) to a visit to a fan's home to a batch of bootleg performances (including "Born to Raise Hell" with Motorhead). Disc 2 also includes 11 of Doro's original music videos. It's a rare glimpse into Doro's world, as well as a chance to catch some very rare performances.
Perhaps as complete a DVD set as we're likely to see from Ms. Pesch, "Fur Immer" has a little bit of everything. Fans will love spending over 280 minutes with their favorite star and others can use the CD's breadth to learn what is all the fuss about Doro.
No one will come away from "Fur Immer" saying she hasn't earned the attention.
For more information, check out http://www.doropesch.com.
"Fight"
(Steamhammer / SPV; 2002)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
The reason that Doro continues to succeed in a genre heavily dominated by male artists is that she's not only able to remain consistent and keep up the pace but that her style and talent lend themselves to the music itself. She's got a rough edge to her remarkable vocal range, she can sing balls-out (you should excuse the expression) metal anthems and she excels at the power ballads.
But it's not all about vocal talent. Doro has the metal attitude. Just listen to "Descent," her duet with Pete Steele. Doro melds beautifully with the Type O Negative vocalist and that's not an easy thing to do considering Steele's distinctly unique style. "Sister Darkness" is another highlight, with Doro delivering a rousing chorus that would sound even better performed live.
"Fight" also contains "Legends Never Die," a tune penned by KISS's Gene Simmons and previously recorded by Wendy O. Williams. Doro performs the song with as much attitude as did Williams, but Doro's rendition is smoother while not sacrificing any of the anthem's strength. Speaking of KISS, "Wild Heart" brings to mind that band's "I Still Love You," a slower song that builds to rocking crescendos. Track 10, "Fight By Your Side," brings to mind Celine Dion, believe it or not, but - for my money - is a hell of lot easier to listen to.
Overall, "Fight" isn't any better nor any worse than previous Doro albums (although the esteemed Ms. Smith might disagree with me - see her review below). Considering the success of her past recordings, that's not a band thing. "Fight" rocks hard and it rocks well. Production-wise, it's a little rough. Whether that near garage band sound was intentional or not, I don't know. Regardless, it works.
Performing on "Fight" are: Doro Pesch - vocals; Joe Taylor - guitar; Nick Douglas - bass; Johnny Dee - drums; OIiver Palotai - guitar/keyboards.
For more information, check out http://www.doropesch.com.
"Calling the Wild" (KOCH
Records; 2000)
Reviewed by Kate Smith
Metal has always been hard on the female. There are very few that can pull off that rough and tough exterior but still remain feminine and still get some recognition as a metal act. Doro Pesch has managed to pull off all three.
Although missing in action for the past ten years she has come back with a vengeance with her new album, "Calling the Wild." In doing so, she has recruited some noteworthy musicians to assist here, including former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick and Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister (on two duets: "Love Me Forever" which originally appeared on Motorhead's album "1916" and "Alone Again.")
Doro's ability to slide back and forth between aggression and vulnerability adds dimension to her music that few male vocalists can achieve. Her powerful range kicks into gear with "Terrorvision" showing that she is ready to take on the world and steal the show. She also pulls off a fantastic metal cover version of Billy Idol's "White Wedding" that adds more depth to the original, in my opinion.
It's good to have Doro back and if you haven't added this CD to your collection yet, do it now!
For more information, please visit http://www.doro.de.
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.
Copyright © 2023 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
