Italian heavy metal project Konquest returns with a third album of hard-rocking hits. Out via No Remorse Records on April 24th.
Melodic guitars kick right in, building anticipation with this instantly epic mood, accentuated by the marching drums. Firing on all cylinders, the true heavy metal attack picks right up where the previous albums left off. Powerful vocals punch through the leather clad riffing and tight drums; a strong foundation for a classic sound. Alex handles all the instruments, vocals, production and mixing and he seems to be killer at all of these tasks. Arthur Rizk adds the final touches in the mastering stage to ensure maximum warmth and this ties it all together beautifully. Additionally Zeero’s cover art mixes the serene with a sense of danger but also adventure and intrigue. This represents the music perfectly. It’s catchy, uplifting and emotive yet with sombre and melancholy touches to it that counterbalance the record stunningly. The dynamics are strong, taking those mid-tempo sections that have a very Swedish heavy metal feel to them, mixed with NWOBHM and Alex’s own flair. Building on the pounding glory, there are these wailing moments that add an evocative atmosphere to things. Furthermore the guitar solos feel really well crafted and see more flourishing lead moments creep into the album than before. First impact will likely be one you won’t forget due to the sheer memorability of these songs. While akin to the first two albums, there is more of an atmospheric tendency here that goes further than straight hard-rocking anthems. Whatever Konquest are doing, they do it damned well on both fronts.
Of course in the realm of traditional heavy metal a lot of bands worship the altar of Judas Priest, but Konquest have a bit more of the bands 70s approach and mix this with the likes of Heavy Load, Angel Witch and Thin Lizzy while maintaining an original identity of their own, surpassing mere revivalism. This simplistic and yet infectious approach ensures any rocker will be banging their head to this record from start to end. I can already picture how great these songs will sound live with a good crowd. It’s been a couple of years since I saw Konquest at Keep It True Rising but I still remember it as an excellent show. It feels like the band have achieved what they wanted to initially on their first to LPs and now wish to push things a bit further afield with more progressions, variations in mood and overall a larger emphasis on changing the structure. Their debut, to me, was very strong Heavy Load worship that I loved. Its follow-up took this further and kept that vibe but with a more anthemic assault. Now that they have nailed these elements it felt only natural to try and experiment a bit with more otherworldly and unique expansions on their core sound which I have to say has worked really well here. One does not outweigh the other, but each album has its own appeal and strengths which is preferable over hearing the same thing three times in different packaging. I respect that about Konquest but even more so I respect them adhering to their own traditional principles that have stayed as true as steel here.
The sheer amount of phenomenal riffs, strong drumming and wonderful vocals hooks is impressive enough. But remembering it is all performed by one individual is simply ludicrous to me. Alex clearly sweats music and his mixing lives up to his performance. “Dark Waters” is a wicked sounding record that you want to crank until you feel it in your bones and begin submerging yourself in these trepidatious lochs. With exciting pacing throughout, we jump from their sleazy studded rock anthems to these enormous passages of sonic exploration and all the time feel satisfied by the sense of adventure and conquest that permeates every single bar. Writing a record that is so memorable and yet still has a daring twist to it is not easy, so commendations for doing so are due. Doing this while keeping your roots and forebears displayed proudly on your sleeves is even more respectable. Once again Konquest has proven to be a real gem in the heavy metal underground of today. I think their personality shines through as something special that may not have the hyped status of some of their contemporaries (perhaps this endears them to me further) but as such feels so much more authentic and sincere as a result. “Man with a Stone” is a perfect example of how heartfelt heavy metal still reigns supreme with an indomitable spirit. Right ’til the end; this record kills with power.
Konquest has returned, bolder than ever. If their prior efforts of straightforward heavy metal captured your heart, then that facet is unchanged. What has changed is their sense of adventure, delving into new territories to present a more expansive and diverse listen while keeping it to-the-point and most importantly; rocking hard. I don’t think I need to sell this further. If you truly love heavy metal from the heart which is unpretentious, sincere and authentic then you will most likely dig this record and the bands previous works. Konquest have impressed me with all three of their albums and I continue to sing their praises with no doubts they will keep achieving wonderful things. Let these dark waters flood your home via your sound system and partake in one belter of a heavy metal album!
Rating: 7.5 out of 10.
