wolfman309's Full Review: End Of Days * by Conquest
For so long now in the world of thrash metal, there has been an increasing tendency for bands to start following the same formula. Hammering guitars, screaming vocals and a rhythm section that was there for the sole purpose of generating pain in their necks from all the headbanging. In other words, this genre was getting boring. That is, until I was introduced to the band Conquest.
Hailing from St. Louis MO, these guys have formed a unique sound that takes all the things that made thrash so interesting and twisted it into a whole new sound that will have to get its own category for those that must stamp a label on it.
As many thrash bands have seemed to have found out lately, it is OK to be melodic! Just ask Opeth. But these metal maniacs from the city of St. Louis have taken the concept to heart and woven many aspects of their mentors into their sound. I listen to them and not only hear bits of the aforementioned Opeth, but also they reach into the realm of the heavy metal gods and give you a taste of the music that was the foundation of the thrash metal revolution. As I listen to songs such as their terrific "It's All Over", the powerful duel guitar attack and harsh vocals, that are the heart of this dastardly wicked song gives way to a style that brings back memories of such greats as Led Zeppelin tinged with a little bit of Judas Priest for good measure. Or the frantic "Killer Machine" that really makes me think of Megadeth.
It is refreshing to hear such a vocalist as Derrick Brumley from this up and coming group as I would rather talk about someones vocal range instead of just their growl factor. This boy can sing! Don't get me wrong, he uses a deep dark snarl as well as the best of them, but he also has the wailing ability of Rob Halford combined with a real singing talent that rivals that of great vocalists such as Bruce Dickenson. This guy could front any number of great bands if something happened to their lead singer. He is that good.
In songs such as the bands epic tune "Revelation(Soul Keeper)" he shows you all of these abilities. With guitarists Mike Crook and Brumley also showing his talent on the six string, providing the thrashing maniacal mayhem and bassist Tony Restivo giving you a truly headbanging rhythm, these guys take you on a real journey through the worlds of heavy metal and thrash. This is the type of music that is going to put them on the map and it will be our good fortune when they finally get their just due.
It is also our great fortune to get the chance to hear some really great guitar work by these guys. The twin attack gives them an edge that is easily heard on tracks such as the instant classic "Walk Alone". This is one of the true highlights of the album. It also has enough pick squeals to make Zakk Wylde sit up and take notice.
Tim Fleetwood is the powerhouse behind the skins for the band. With a style that is more than a passing nod to the likes of John Bonham, he keeps the band in sync with a flourish that brings to mind the way that Mike Portney delivers for his band Dream Theater. This is no small praise as I think Portney is in a class by himself. But Fleetwood is not just the guy keeping the beat. Just listen to how he becomes a major factor in the song "Forever Free" or the intro to "Feel My Pain". With a vengeance he attacks this tune with just the right fills and a flourish that makes this furious rocker another highlight.
I talked about the diversity of the band already, but it is never more evident as in the magnificently crafted, mostly acoustic piece "Empty". From a melodic song about despair, it gathers steam as the tension builds and thunders to a stirring bombastic chorus before returning to a simply majestic conclusion. This brooding song is another example of what makes the band a force to be reckoned with. They have the talent to bridge so many genres it seems there is no limit to what they might do.
When I was a kid, there were these four guys who set out to conquer the world with their music. Hailing from Liverpool England, they became the voice of a generation and left a mark on this planet that is still felt today. The Beatles became the band that changed music. Well, the Conquest has begun again. This time it is starting out in St. Louis MO and everyone had better be ready for this new force in rock and roll.
Conquest is:
Derrick Brumley-lead vocals/guitar Mike Crook-guitar Tony Restivo-bass Tim Fleetwood-Drums
The track listing for End of Days is:
1. Feel My Pain 2. Secrets of Life 3. Walk Alone 4. Killer Machine 5. It's All Over 6. Annihilation Complete 7. Stoned Me 8. Revelation (Soul Keeper) 9. Forever Free 10. Empty 11. End of Days
The worlds of heavy metal and thrash collide with a screaming vengeance in this work that will be, or at least should be, a welcome addition to any metalheads collection. There is no doubt in my mind that we will be hearing a lot more from these guys. Lets just hope that they can stay together as the tight unit we hear today.
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