ALBUM REVIEW: Konquest – Time And Tyranny

Italian Heavy Metal soloist KONQUEST is back with a follow up to the fantastic debut LP. Out via No Remorse Records on October 14th.

“Relativity” gallops into life, serving in place of an introduction with a superior method of pounding toms and melodic riffing, opening the record with a lively and rocking riff-fest coated in slick lead guitar playing. Now this is how to fire up the listener from minute one. Dynamically, the shifts can be sudden but we see a glistening beauty shine through the sleaze and inject some brooding darkness, Alex is clearly skilled at tying elements together in pure old school fashion as the anthemic nature of the record pummels into life with what can only be described as contagious headbanging-mania. The power chord oriented riffing and up-beat drums meeting chilling vocals and very Swedish reminiscent melodies channel the sounds of Heavy Load more than any other though plenty of early 80s Heavy Metal and Hard Rock is clearly present to give us some scorching and energetic music. There is no trickery or gimmicks here, just pure Heavy Metal power.

Jumping back, albeit not very far (to 2021), “The Night Goes On” was a real treasure of Heavy Metal revivalism. Konquest came onto the scene with such strength that I held my standards extremely high from day one. Now they are back and it’s abundantly clear Alex has not run short of ideas or played his only card as “Time And Tyranny” fills the air with a convincingly classic sound while the songwriting is organic and never feels lifted from superior classics. No, this pays tribute to the old ways but with new tracks which is the middle ground any newer band trying to play old Heavy Metal should aim for. While each of the songs stand out as catchy and brimming with cool ideas, darker numbers like “Something In The Dark” utilise subtle synths, intricate shifts and stunning lead to really capture a one-off presence. The way in which this tale unfolds is truly exciting, but in a way that yields many exciting listens rather than just some throwaway, low-effort tracks.

The progressions and dynamics keep you on yours toes. Although there is mostly headbanging mania and fist-pumping Heavy Metal glory, we also hear sorrowful moments which really heighten the impact of the record. The use of synths isn’t overplayed, rather adding some more cool elements to the sound without decimating the guitar-bass-drum-vocal attack that is recorded beautifully across the board. Mostly consisting of four or five minute tracks, the album has a strong pacing before a short interlude and then concluding on an eight minute epic. This layout feels truly well-executed and intentional with no step falling short of excellent delivery. The way in which the production feels a bit relic’d suits the album gorgeously, where each instrument and the vocals all sit comfortably without over-saturating anything, compressing the soul out of it or simply turning into a noise war. When you realise Alex is also responsible for the mix, it starts feeling a bit like he cannot let go, which personally I think is a great quality because his soul is attached to every elements except the mastering by Bart Gabriel which presents the character perfectly. There is no weak link in this chain, perhaps due to cutting out unnecessary elements and just giving us what we truly need.

A powerful and worthy follow up to their debut, Konquest deliver majestic Heavy Metal with superb compositions of the highest quality. For a full band to achieve such a potent sound would be incredibly impressive, but for a single person (at least in the studio, pictured below are Alex’s live recruits), is nothing short of genius. The work rate may seem fast, but the music doesn’t feel rushed or lazily strung together so we can only revel in his prolific nature which doesn’t allow the quality to wane. Prepare to bang heads and pound fists, this record rips.

Check out my interview with KONQUEST here!