Album review: DORO – Conqueress – Forever Strong and Proud

October 29th, 2023 by jason

Nuclear Blast [Release date 27.10.23]

Doro Pesch is one of metal’s most consistent performers, both on stage and in the studio, having lost none of her vocal range and power, as opener ‘Children Of The Dawn’ ably illustrates.

The Queen of Metal gets to duet with the Metal God Rob Halford on two songs. The Judas Priest classic ‘Living After Midnight’ is a fun listen with plenty of metal vocals from both legends.

The other Halford guest spot is on the Bonnie Tyler classic ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’ (penned by another legend of all things musically OTT, Jim Steinman). Possibly panto season coming early yet this is done with lots of enthusiasm and plenty of musical bombast. The other guest vocal comes Sammy Amara of the Broilers on ‘Bond Unending’, which has a modern feel, almost pop rock/punk!

As with most Doro album’s this reviewer did find a few clunkers like ‘Lean Mean Rock Machine’, although the guitars are the saving grace on this one. However, the metal class of ‘I Will Prevail’ and ‘Time For Justice’ keep the album’s standard high overall.

The expected ballad ‘Fels in der Brandung’ allows Doro to show the softer side of her singing. With the soaring strings, drums and choral backing it makes for an impressive listening experience. ‘Best In Me’ is the other ballad but somehow it doesn’t quite reach the same epic standards.

If the fifteen songs on the regular edition aren’t enough metal for you, the limited edition digibook adds five bonus songs including a cover of Metallica’s ‘The Four Horsemen’.

Doubtful if it will win Doro any new fans as she is as well known and respected in the metal world as she will get. However, her legion of fans will love this album and with the added bonus of Rob Halford, it makes for one the year’s better metal offerings. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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