ALBUM REVIEW: Conqueress – Forever Strong and Proud – Doro

Metal is fun. In an age of endless comment arguments and sponsored adverts, it is easy to forget that. But one person who very clearly hasn’t forgotten is DORO. After 40 long years in the business, you may wonder if she can still bring something exciting to the table. And to that, Conqueress – Forever Strong And Proud says, blasphemy. 

It makes sense that the icon dubbed Metal Queen would have what it takes to release a lengthy (with bonus tracks – 20-track) album of pure, unfiltered metal. And that is exactly what this is. With titles like Lean Mean Rock Machine and Time For Justice, you can almost hear the heroic guitar solos and emotional screams before you even press play. Luckily, they don’t disappoint.

While it’s certainly a highlight, the old-school metal guitar isn’t the only nostalgic sound we’re treated to. Fire In The Sky and Drive Me Wild in particular feature the kind of cymbal work that will transport you from wherever it is you’re listening to a grimy gig full of sweaty headbangers in the best possible way. They’re tracks with a simple, heavy sound that still hits as hard as ever.

Lyrically tracks like Lean Mean Rock Machine don’t get too personal, detailing motorbikes and hell, but that’s what makes them brilliant. The focus is all on fun, and the catchy repeatability makes it hard not to imagine chanting along at a show. They’re written to be performed live.

But that isn’t to say there’s no lyrical gold on the album. Best In Me, a track lovingly dedicated to the Metal Queen’s loyal fanbase fills that quota. The song is an emotional ballad which serves as a break in between the more upbeat moments and is sure to connect with those who have followed DORO on her epic journey over the years.

Conqueress – Forever Strong And Proud adds to the entertainment factor with some incredible features, including Living After Midnight with Rob Halford. The two strong voices are a match made in heaven, and it is a track sure to go down well with fans of both. This song alone could serve as proof that DORO is still serving metal perfection as well as ever.

However, among the features and fantastic covers – DORO performing Total Eclipse Of The Heart is a moment of magnificent madness you won’t know you needed until you hear it – one track, Fels In Der Brandug, is a true reminder of the fact that she can do it all. With a delicate mix of powerful English and German lyrics, it is reminiscent of the WARLOCK anthem Für Immer, and the intense vocals bring a profound feel to the track.

Just like Für Immer, released over 30 years ago, the song scratches a layer deeper than we’re used to with DORO, and it is hard when listening to it not to be in awe of how much she has achieved. But this album shows she’s far from done making waves on the metal scene.

Rating: 7/10

Conqueress – Forever Strong And Proud is set for release on October 27th via Nuclear Blast Records.

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