Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Conquest - No Boundaries 2003 Self Released reviewed by: EC

Track Listing1. Just Before The Dawn 2. Ruin My Life 3. Back Against The Wall 4. No Mercy 9/11 5. So Cold 6. Nightmare 7. What About Me 8. Change Me 9. Take

This record is a bloody metal rampage! I've been jamming this one for weeks folks. Conquest have taken over the US metal ranks, along with Catch 22, Iced Earth, October 31, and of course the mighty Overkill. Conquest have firmly established themselves into the top tier of American made metal.

Conquest have resurfaced from the mid-west with their newest record to date, "No Boundaries", a title that really does describe the attitude and unbridled power this band possesses. The last time I heard Conquest was way back to their "Killing Time" release many years ago. I've heard great praise for this act, and some great words regarding their last record, "Damnation".

It looks like I picked a good time to jump on board. Conquest's new record shows the band in top notch form, delivering the goods to a stagnant and tiring nu-metal nation. No Disturbed or System Of A Down bullshit here, just pedal to the metal hard hitting frenzy that is just bombastic in style and delivery. If Godsmack and Creed grew some balls and had just a touch of this band's talent, then the radio wouldn't be such an awful thing these days.

Every track is simply killer, with vocalist Derrick Brumley leading the assault in grand fashion. Brumley sounds like a cross between Phil Anselmo and Chuck Billy, but adding his own unique "hard rock" edge. Brumley also plays lead guitar, adding some mammoth riffs to this sonic barrage.

Songs like "Just Before The Dawn" and "Back Against The Wall" are monsterous displays of anger and energy, focused on "taking over" no matter what the cost. "So Cold" and "Take" continue the same aggressive path, while "Nightmare" takes a trip down the traditional metal highway, ala Mercyful Fate and Maiden.

The band pays homage to the 911 tragedy with "No Mercy 9/11", a very well written epic that is haunting and thought provoking. The same can be said for the emotional ballad "What About Me", a slow churning cut that builds to a massive heavy metal crescendo.

This record gets three bonus live tracks packaged with it as well, which will please those die-hard metal collectors out there.

Conquest are just outstanding on this release. I really can't say enough good things about them. Just good, kick ass heavy metal from the heartland. Absolutely No Boundaries!! You better believe it!


--EC 08.0503