Conquest: Under the Influence

St. Louis, MO-based heavy metal band Conquest has been something of an underground sensation for a long time now. They’ve been kicking around since the late ’80s and released their debut (the very solid power/thrashing Wicked Ways) in 1993. They’re back with a new album, titled Under the Influence, and in case the title didn’t give it away, it’s a collection of cover songs.

Here’s who the band is paying tribute to:
1. Metal Gods (Judas Priest)
2. The Ripper (Judas Priest)
3. Wrathchild (Iron Maiden)
4. For Whom the Bell Tolls (Metallica)
5. Ace of Spades (Motorhead)
6. Anti-Social (Trust)
7. Lights Out in London (UFO)
8. Wanted Dead or Alive (Bon Jovi)
9. Red Hot (Motley Crue)
10. Cowboys From Hell (Pantera)
11. Children of the Grave (Black Sabbath)

This seems like a pretty safe list of bands and songs for a metal band that got started in the late ’80s to cover. Sure, the Bon Jovi cover was a bit of a curveball, but there are no real surprises here. Not that that’s a bad thing. It’s always interesting to hear new versions of heavy metal staples. Conquest didn’t change the songs up too much. Their Metal Church meets Vicious Rumors style applies really well to the old Judas Priest, Motorhead and Iron Maiden songs, and they put a harder edge on the Bon Jovi, UFO and Motley Crue covers. “Anti-Social” is probably the most fun cover on Under the Influence, but they do a rowdy version of “Children of the Grave” that’s a highlight as well.

In the end, this one feels like a “preaching to the choir” album. Longtime Conquest fans are probably going to love it, but Under the Influence probably isn’t going to win over a bunch of new fans. It is a totally solid, totally enjoyable collection of cover songs though, and well worth a listen.

Label: Dark Star

Website: https://www.facebook.com/conquestrocks/

Where to buy: http://amzn.to/2bCSud6

Conquest