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REIGN OF TERROR ‘Conquer & Divide’ (Lion Music 2003)
US power metal band with a line-up of Michael Vescera (vocals), Joe Stump
(guitars), Jay Rigney (bass), Matt Scurfield (drums and guest Mats Olausson
(keyboards). ‘Conquer and Divide’ lays down the band’s style from the off -
rapid fire drumming, guitar riffing to the max and high-pitched vocals. The
keyboards are also high in the mix but the guitar is the star on this
release. Joe Stump’s guitar soloing is featured in all songs and he really
lets fly! Rainbow come to mind during the soloing on ‘No Forgiving’. The
Priest like ‘Sacrifice’ positively steams along and ‘Bite the Bullet’ is a
classic headbanging tune. The pace only slows on the European bonus track,
the instrumental ‘The Lament’ with the guitars backed by keyboards.
Fans of classic power metal like Helloween, Hammerfall and Yngwie
Malmsteen should check this album out. There are also some Rainbow/Dio
touches in there as well. And no power ballads in sight!
Website
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Review by Jason Ritchie
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